French beginners at a gentle pace: module 1

What is the course about?

This course will enable you to feel confident starting to use French and will take you on a journey to discover the French speaking world. The course will introduce new structures and vocabulary gradually. You will build up your confidence in all four skills, with an emphasis on speaking and listening.

What will we cover?

-topics: personal information; introductions; food and drinks.
-language points: subject pronouns; definite and indefinite articles; present tense of verbs être and avoir; present tense of regular ER verbs; question words; masculine and feminine adjectives; negative sentence; numbers up to 100; jobs; nationalities; useful phrases and language for the classroom; French sounds.
-culture: famous French people; French people abroad.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- to talk about yourself
- to understand what others say about themselves
- to ask others about them
- to order food and drinks in a café
- to recognise common French sounds

Please note that the learning outcomes may vary depending on the general progress made by the students.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No previous knowledge of French is required. Please note this course goes at a slower pace than our standard courses. For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self assessment chart at the start of the languages section of our course guide or at http://www.citylit.ac.uk/self-assess-your-level
You will also need to be able to respond to simple instructions and explanations, as well as read course documents, in English. You will need to be at ease with the use of numbers for daily activities (e.g. using money, telling the time, using the 24 hour clock, reading timetables).

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This course offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere which will enable you to learn at your own pace. Your tutor will use a range of teaching strategies to ensure that you gradually build up your confidence in speaking and listening. Throughout the course, you will receive learning tips on how to speak in groups more effectively and independently (without relying on your notes). You will practise listening to spoken language in ways that will maximise your understanding. There will be activities and advice to help you retain vocabulary.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Textbook and exercise book: Based on units 1-2 of Entre Nous 1, publisher emdl, ISBN number 978-84-8443-918-9.

Please note that you might not cover all the activities in the book during the course.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

French 1 at a gentle pace: module 2 starting next term. Please enrol as soon as possible as places cannot be guaranteed. Ask your tutor for advice if you are unsure of what to do next.