What is the course about?
This course aims to enable hesitant and/or older learners to communicate in basic French in everyday situations. You will build up your confidence by learning the language gradually with the emphasis on speaking and listening.
What will we cover?
Topics: daily routine, likes and dislikes, ordering snacks and drinks, shopping for food, giving and asking for directions.
Grammar: present tense (irregular verbs), the imperative, prepositions, direct pronouns, demonstrative adjectives, partitives.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- talk about your routine
- say what you like doing in your free time
- say what you dislike doing in your free time
- order snacks and drinks in a café
- give and ask for directions
Please note that the above outcomes are flexible as the pace of the lessons will depend on the achievements of the group of students.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
French 1 at a gentle pace: module 2. Suitable for those who have attended French 1 at a gentle pace: module 1 or anyone with about 15 hours of French but little confidence.
For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self-assessment chart, using the link at the top of this page. You can also find the chart at the start of the languages section in our course guide. You will also need to be able to respond to simple instructions and read course documents in English and be at ease with the use of number for daily activities (e.g. using money, telling the time, etc).
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is essentially based on the communicative approach, without seeking to devalue the traditional methods some students may be more familiar with. Great importance is attached to the creation of a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels able to contribute. This means:
- active students’ interaction
- emphasis on speaking and listening skills
- pair and group work
- role plays
- use of realia, pictures and authentic material
- use of audio-visual techniques when appropriate
Please note, students are expected to participate in oral classroom activities and to do some homework as and when required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Based on the course book French 1 Palgrave Foundations, second edition, by Dounia Bissar, Helen Phillips & Cécile Tschirhart. Please note that the course book is used as a support only and that you will not cover all the activities in the book during the course.
Please try: Grant and Cutler - http://www.grantandcutler.com (020 7734 2012) and The European Bookshop - http://www.europeanbookshop.com (020 7734 5259).
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
French 1 at a gentle pace: module 3. Please enrol as early as possible as places cannot be guaranteed.
