FAQ About CTLLS
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ CTLLS (From City and Guilds website)
Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS)
What is CTLLS?
CTLLS is the acronym for the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong learning Sector. It may be offered to pre-service and in-service candidates on a part-time or full-time basis at level 3 or level 4. The certificate meets the qualification requirements for the associate teaching role. Both certificates comprise three mandatory units worth a total of 18 credits on the QCF, and optional unit(s) to a minimum value of 6 credits. The total minimum credit value required of this qualification is 24 credits.
If the certificate is achieved prior to progressing to the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector, candidates may carry forward 15 credits and receive accreditation of prior learning (APL) for the first two units (PTLLS and Planning and enabling learning) within CTLLS.
How much teaching practice is required?
Candidates are required to undertake a minimum of 30 hours teaching practice. This time falls into candidates’ non-contact hours within the programme, and excludes micro-teaching or teaching practice completed as part of the PTLLS unit within CTLLS, or PTLLS Award if the unit has been completed discretely. Practice completed for the theory assessment at either level 3 or level 4 for the Planning and enabling learning unit is also excluded. Full guidance is provided in the qualification handbook.
Does teaching practice have to be completed with the same group of learners?
No. Candidates may deliver their teaching practice across a range of cohorts.
What is the observation requirement?
Candidates must be observed for at least three hours over a minimum of three occasions of their 30 teaching practice hours. Each observation must be for a minimum of 30 minutes and must be in the candidate’s place of work. Observations should be throughout the duration of the CTLLS programme.
Teaching observation excludes observed practice completed as part of the PTLLS unit within CTLLS, or PTLLS Award if the unit has been completed discretely. The theory assessment in the Planning and enabling learning unit at level 3 or level 4, and mentor observations are also excluded.
Is a teaching practice portfolio required?
Yes. Only one teaching practice portfolio is required across the full programme. The portfolio should be a concise log of teaching practice undertaken and should include a candidate’s log of 30 hours teaching and evidence relating to their learners, session planning, delivery and evaluation. It will include at least three observations of their teaching by the course team for at least three hours of their teaching in total. Pro formas provided in the appendices of the qualification handbook are recommended for use. Full guidance is provided in the qualification handbook.
Is a reflective learning journal required?
Candidates are encouraged to write a Reflective Learning Journal from the commencement of the qualification, to be completed after each session attended throughout the programme. It is also deemed good practice for candidates to complete this form after each assessment undertaken.
For the PTLLS unit, candidates must complete a journal entry after each assessment task (eg task 1, task 2, task 3, etc) completed for the PTLLS theory and practical assessments and / or each session attended throughout the unit programme. Candidates are permitted to use their own journal format during the course or use the pro forma provided in the appendices of the qualification handbook.
At what stage should a learner be registered with the awarding body for CTLLS?
Candidates should be registered as near to their commencement of the programme as possible. Full details and guidance are contained in the qualification handbook.
When should a learner register with the Institute for Learning (IfL)?
Candidates should register as near to their commencement of the programme as possible. Full details and guidance are available from the IfL.
What level of achievement can be claimed if some assessments are achieved at level 3 and some at level 4?
All assessments would need to be achieved at level 4, if claiming for a level 4 award. ‘Level-less’ registration is available to centres under complex ‘-11’. It allows centres to claim for the appropriate level of achievement at the end of the qualification, therefore recognising candidate growth and development throughout the programme.
If candidates achieve CTLLS at level 3, can they progress to the DTLLS qualification?
Yes, candidates may progress to the diploma if they are required or aspire to undertake the full teaching role. Candidates can only carry forward 15 credits and receive accreditation of prior learning (APL) for the first two units (PTLLS and Planning and enabling learning) within CTLLS. They will also need to ensure they have access to 150 hours of teaching practice, and may be required to do some top-up work to ensure they can meet the level 4 and 5 standards of the rest of the DTLLS qualification.
Candidates who achieve the PTLLS unit or Award, or the Planning and enabling learning unit in CTLLS at level 3 and who choose to continue their study at a university may be required to undertake a bridging assignment to meet some higher education institution (HEI) qualification level requirements. This will be determined by the HEI.
Can candidates enrol on CTLLS without having to do PTLLS?
Yes. Candidates may complete the PTLLS unit either through the stand alone PTLLS Award, or as part of the CTLLS programme for the associate teaching role.
What are the minimum qualification and level requirements to enter the programme?
Candidates should be qualified/experienced in the subject they intend to teach, have access to 30 teaching practice hours and possess reasonable levels of language, literacy and numeracy. For further guidance, refer to the qualification handbook.
Do the optional units completed for CTLLS have a credit value within the DTLLS qualifications?
Optional unit credits completed as part of the certificate may not count towards the level 5 diploma qualifications. Optional unit credits are subject to the LLUK rules of combination (ROC) which are currently being considered.
Reference:
http://www.cityandguilds.com/uk-home.html
