Learn with a teacher

RCF Online Academy

Seven courses, taught online by Rohana Fernando: two professional preparatory courses for the CALSDA elocution diploma examinations, four English Literature courses from Grade 9 to Advanced Level, and a one-month orientation course for teachers new to Literature.

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About the Academy

RCF Online Academy is the teaching arm of RCF English. Courses are conducted online, which allows students anywhere in the country to attend rather than only those within reach of one town.

All courses are taught by Rohana Fernando, a graduate in English of the University of Peradeniya, holder of a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Kelaniya and a TESOL qualification from the University of Peradeniya, and an Associate Member of the Colombo Association of Language Skills and Dramatic Art (CALSDA). More about our staff.

Professional preparatory courses

Elocution diplomas

Two six-month courses preparing candidates for the diploma examinations of the Colombo Association of Language Skills and Dramatic Art (CALSDA).

Primary Elocution Teachers' Diploma

A six-month professional preparatory course for candidates sitting the CALSDA Primary Elocution Teachers' Diploma examination.

Associate Diploma

The higher elocution diploma. A six-month professional preparatory course for candidates sitting the CALSDA Associate Diploma examination.

About the diplomas, stated plainly

The elocution diplomas are set, examined and awarded by CALSDA — the Colombo Association of Language Skills and Dramatic Art.
RCF Online Academy conducts preparatory courses for those examinations. It does not award the diplomas.
RCF Online Academy is not an official representative, agent or branch of CALSDA, and does not speak for it.
Entry requirements, syllabus, examination dates and CALSDA's own fees are matters for CALSDA, and candidates should confirm them with CALSDA directly.

Grade 9 to Advanced Level

Student Classes

Four courses following a student through school Literature, each taught the same way: read the text whole, study it closely, then practise answers and have them corrected individually.

Grade 9 Literature

The habits that make Ordinary Level straightforward: reading closely, finding evidence, explaining an effect.

Grade 10 Literature

The first year of the Ordinary Level course, at a pace that allows the texts to be studied properly.

O/L Literature

Examination year: texts completed, answers written to time, every piece corrected.

A/L Literature

Close reading, critical appreciation of unseen passages, and well-organised essay answers.

For teachers new to Literature

Teacher Training

Courses for teachers rather than students. Conducted online, in the same practical way as the rest of the Academy.

Literature Orientation: One-Month Course for New Teachers

A one-month online course for teachers new to English Literature: planning a lesson, teaching a poem, a story and a play, and marking written answers usefully.

The same method throughout

How the courses are taught

Deliberately gradual, because most students fail at written answers and at prepared speech through lack of preparation rather than lack of ability.

Clear and systematic explanation
One point at a time, in plain language, with the reason behind it and not only the rule.
Guided practice before independent work
Nothing is set cold. A model is studied, the structure identified, and support withdrawn step by step.
Individual correction and feedback
Written and spoken work is corrected individually, with one clear instruction rather than a page of red.
Examination preparation where relevant
Paper structure, timing, answer development and past-paper practice for those preparing for an examination.
Regular revision
Deliberate return to earlier work, spaced out, because that is what makes learning permanent.
Confidence, and support for those in difficulty
Extra help for students who are struggling, without singling them out in front of others.

Current position

All courses at a glance

Where a day, time, fee or number of places has not been settled, the card says so rather than guessing. Ask on WhatsApp and you will be told what currently applies.