French 1A

The Stage 1A course is designed for complete beginners and therefore assumes no previous knowledge of French. Stage 1 (A, B, C) courses aim to help you reach A1 level of competency in the Common European Framework of References for languages (CEFR).

This course is working towards reaching A1 level of competency in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The aim of the course is to give students basic skills to communicate in French. The emphasis is on basic oral communication, incorporating listening skills, and to a lesser extent reading and writing skills. The topics will include real-life situations such as introducing oneself, greeting people, asking for things, directions and information, talking about oneself etc. and understanding the likely responses. The structure of the course will focus on building basic grammar skills as the need arises from the situations listed above (such as the present tense, issues of feminine/masculine articles, the use of adjectives) and vocabulary related to day-to-day situations. The course will strive to balance spoken and listening skills.
- Recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.
- Understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
- Interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help formulate what you're trying to say. Ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
- Use simple phrases and sentences to describe where you live and people you know.
( towards CEFR A1)

Although the structure will be flexible to accommodate students' needs and interests, each lesson will aim to incorporate the following activities: - one-to-one spoken exchange, group discussion - listening comprehension from course textbook and other French materials - reading of instructions in French - roleplays - viewing of videos followed by discussion - grammar points, as they arise in class.
We assess your learning in order to recognise and record your progress and achievement (RARPA).
This is done through continuous dialogue, correction of homework and active listening, tutor's feedback oral or written, feedback on your worksheets or assignments, your own views, peer or pair assessments through role play activities. A structured assessment will take place at the end of the course.

Course materials will be provided by the tutor. You will need an A4 ring binder to store your work.
Coursebooks to be used for self study:
Grammaire Progressive du français - Niveau débutant - 400 exercices - livre +

You will be given self- assessed and tutor-assessed homework on a weekly basis, to revise learning and to prepare for the next lesson. It is expected that you do regular self study to further your language learning. You should ideally spend some time every day practising the language. Independent work will be encouraged.

Students can continue onto stage 1B in the Spring term.