PTLLS OVERVIEW

PTLLS stands for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector

WHY SHOULD I DO PTLLS?
As a new entrant to teaching in the Learning and Skills sector, you will have to complete the PTLLS award before you can teach without mentoring and support from a qualified person. PTLLS is designed to support you as you embark on your teaching career within the Learning and Skills sector and will form the early part of your initial teacher training programme. It must be completed within one year of initial employment, during which time you will be provided with appropriate support from a qualified person.

The award can either stand alone or be embedded within a fuller course and is composed of: Minimum of 30 taught hours to cover general teaching theories and their applications. Additional 30 hours of self directed study. Identification of skills gaps in literacy, language, numeracy and e-skills and development of a professional development plan

New government standards require that all those taking a post in teaching have a maximum of one year to achieve the PTLLS qualification. This will then allow you to register with the Institute for Learning  (Ifl) in an associate teacher role. All teachers must be registered with the Ifl and will then have a threshold license to teach valid for 5 years before they must either progress to CTLLS or DTLLS or leave the profession.

WHAT IS AN ASSOCIATE TEACHING ROLE?
If you are in an associate teaching role this means that you are not carrying the full range of teaching responsibilities. For example you do not need to demonstrate or apply extensive knowledge of curriculum development, delivery or innovation strategies. You may work from pre-prepared packs of materials and learning support documents or be in a classroom assistant/ learner support role.

Visit: www.lifelonglearninguk.org for more detailed information on new qualification guidance.

IS PTLLS REALLY THE QUALIFICATION I NEED?
PTLLS is for any of the following groups of people:

i.Those new to teaching, training & learning and with little experience of delivering teaching or formal training.

ii.Those with some experience but have no qualifications relevant to teaching or formal delivery of training.

iii. Experienced staff who have some relevant qualifications (to be decided on a case by case basis) 

iv. Those wishing to have a 'taste' of teaching before making the decision to go ahead with the full qualification

WHAT ARE MY OTHER OPTIONS?
CTLLS (Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector) and DTLLS (Diploma in teaching in the Lifelong Learning sector) both incorporate the PTLLS modules so if you are thinking of taking a fuller teaching role, you do not have to do the PTLLS as a stand-alone qualification. See the information leaflets on other courses.

WHY IS THERE A LEVEL 3 & 4? WHICH DO I NEED?
Learning outcomes are the same for each level but you can complete assessments at either level depending on how you are able to study. Level 3 involves describing, explaining and some limited evaluation while level 4 is much more theoretical. You will need the ability to critically analyse, use referencing systems and engage in detailed reflection and analysis.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
All candidates are required to demonstrate appropriate skills in language and literacy, numeracy and ICT. Showing, at minimum, emerging Level 2 language and literacy skills. Level 2 is equivalent to grades A-C GCSE and, if necessary, you will be given support before and during the course to help to upgrade your skills and work towards a level 2 standard or qualification. These skills will be tested at interview to ensure you have the appropriate levels to achieve success on the course.
All candidates are required to have access to a computer with internet and printing facilities. We may be able to sighpost you to support with this if necessary.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?
PTLLS is a 30 hour course and is divided into 5 mandatory modules. You will be assessed on all aspects of each unit via both written and practical assessment tasks. The module headings are as follows:

1.Understand own role, responsibilities and the boundaries of your role in relation to teaching
2.Understand teaching and learning approaches 
3.Demonstrate session planning skills
4.Understand how to deliver inclusive sessions which motivate learners
5.Understand the use of different assessment methods and the need for record keeping.

You will also be required to do a micro-teaching session of 30 minutes which is observed and assessed by your tutor and peer observed.
You can expect to spend between 30 – 60 hours on self-study time outside the actual course hours.

COURSES ON OFFER 
We offer a range of flexible solutions, including a blended learning option and evening courses in order to best accommodate your needs. Please contact us for more details.
Course cost
£350

Cert TESOL 'add on'
If you already hold a CERT TESOL you can do a PTLLS 'add on' This consists of 4 hours face to face session and a short assignment.
Cost
£60