Our course runs for eight three hour sessions. It covers issues around cultural awareness, teaching methodology and lesson planning. The course usually takes place in the Scotia Works on Leadmill Road, 5.30-8.30pm.

Once the course has been successfully completed, volunteers attend a post training meeting and are then either placed with a learner on a one to one basis or as an assistant in a local community class. There is a follow up session nine for the course about a month later.

During the placement we offer continual support in the form of individual reviews, volunteer gatherings and training workshops. Volunteers also have access to our resource library and photocopier and can claim for expenses incurred.

The course runs as follows:

• Week 1: The Role Of The Volunteer.
• Week 2: Cultural Awarness And Working With Adult Learners.
• Week 3: Barriers to Learning.
• Week 4: Teaching Styles And Methodology.
• Week 5: An Introduction to the ESOL Core Curriculum.
• Week 6: Teaching Basic Literacy.
• Week 7: Using Resources.
• Week 8: Lesson Planning.
• Post Training Review and Introduction to Learner.
• 4-6 weeks later: Workshop.

We are currently developing new course accreditation for 2012, this will be optional for those wishing to study alongside volunteering. NOCN Accreditation is therefore no longer available.

There are training courses running throughout the year. The day and time of the courses depend on the needs of the volunteers recruited. We usually run evening courses but would consider a daytime course if there was sufficient demand.

If you are interested in volunteering for SAVTE and would like to join the next training course, please contact the office or download a volunteer enrolment form for more information .