What are the credentials of the course?

The course is run under the auspices of the British Wheel of Yoga which is the largest and most progressive yoga organisation in the UK. If you are unfamiliar with the Wheel then check out their website to be found at www.bwy.org.uk and you will see that the Wheel is an extremely well established organisation which exists both at a national and regional level. 

Past diplomas have been taught at level 3 of the national qualifications framework (NQF) and you will be learning at level 4 of the NQF. To see what the level 4 training means then check out a summary of the NQF levels at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Qualifications_Framework

What are the requirements  for the course?

Ideally students will have completed a foundation course, although because these are often hard to find it is possible to begin the course having attended yoga classes on a regular basis for more than two years. When a student has not attended a foundation course then it is best to contact me to discuss your situation so we can see if you are ready to begin a yoga teacher-training program. It is important to note that student yoga teachers will not be expected to have experienced all the different elements of yoga, as classes often do not incorporate much pranayama, use of bandhas, meditation, philosophy etc. This is because there is plenty of opportunity to practice these techniques and learn about the theory behind them during the course. Nor is it necessary that student teachers can perform every asana we shall encounter in the course as whilst we will be developing our own practice of asana the focus is upon being able to teach to asana to others; indeed students with particular physical challenges are often naturally able to be more empathetic to their students!

What kind of yoga is being taught?

This diploma course teaches us to be able to effectively teach mixed ability adult classes, and as certainly every individual has unique abilities and levels of experience then in essence to some degree all classes are mixed ability. We will learn how to modify, offer alternatives, variations   and developments for all of the practices we can teach so our teaching is always inclusive and everyone is working to the correct intensity. In essence hopefully our students will never be doing too much or too little and will always be progressing! We will also learn how to teach many different aspects of yoga, some of which are not included in all classes and traditions of yoga, to include asana, basic breathing techniques, pranayama, relaxation and meditation, plus how to incorporate our teaching of theory and philosophy within our classes in a gentle and relevant way. This means that we can apply these principles to any style of yoga whether we have a background in Sivananda yoga, Ashtanga yoga or so forth. I personally have a background in the Sivananda, Iyengar and Desikachar schools of yoga and found that the British Wheel of Yoga was an excellent choice because there is complete freedom in what we can teach and we can be as creative as we wish whilst being rooted in a solid foundation of knowledge and practice.

How will I be assessed?

There are several written assignments and mini-teaching practices to be formally assessed during each part of the course. In addition in part two and part three of the diploma there will be one recorded teaching practice where you will teach a 90 minute class to a real life yoga group. This can be a borrowed class, your own class or one that has been specially set up for the occasion.

When will I be able to teach my classes?

The new diploma has been designed so that the most important professional skills for teaching are introduced within part one of the course. We also begin to practice teaching almost from the beginning of the course so that your skills can be refined and confidence can be built. This means that whilst we will always be developing our knowledge and skills, once you feel ready and the tutor agrees, you can establish your own classes within part one of the course.

Do I have to establish my own yoga class before the end of the course?

No, it is not absolutely necessary to have established your own yoga class by the end of the course, although if it is possible it is a very good idea because you will have lots of support and you will be able to implement everything that you learn. You will however be expected to have taught at least 30 hours of classes over the duration of the course which can done in several different ways, both informally and formally, so not worry now!

Where is the course being held?

The course venue is Willaston Memorial Hall in the village of Willaston near Chester. It is a good-sized hall which has excellent facilities and has been very well cared for.  The location is rural, with the hall being next to the village green but it is extremely close to the M56, M53 and A55 meaning it has good accessibility. If you wish to check out the location the full address is Willaston Memorial Hall, The Green, Hadlow Road, Willaston, Neston, CH64 2UG.I will give more details with a map when sending the invitation for induction days.

What is the tutor’s background?

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