French

What will the course Cover?

"The development of oral, listening, reading and writing skills through the use of audio-visual and authentic material. The general aim is to build your confidence in communicating in a variety of situations with a range of native speakers. Topics covered include:holiday plans and the weather; reminiscing about the past;talking about music and radio programmes; staying in a hotel etc. Some of the grammar areas covered are: the future tense; the perfect and the imperfect tenses contrasted;making comparisons and a lityle subjunctive as well! "

Who is this course for?

Students who have done 3 years of French or the equivalent, and who want to improve their knowledge and skills to be able to converse freely over a range of topics, to read well and to write accurately.

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

"Students should be able to talk about both past and future events in French. They should also be able to understand the gist of longer reading passages and of everyday conversations spoken at almost normal speed. "

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

"Talk, read and (to some extent) write about the following topics: - describe the weather and understand a weather bulletin in French - talk about past habits - make comparisons and express opinions - handle a series of everyday problems such as car trouble, accidents and hotel accommodation - talk about your dreams and hopes - expand your vocabulary in the areas mentioned above - have more confidence when speaking French "

How is the course organised?

The methods used are communicative and interactive, practising all four skills, with a little more emphasis on reading and writing than in lower levels. Activities include listening comprehension with related written work, reading and listening to authentic texts, grammar exercises to achieve correctness of usage, language games, role plays.

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

Revision of the lesson is necessary. Homework will be given. We recommend that you work every day for at least 20 minutes per day if possible, even in a very informal way (eg watching French TV, listening to the radio, surfing the web for French websites). You can't avoid learning some things by heart, so repeat and repeat till you do! Bon courage!

How will my progress be assessed?

"In class by your contributions; written work where set. 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 Proficiency Conversation Stage 1

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

"Text books and cassettes. The choice will be discussed with students. Folders, notebooks, vocabulary books. A good dictionary (eg Collins Robert). Look on the BBC website for material of interest: www.bbc.co.uk/languages/ "

What support is available?

We have 3 main ways of supporting learners.We have 3 main ways of supporting learners. a. Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. b. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. If you have a disability and feel you need support to get the best from your course you can contact Sean Buckley (sean.buckley@lbhf.gov.uk) to have a confidential discussion on how best we can support your learning. c. The Learner Support Fund is a discretionary scheme, funded by the Skills Funding Agency, to assist learners who may be experiencing difficulties in paying for essential equipment/materials, travel costs, childcare, registration fees and other necessary expenses. Details of all available support and how to access it can be found on our website (hfals.ac.uk), in the Guide and the Student handbook, or from teaching or reception staff. We have 3 main ways of supporting learners. a. Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. b. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. If you have a disability and feel you need support to get the best from your course you can contact Sean Buckley (sean.buckley@lbhf.gov.uk) to have a confidential discussion on how best we can support your learning. c. The Learner Support Fund is a discretionary scheme, funded by the Skills Funding Agency, to assist learners who may be experiencing difficulties in paying for essential equipment/materials, travel costs, childcare, registration fees and other necessary expenses. Details of all available support and how to access it can be found on our website (hfals.ac.uk), in the Guide and the Student handbook, or from teaching or reception staff. We have 3 main ways of supporti