French

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 this 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?

You will be able to : • 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?

The main course book is Façon de parler (but see below- there is a choice of course books depending on what each group prefers, so don’t buy anything until the decision is made by tutor and group together) 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 - Façon de parler Ring binder & A4 paper, notebooks and vocabulary book (tutor will advise). "

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