🌍 CLIL CPD for Schools and Teachers

What is CLIL?

CLIL stands for Content and Language Integrated Learning. It’s an approach where students learn subject content (such as science, history, or geography) through a second language.

Crucially, CLIL has a dual focus: learners develop both subject knowledge and the language skills needed to access, discuss, and apply that knowledge.

It’s not just “teaching in English.” It’s about designing lessons so that content and language grow together.

What are the defining features of CLIL?

CLIL is guided by the well-known 4Cs framework:

Content → students learn subject knowledge and skills.
Communication → language is used as a tool for learning and interaction.
Cognition → activities promote problem-solving, reasoning, and higher-order thinking.
Culture → students develop intercultural awareness and global perspectives.

Defining CLIL features in practice:

Clear content and language objectives in every lesson.
Carefully chosen resources and activities that scaffold language (gap-fills, diagrams, sentence starters, group tasks).
A focus on academic language (vocabulary, sentence structures, functional phrases) without turning content lessons into grammar drills.

Why is CLIL so successful?

Schools that use CLIL see:

Deeper learning → students understand and retain subject content better when they actively use language to explain and apply it.
Stronger language skills → academic vocabulary and communication grow naturally in meaningful contexts.
Higher engagement → students enjoy using language as a real tool, not just as an abstract classroom exercise.
Future readiness → learners gain the skills they need for international study, careers, and global citizenship.

CLIL and the journey from BICS to CALP

A key strength of CLIL is how it helps students move from BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills) to CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency).

Many learners already manage everyday classroom English (BICS), but struggle with the more formal, abstract language of academic subjects (CALP).
CLIL provides the bridge: by learning science, geography, or history through English, students practise academic vocabulary, structures, and functions in authentic contexts.
Over time, this transforms their “playground English” into the academic English needed for exams, higher education, and professional life.

Why you might be doing EMI by accident

Many teachers and schools believe they are “doing CLIL” when in fact they are delivering EMI (English-Medium Instruction):

EMI = teaching subjects through English, but with the focus almost entirely on content. Language learning is incidental, not planned.
CLIL = teaching subjects through English with a dual focus: both content and language outcomes are identified, scaffolded, and assessed.

Example: A science teacher delivers a lesson on the circulatory system in English. Students listen, take notes, and answer questions. If the teacher only checks subject understanding, that’s EMI. If the lesson also scaffolds the use of terms like artery, vein, valve, and helps students practise saying “The heart pumps blood through …”, that’s CLIL.

What would inspectors say?

If lessons are EMI rather than true CLIL, inspectors may report that language development is not systematically supported, and students struggle to use academic English alongside content. This could suggest the school’s CLIL approach is not fully implemented, potentially affecting inspection ratings and the school’s reputation for delivering high-quality bilingual or international education.

How our CLIL CPD can help

Our training is designed to reassure and empower teachers. You don’t need to become a grammar expert or retrain as a language teacher. Instead, we focus on practical strategies you can use immediately:

How to spot the language demands in your subject.
How to use simple scaffolds (gap-fills, copy & complete, sentence frames, diagrams, graphic organisers).
How to give light-touch language support (modelling pronunciation, reformulating sentences) without interrupting content teaching.
How to avoid slipping into EMI by accident.
How to plan lessons with balanced content and language objectives.

Our CPD prepares you for an internationally recognised Cambridge CLIL qualification, enhancing your practical skills while formally demonstrating your expertise and signaling your school’s commitment to high-quality bilingual education, strengthening both teacher capability and the institution’s international reputation.

🌍 CLIL CPD Course – Online Training for Teachers and Schools

Enhance your teaching with flexible, globally recognised CLIL training

🌐Online – Learn Anywhere, Anytime

Our CLIL CPD course is delivered entirely online, so you can study from anywhere in the world with no travel required. Learn at your own pace from home, school, or on the go. All course materials, tutor support, and assessments are easily accessible, helping you grow your teaching skills with complete convenience.

⏰Flexible – Built Around Busy Teachers

This course is designed with teachers’ real lives in mind. Deadlines are flexible and can be adapted to suit your schedule, while assignments can be completed whenever works best for you. And if you ever need extra time, help, or feedback — our friendly team is always available to support you.

🎓Cambridge Qualification – Recognised International CLIL Certification

Our course prepares you for Cambridge TKT: CLIL, a respected international qualification from the world leaders in English language teaching. While the exam is optional (and not included in the course fee), it is highly recommended, offering four achievement bands with no fail mark — and we’ll guide you on how to aim for Band 4, the highest level of success.

Completing this qualification provides formal recognition of your CLIL expertise and signals your school’s commitment to high-quality bilingual education, strengthening both teacher skills and the institution’s international reputation.

📚Comprehensive – Deep, Practical Learning

With 10–12 practical assignments, our course builds your confidence and skill in applying CLIL principles in real classrooms. You’ll explore content-language integration through engaging activities, reflective practice, and authentic projects. Our follow-up case studies and optional publication opportunities extend your growth even further, helping you reach new professional heights.

💷Outstanding Value – Affordable Professional Development

At just £250 per person, this CLIL CPD course offers exceptional value. For larger groups, you’ll receive an 11th place free for every 10 booked. You can also combine it with our Language Awareness CPD Course (also £250) for a special package price of £425 per person, making it an unbeatable investment in your teaching and your school’s development.

🚀Why Choose Total ELT?

Total ELT is a specialist provider of teacher training and professional development for English and CLIL educators worldwide. Our courses combine expert methodology with practical classroom insight, helping teachers and schools deliver outstanding bilingual and international education.

✅Ready to Get Started?

Join educators and schools around the world who are transforming their teaching through CLIL.

Enrol today and take your first step toward international recognition, professional growth, and inspiring, language-rich learning.

✔ Online & Flexible

✔ International Qualification

✔ Practical & Comprehensive

✔ Outstanding Value - £250

✔ Expert-Led Training