Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) (7303)

PTLLS is the acronym for the Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. It is a one unit award comprising five ‘sections’. All new teachers to the sector are required to complete it. The award has a credit value of 6 credits on the QCF. It forms the first unit/module of all 120 credit diploma qualifications and the 24 credit CTLLS programme; it can therefore be offered as an integrated unit/module or as a discrete award.

If taken as a stand-alone qualification, it can receive accreditation of prior learning (APL) within 7304 CTLLS, 7305 DTLLS, and the level 5 subject specialist diplomas for literacy, ESOL and numeracy (120 credits).

Teaching Practice

You will be required to undertake a 15 to 30 minutes micro-teaching (delivery of a teaching session to peers in a learning setting) or teaching practice.

Observation Requirement

The micro-teach / teaching practice delivery must be observed by the tutor/observer, who must give feedback and complete an observation report.

For micro-teaching observation, feedback will also be given by your peer group. There must be a minimum of three peer evaluations per candidate per micro-teaching session.

Teaching Practice Portfolio

You will be are encouraged to compile a teaching practice portfolio during their programme of study. The portfolio should be a concise log of micro-teaching / teaching practice undertaken and should include a log of micro-teaching / teaching practice and evidence relating to your peer evaluations, session planning, delivery and evaluation. The teaching practice portfolio is not a mandatory requirement of the PTLLS Award, but is deemed good practice.

Reflective Learning Journal

You will be encouraged to write a reflective learning journal from the commencement of the programme. You may use your own journal format during the course or the pro forma provided.

Level of Achievement

This award may be achieved at level 3 or level 4. This would be negotiated following your initial assessment. Either level would allow you progression to the CTLLS or DTLLS.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but you need to consider a subject for delivery and be aiming to achieve (or have achieved) a qualification and experience for their subject/skill at the appropriate level.