About the Christian English Language Centre
The Christian English Language Centre is a well-established English language school providing quality English language tuition in a relaxed, friendly environment. Founded in 1977, CELC was originally located in Bournemouth but moved to a new home in nearby Christchurch in 2006.
All our teachers are committed Christians, attending a variety of local churches, and are professionally-qualified and trained to teach English to speakers of other languages.
It is important to us that all our students have a positive and beneficial experience during their course. Because of this, we are accredited by the British Council, an organisation which inspects schools in Britain to ensure that they meet high standards of quality. We are also members of EnglishUK, the national association of accredited language centres.
Derek & Jackie White
Derek
Director
BA (Hons) Philosophy and Apologetics
Cert. Ed. (Linguistics)
Cert. TEFL (Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
Jackie
Finance and Accommodation Director
Derek and Jackie took over the language school in 1996 but they have been involved with CELC and with international students for much longer than that! Derek began teaching at the school in the 1980s, and Jackie has been organising the homestay accommodation for more than 20 years.
In addition to running the school, Derek and Jackie are also very active members of Bournemouth Community Church, where Derek is an Elder and Jackie is a volunteer receptionist and also helps with the Parents’ and Toddlers’ Group. Derek is passionate about writing and is currently working on his own theology book. Both Derek and Jackie enjoy long walks in the countryside with their dog.
Chris Robinson
Director of Studies / Social Program Co-ordinator
BSc General Studies
Dip. Teaching (New Zealand)
RSA Dip TEFLA (Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Adults)
Chris, who is originally from the USA, joined CELC in 1991 after a number of years teaching in New Zealand. As well as taking care of the academic side of the school, Chris is also responsible for Sports and Excursions.
Chris leads an international home group at Christchurch Family Church and in his free time he enjoys watersports and getting out into the countryside on foot or his bike.
Heather Johnson
Teacher / Marketing Assistant
BA (Hons) Business Administration and Management
Trinity College Cert. TESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Heather joined the team in 2009 and has experience of teaching English in both Britain and Korea.
She is a volunteer leader at the Hub – an international student coffee bar, and in her free time, she loves hanging out at Bournemouth beach and doing a little bit of watersport.
Rob Barron
Teacher / Music Co-ordinator
RSA DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults)
Rob has been teaching at CELC since 1987 and he is also an official examiner for the University of Cambridge EFL exams.
Rob is a keen musician and leads worship both at the school and in his local church. He also presents a weekly show on Hope FM, a local Christian radio station, and still finds time to indulge his passion for photography.
Naomi Parnell
Teacher
Trinity College Cert. TESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Naomi started teaching at CELC in 2009 having spent time travelling in Africa and Asia. She enjoys surfing, drawing and playing the piano.
Wendy Rixon
Receptionist / Admissions Administrator
As the person dealing with enrolments, Wendy is the first point of contact for most people coming to the school. She has been working for CELC since 1999 and is actually the daughter of the school’s founder, David Williams.
At her local church, Wendy helps with both the kids’ Sunday Club and the Toddler Group, and in her free time she enjoys the beach and watersports.
Kim Hicks
Receptionist / Academic Administrator
Kim has worked at the school since 2008 and provides administrative support.
At her local church in New Milton, she is involved with the music and Children’s ministry and in her free time she enjoys all sorts of ‘arty stuff’ including drawing, crafts and making her own cards.