SYMTT Syllabus
Brief Description
The Training Course is a part time 200+hrs course of 22 days duration over approximately 6 months following the outline syllabus set out as follows with flexibility to respond to the needs and experience of the group.
Yogaunlimited is the Training Provider.
The lead tutor is Hugh Poulton, Senior Yoga Teacher (SYT, E-RYT) (“Lead Tutor”). Sarah Haden, Senior Yoga Teacher (SYT) and specialist tutors will assist on the Training Course and other trainers at the Training Provider’s discretion.
Preliminary Entry Requirements
The Training Provider requires the teacher trainee to:
Training Course Components
The Training Course consists of the following components (times quoted are approximate):
The participant may spend more or less time on each aspect of the Training Course depending on their prior knowledge, experience and capacity. A minimum of 126 contact hours will be with the Lead Tutor.
Learning Outcomes
The principle outcome of the Training Course is to support the participant to find the teacher within and learn to share this confidently, safely and with humility.
Assessment and Certification
Assessment is on a continuous basis and will apply to personal practice and theoretical knowledge. Practical assessments will be in one to one, small group and main group settings.
The tutors will give the participant feedback on progress at the end of each Module.
If the participant does not achieve the appropriate level in assignments, the tutors will require their re-submission.
If the participant does not meet the required standards at the end of each Module the tutors will ask the participant to improve on the areas of weakness, and demonstrate achievement.
It is the participant’s responsibility to maintain an up to date record of course work including:
At the end of the Training Course, if the participant has met the required standards, the Training Provider will issue a Training Course Certificate and pass the participant’s name to Yoga Alliance UK so the participant can apply to be a registered yoga teacher. If the participant has not met the required standards the Training Provider will be unable to issue a Training Course Certificate or pass the teacher trainee’s name to Yoga Alliance UK and will discuss with the participant options to progress, subject to additional cost.
If a participant leaves the course before completion and there is no agreement to transfer to a future course, the participant will inform insurers and there will be no ongoing obligations by the Training Provider under this agreement.
The Training Provider’s required standards are:
Course Outline
Practice & Training Total hours 100 Contact hours 100
Includes progressive practice of traditional yoga techniques and emphasis on asana, pranayama, kriya, and bandha plus training on how to teach the above including sequencing.
Teaching Methodology Total hours 20 Contact hours 20
Learning to observe, demonstrate, motivate, be inclusive and adapt to individual needs. Finding your voice.
Anatomy and physiology Total hours 15 Contact hours 15
a) Covers the anatomy and physiology with relevance to yoga techniques including:
a) physiology of breathing, inversions and flexibility; anatomy of asana alignment / adjustment / movements. Contraindications;
b) Anatomy and physiology of the brain and the impact of mindfulness.
c) Energetic body as expressed in the Sukhita Yoga approach.
Yoga Philosophy and History Total hours 10 Contact hours 10
Particular emphasis on Buddhist philosophy and its impact on experiential yoga.
Teaching experience
Total hours 6 Contact hours 6 Observing and teaching in classes taught by qualified teachers in presence of SYT
Total hours 4 Contact hours 4 Observing and teaching in classes taught by other qualified teachers
Mindfulness teaching & practice Total hours 25 Contact hours 25
Includes progressive practice of traditional mindfulness techniques and Sukhita Yoga sensing exercises with emphasis on body scan and breath based meditations plus training on how to teach the above.
Tutorials and assignments Total hours 20 Contact hours 0
Online A&P certified course if no pre-existing qualification 15 hours
Inter module homework 10 hours
Personal yoga practice 60 hours
Personal Mindfulness practice 60 hours
Total hours 200 Contact hours 180
Personal and Taught Practice
A regular personal practice (not in a taught class) is essential to support teaching from one’s own personal experience. It gives an understanding of the changes that occur through regular practice and also how practice supports us through the wide range of physical and emotional challenges. It is important that the participant keeps a record of and makes observations about his/her daily practice.
Attendance in a taught yoga class (from an experienced teacher) is required at least once a week for the duration of the course. Exceptions for qualified yoga teachers on the Training Course will be at the Training Provider’s discretion.
Training Course Outcomes
The Training Course outcomes are to be able to:
First Aid
The participant is required to complete a certified First Aid course prior to completion of the Training Course (cost not included).
Course in Detail
Practice and Training
This will include:
Assessment Criteria:
Teaching Methodology
Learning to observe, demonstrate, motivate, be inclusive and adapt to individual needs through:
Assessment Criteria
Philosophy and History
Studying and understanding the importance and direct relevance to practice of:
Key Pali and Sanskrit terminology
Relating philosophy to asana practice and daily life
Assessment criteria
Mindfulness Practice and Training
Mindfulness principles embedded in the Sukhita Yoga approach
Body as a map of the mind
Working with mental blocks / overcoming obstructions
How to guide students through these practices and demonstrate and teach their integration into yoga practice and daily life:
Assessment Criteria
Anatomy and Physiology
Part 1: In Training Course Sessions
Anatomical principles of adjustment
The energetic body
Mindfulness and the Brain
Contra indications
Modifications
Investigating injuries or conditions that might be aggravated by exercise.
Part 2: On-line Diploma in Human Anatomy and Physiology
We will recommend an online course but you are free to choose your own. It should have a content substantially similar to:
Teaching Experience
There will be the opportunity to teach and observe during each module including 1:1 (in pairs), in small groups and to the whole group.
Participants will be encouraged to develop their own unique teaching approach based on the core principles set out in the Training Course.
Assessment criteria
Tutorials and Assignments
Tutorials and assignments are to be completed to a satisfactory level. This will include independent study, preparation of class schedules and sequences and where appropriate the completion of a diploma in Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent.
Assessment Criteria
Participants will be required to resubmit assignments when the required standard is not met.
Brief Description
The Training Course is a part time 200+hrs course of 22 days duration over approximately 6 months following the outline syllabus set out as follows with flexibility to respond to the needs and experience of the group.
Yogaunlimited is the Training Provider.
The lead tutor is Hugh Poulton, Senior Yoga Teacher (SYT, E-RYT) (“Lead Tutor”). Sarah Haden, Senior Yoga Teacher (SYT) and specialist tutors will assist on the Training Course and other trainers at the Training Provider’s discretion.
Preliminary Entry Requirements
The Training Provider requires the teacher trainee to:
- Have at least 2 years’ experience as a student in a yoga class;
- Have completed or be willing to complete concurrently an 8 week mindfulness course or have suitable previous mindfulness experience with a continuing mindfulness or other meditation practice. Under exceptional circumstances it may be acceptable to complete a 6 week online mindfulness course;
- Submit if requested a detailed application form supported by references from their yoga teacher and mindfulness teacher;
- Attend at least one of the Lead Tutor’s classes/workshops or have a skype interview where the Lead Tutor can observe their practice.
Training Course Components
The Training Course consists of the following components (times quoted are approximate):
- 180 contact hours including 10 hrs shadowing an experienced teacher
- 40 hrs personal yoga practice and diary (20mins per day)
- 40 hrs personal mindfulness practice and diary (20 mins per day)
- 15 hrs online yoga and anatomy course (unless equivalent qualification held)
- 20 hrs practical and written assignments
- attendance at weekly yoga class taught by a suitably qualified or experienced teacher recorded in the diary
The participant may spend more or less time on each aspect of the Training Course depending on their prior knowledge, experience and capacity. A minimum of 126 contact hours will be with the Lead Tutor.
Learning Outcomes
The principle outcome of the Training Course is to support the participant to find the teacher within and learn to share this confidently, safely and with humility.
Assessment and Certification
Assessment is on a continuous basis and will apply to personal practice and theoretical knowledge. Practical assessments will be in one to one, small group and main group settings.
The tutors will give the participant feedback on progress at the end of each Module.
If the participant does not achieve the appropriate level in assignments, the tutors will require their re-submission.
If the participant does not meet the required standards at the end of each Module the tutors will ask the participant to improve on the areas of weakness, and demonstrate achievement.
It is the participant’s responsibility to maintain an up to date record of course work including:
- Completed assignments and assessments;
- Yoga and mindfulness daily practice diary detailing personal practice, attendance at classes and any work done with external teachers.
At the end of the Training Course, if the participant has met the required standards, the Training Provider will issue a Training Course Certificate and pass the participant’s name to Yoga Alliance UK so the participant can apply to be a registered yoga teacher. If the participant has not met the required standards the Training Provider will be unable to issue a Training Course Certificate or pass the teacher trainee’s name to Yoga Alliance UK and will discuss with the participant options to progress, subject to additional cost.
If a participant leaves the course before completion and there is no agreement to transfer to a future course, the participant will inform insurers and there will be no ongoing obligations by the Training Provider under this agreement.
The Training Provider’s required standards are:
- attendance at all the days of each module provided that in the case of exceptional absence may be made up where possible by attending the Training Provider’s and/or 3rd party workshops at the discretion of the tutors subject to additional costs;
- completion of the Sukhita Yoga TT Components to the satisfaction of the tutors;
- adherence to this agreement.
Course Outline
Practice & Training Total hours 100 Contact hours 100
Includes progressive practice of traditional yoga techniques and emphasis on asana, pranayama, kriya, and bandha plus training on how to teach the above including sequencing.
Teaching Methodology Total hours 20 Contact hours 20
Learning to observe, demonstrate, motivate, be inclusive and adapt to individual needs. Finding your voice.
Anatomy and physiology Total hours 15 Contact hours 15
a) Covers the anatomy and physiology with relevance to yoga techniques including:
a) physiology of breathing, inversions and flexibility; anatomy of asana alignment / adjustment / movements. Contraindications;
b) Anatomy and physiology of the brain and the impact of mindfulness.
c) Energetic body as expressed in the Sukhita Yoga approach.
Yoga Philosophy and History Total hours 10 Contact hours 10
Particular emphasis on Buddhist philosophy and its impact on experiential yoga.
Teaching experience
Total hours 6 Contact hours 6 Observing and teaching in classes taught by qualified teachers in presence of SYT
Total hours 4 Contact hours 4 Observing and teaching in classes taught by other qualified teachers
Mindfulness teaching & practice Total hours 25 Contact hours 25
Includes progressive practice of traditional mindfulness techniques and Sukhita Yoga sensing exercises with emphasis on body scan and breath based meditations plus training on how to teach the above.
Tutorials and assignments Total hours 20 Contact hours 0
Online A&P certified course if no pre-existing qualification 15 hours
Inter module homework 10 hours
Personal yoga practice 60 hours
Personal Mindfulness practice 60 hours
Total hours 200 Contact hours 180
Personal and Taught Practice
A regular personal practice (not in a taught class) is essential to support teaching from one’s own personal experience. It gives an understanding of the changes that occur through regular practice and also how practice supports us through the wide range of physical and emotional challenges. It is important that the participant keeps a record of and makes observations about his/her daily practice.
Attendance in a taught yoga class (from an experienced teacher) is required at least once a week for the duration of the course. Exceptions for qualified yoga teachers on the Training Course will be at the Training Provider’s discretion.
Training Course Outcomes
The Training Course outcomes are to be able to:
- Deliver a suitably balanced 60 min class appropriate to a range of adult students safely and competently.
- Plan, organise and deliver a schedule of classes.
- Maintain a personal practice and self-study that supports, informs, expands the participant individually and in his/her capacity to teach.
First Aid
The participant is required to complete a certified First Aid course prior to completion of the Training Course (cost not included).
Course in Detail
Practice and Training
This will include:
- Principles of alignment
- Warm ups
- Principles of sequencing
- Sequences for 3min to 30 min sessions
- Creating personal sequences
- Kriya specifically nauli, agni sara, Uddhiyana Bandha Kriya
- Pranayama Bastrika, nadi shodana, Ujjayi
- Postures in standing, sitting, kneeling, lying face up (supine), face down (prone) in the following orientations:
- Forward bends
- Back bends
- Side stretch
- Side bend
- Twists
- Balances
- Inversions
- And others
- Simple relaxation approaches
- Bandhas (Moola, Uddhiyana, Jalandhara), tribandha and their role in creating the support, structure and energy for asana practice and daily life
- Simple hand mudras
- Transitions - all movement is yoga
- Taking yoga off the mat
Assessment Criteria:
- Clarity of demonstration
- Clarity of Description
- Verbal Cues
- Visual Cues
- Tactile Cues
- Description of Modification
- Knowledge of Contraindications
- Appropriateness of sequence
Teaching Methodology
Learning to observe, demonstrate, motivate, be inclusive and adapt to individual needs through:
- Mindful observation
- Mindful adjustments
- Keeping safe
- Being grounded: intention, attention, tension
- Teaching students to take responsibility
- Finding your own voice
- Classroom craft
- Lesson plans
- Cueing
- Style of presentation
- Demonstrating
- Talk throughs
- Sequencing
- Arc of the class
- Use of modifications
- Learning styles, KAV
Assessment Criteria
- Use of appropriate learning style
- Use of voice / demonstration
- Knowledge of contraindications and suggesting suitable modifications
- Process of adjustment
- Pacing
- Time keeping
- Maintaining a safe environment
Philosophy and History
Studying and understanding the importance and direct relevance to practice of:
- 4 foundations of Mindfulness
- 5 Khandhas
- Understanding Conditionality and liberating the practice
- The 4 noble truths: Working with Tanha and Dukkha
- The Hindrances
Key Pali and Sanskrit terminology
Relating philosophy to asana practice and daily life
Assessment criteria
- Ability to explain
- the origins of Mindfulness
- the purpose of Mindfulness
- the process of Mindfulness
- why understanding conditionality is key to practice and daily life
- Use of words you can explain (meaning of key pali and Sanskrit words)
- Inclusion of philosophy (as a light touch) in describing asana practice
- Understanding how the teaching of Patanjali and the Buddha are similar and different
Mindfulness Practice and Training
Mindfulness principles embedded in the Sukhita Yoga approach
Body as a map of the mind
Working with mental blocks / overcoming obstructions
How to guide students through these practices and demonstrate and teach their integration into yoga practice and daily life:
- Body scan
- Breath based meditation
Assessment Criteria
- Presentation and pacing of Body Scan
- Description and guidance through “Weather in the Mind” meditation
- Integration of both practices into a lesson
- Theoretical understanding of the hindrances and how to work with them in asana practice
- Describing moving mindfulness practice into daily life.
Anatomy and Physiology
Part 1: In Training Course Sessions
Anatomical principles of adjustment
The energetic body
Mindfulness and the Brain
Contra indications
Modifications
Investigating injuries or conditions that might be aggravated by exercise.
Part 2: On-line Diploma in Human Anatomy and Physiology
We will recommend an online course but you are free to choose your own. It should have a content substantially similar to:
- Section 1 – Human Cardiovascular System
- Module 1: Introduction to the Cardiovascular System
- Module 2: The Blood Vessels and The Heart Start Topics
- Section 2 – Human digestive system
- Module 3: Introduction to the Human Digestive System
- Module 4: Digestion, Absorption, Elimination and Protection Start Topics
- Section 3 – First assessment
- Module 5: Diploma in Human Anatomy and Physiology - First Assessment
- Section 4 – Human Respiratory System
- Module 6: Introduction to the Respiratory System
- Module 7: Organs in the Respiratory System
- Section 5 – Human Reproductive system
- Module 8: Introduction to the Reproductive System
- Section 6 – Human Sensory Organs
- Module 9: The Sense of Vision
- Module 10: The Senses of Hearing, Balance, Smell and Taste
- Section 7 – Second Assessment
- Module 11: Diploma in Human Anatomy and Physiology - Second Assessment
- Section 8 – Human Skeletal System
- Module 12: Introduction to the Human Skeletal System
- Module 13: Human Skeletal System - Bones and Joints
- Section 9 – Human Nervous System
- Module 14: Introduction to the Human Nervous System
- Module 15: The Transmission of Neural Impulses
- Section 10 – Human Muscular System
- Module 16: Introduction to Muscle Tissues
- Module 17: Introduction to the Mechanics and Nervous Control of Skeletal Muscles
- Section 11 – Third Assessment
- Module 18: Diploma in Human Anatomy and Physiology - Third Assessment
- Section 12 – Final Assessment
- Module 19: Diploma in Human Anatomy and Physiology - Final Assessment
Teaching Experience
There will be the opportunity to teach and observe during each module including 1:1 (in pairs), in small groups and to the whole group.
Participants will be encouraged to develop their own unique teaching approach based on the core principles set out in the Training Course.
Assessment criteria
- As for Teaching Methodology
Tutorials and Assignments
Tutorials and assignments are to be completed to a satisfactory level. This will include independent study, preparation of class schedules and sequences and where appropriate the completion of a diploma in Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent.
Assessment Criteria
Participants will be required to resubmit assignments when the required standard is not met.