FRENCH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Residential Courses

The courses comprise of 5 modules from beginner to advanced level.

Each module can either be over one week, with 25 hours of intensive training during the week or spread over two weeks to allow for a more leisurely pace.

It is ideal for students who are keen to study a new language and who may want to take examinations at each level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF) and for those who do not live in daily travelling distance of the School.

As part of our services, we will be pleased to arrange accommodation locally for students attending a residential programme. Accommodation costs will be given on request.

Language Development Programme

This one week programme is ideally suited to those with some basic knowledge who are now looking to develop the knowledge and skills in speaking and understanding the language.

Prior to attending this programme we carry out a short assessment of each student to establish their current level. This enables us to prepare a bespoke learning programme which maximises the benefit of attending for each student.

The programme is run for three hours daily, usually from Monday to Friday.

During the programme we will

·     Open with a conversation refresher, based on topics from everyday life, to enable students to settle in and feel comfortable with practice in speaking the language.

·     Include sessions to increase the student’s knowledge of French grammar 

·     Assist students in developing vocabulary used in everyday situations

·     Introduce common phrases and sentences to practice and improve conversation skills

·     Examine the structure of sentences in French and help students to build sentences useful for practising conversation

·     Enable students to meet native French speakers to practice speaking the language

·     Use modern visual and audio digital technology for written and verbal exercises so as to provide variety to your learning experience.

Non-Residential Courses

These courses comprise 5 modules, ranging from beginner to advanced level. Each programme lasts for ten weeks and comprises a two hourly session each week.

Each module is followed by a Communication/Conversational Building programme, comprising four weekly one hour sessions, in which you have the opportunity to practice and build your confidence in th verbal communication and listening skills, using the knowledge gained during the 10 week programme.

We select practical topics which are relevant to everyday life and, having given an insight into the appropriate vocabulary and grammar required, we coach you, via group and individual conversations, to master listening and verbal skills. 

You will also meet a variety of native French speakers during this programme, and will have the opportunity to be part of group and individual discussions with people whom we all meet in our daily life.  We will carry out a brief assessment of each student to establish their current level of knowledge and skill. This enables us to place the student on the appropriate module so as to maximise their learning.

The first module provides a structured approach to learning the basics of the French language, its pronunciation and its grammar, as well as teaching basic communication skills.

For those with some knowledge of French who want to improve their language skills, the second or third module will be appropriate as it develops vocabulary and the awareness of the structure of French grammar. On completion, each student will be able to communicate effectively and deal with many every day situations.

Modules four and five develop communication skills further and students gain an understanding of more complex aspects of French grammar. We will study written articles and newspapers, develop verbal and written comprehension skills and produce written work in French.