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Course Information Sheet

French Beginners Stage 1    

What will the course cover?

Practical language to enable you to communicate on a visit to the country: asking for goods and services in everyday situations, understanding basic written information, holding a simple conversation with a native speaker. You'll learn some basic grammar (eg articles, singular and plural, gender, adjectives, present tense of some of the most used verbs). Above all, you will gain the confidence to express yourself. We also aim to stimulate your interest in and knowledge of the cultures of French speaking people.

Who is the course for?

Absolute beginners, or for those who know only a few words, but can't put a sentence together.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

None, except a good command of English, spoken and written.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

"Using the BBC course book The French Experience 1 (TFE) (but see below- there is a choice of course book depending on what each group prefers, so don’t buy anything until the decision is made by tutor and group together) TFE : Units covered: From unit “Bienvenue” to unit 2 • greet people • introduce yourself • spell names • say where you live, and ask where others live • talk about where you're from, and ask where others are from • say how you are, and ask how others are • talk about family and friends • cope with numbers (0-70) "

How is the course organised?

We use course books, handouts, worksheets; audio and videotapes, 'realia' (eg real menus etc). You will be encouraged to speak as much as possible in class, to work in small groups and pairs, to take an active part in your learning; and each lesson, to work on the four skills: listening (and understanding), speaking, reading and writing.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

Reviewing and learning (by heart, if possible) what has been done in the class. Preparing for your next class (homework will be set). For best results, try hard to spend 15 minutes everyday doing some kind of language practice: listen to a tape, watch a video, read a bit, repeat, learn sentences/words by heart.

How will my progress be assessed?

"You will be encouraged to assess your own progress with help from your tutor, who will monitor your achievements by question and answer, some written work, quizzes, questionnaires, games and more formal achievement tests. Record of your work will be kept in your Individual Learning Plan to help record the steps taken towards achieving your goals. "

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

French Beginners Stage 2

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

"Course book - The French Experience 1 (BBC) about £15 for the book, plus extra for CDs or cassette tapes. Ring binder & A4 paper, notebooks and vocabulary book (tutor will advise). "

What support is available?

"Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Details are available from the guide and from teaching or reception staff. "

Recommended Courses

Learners on this course also enrolled on the following courses:

French Beginners Stage 2

French Beginners Stage 1

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