Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to do the course?
There are no qualifications, other than a wish to learn the techniques and strategies to help a child or teenager read, write and spell in the most effective way.

Will the course be too hard for me?
It is unlikely that the course will be too hard for you. There are very few solid blocks of unbroken text in the course book. The course materials have been arranged to be visually accessible, with illustrations, photographs, charts, etc., on all the pages. Information is presented in short sections, with key words highlighted in 'text boxes' or 'bubbles'. A great effort has been made to create course materials which are accessible to students. Assignments have been designed to be within the capability of any student to complete.

My son has some difficulties with spelling. Can I do the course, working with him on the Practical Route?
Yes. Any child can take part in the Practical Exercises with you. You will learn a great deal more about your son's particular needs, difficulties and strengths during the course.

I want to do the course, but will I feel isolated working at a distance?
Whilst distance learning courses are very flexible, and can be taken if you live a long way from a university or college, it is recognized that you will be studying on your own. However, researchers have found that, with proper instructional design, distance courses actually can be more interactive than traditional ones, providing more personal and timely feedback to meet students’ needs than is possible in large, face-to-face courses.

To put you in contact with other students, we have set up an online Discussion Group. The Discussion Group is on our course website, and every student may take part. Questions are raised about points in the course, and students and staff discuss these issues. As students may be living in different time zones, the discussion is always available, and may be read and added to at any time. It is recommended that students visit the Discussion Group once a week, either to join in, or just to see what other students have been saying.

What happens if I am given a 'Repeat' grade for an Assignment?
If you are given a 'Repeat' grade, you will be given advice when you receive your grade about how to improve it to a 'Pass'. You may re-submit your Assignment as many times as necessary, but there will be a small charge if you submit it more than three times (which is very unlikely anyway).

I do not have a computer. Can I still do the course?
Yes. Your will receive all the course materials by mail/post and, for a small additional charge, we will also send you a printout of the contents of the CD-Rom. You need to find access to the Internet to send in your assignments and to join in the online seminar on our website. You may be able to use an Internet cafe or library once every week or two for this. 

I am interested in learning how to teach children but there is not a child I can conveniently work with. Can I still do the course?
Yes, you can still do the course, following the Regular/Standard route, which does not involve working with a child. You will be able to do the Assignment for each Module.

I am home-schooling my child. Will the course give me practical methods to use with him?
Yes. The course will be particularly useful for parents home-schooling their child and looking for practical techniques to use at home.

I am a private tutor. Will the course allow me to specialize in teaching dyslexic children?
It is recommended that you first take the Certificate in the Teaching of Children with Dyslexia. If you then go on to take the Synthetic Phonics course , you will be fully qualified. The methods and techniques you will learn in these two courses can be applied to all dyslexic children and teenagers, and will also give you insight into how to help any dyslexic adults who also may come to you for help.

Is the course a general course in how to teach a child to read and write?
No. The course is specifically focused on the particular techniques and strategies involved when teaching synthetic phonics. There are certain barriers which prevent children from progressing in the normal way with their learning. The Synthetic Phonics Certificate course focuses on these barriers and teaches students particular techniques and methods which can help children overcome them. The advice given is not general but practical and precise, and what is learned in each section can be immediately used with a child.

How can I use my qualification?
Your qualification as a holder of the Certificate in the Teaching of Synthetic Phonics may be used in job applications and in advertisements if you are a tutor. It is hoped that Certificate holders will share their skills with other parents and teachers, passing on the most appropriate teaching methods with children who are learning to read, write and spell. The whole aim of the course is to spread the word about the best methods for teaching literacy skills to children everywhere.

I am a teacher. Will I be able to advise other teachers about teaching synthetic phonics when I have completed the course?
Yes. The course will give you a full, professional understanding of the process of learning to read, write and spell and how other teachers can adapt their teaching methods to use the most affective techniques.

What do I receive at the end of the course?
At the successful completion of the course all students will receive a Certificate listing their qualification, along with an outline of the course Modules they have studied.

How much does the course cost?
We have tried to keep the costs of the course at an affordable level in order to allow as many people as possible to take part. The costs, which include registration, administrative, postal charges and course materials (apart from one text book), are to be found on our Fees page.

I am interested in doing the Synthetic Phonics Certificate course but I was wondering if it can be used as credit in university postgrad study? Do you know if this is possible?
As the course is international, we have not yet been able to establish university credit awards in any one particular country. However, it might be worth showing a print-out of the course outline to your tutor and asking if the course could be considered as contributing to your postgrad studies.

Does the course pack contain everything I need for the course?
Yes, except for the course text book which you need to purchase yourself. There are details of how to buy a copy on the Students' Website.