Next Course:  11th, 12th & 13th October, 2008 (2 or 3 days)

Intermediate Level 

Duration: 10 or 15 hours (over 2 or 3 days)

The intermediate level course is ideally suited for those with some knowledge of French, but who wish to improve their general communication skills.  The sessions will focus on general communication, practical situations, tenses and some grammar will be covered. 

“Thank you so much for such a positive experience and for all your encouragement and patience. Thank you also, Cathy and Howard, for the lovely lunches, tea and coffee and for arranging places for us to eat in the evening. It has been a most enjoyable experience. The course was well managed, met all my expectations and I feel that I have benefited from it"  (Mrs C, from Worcester)

The teaching sessions will include a combination of activities, role play and formal teaching. There will be a fun 'icebreaker' incorporated into the first session.

On request, the 3 day intermediate course can be extended by 1 or 2 days to allow for extra individual support. This may be of particular interest to students with specific learning needs, eg. working towards an examination and work related requirements.

One-to-One

During the course, you will have the unique opportunity of a one-to-one with a native French speaker with no English ability. The experience will allow you to really practise your French in a real life situation. We have found the experience to be very rewarding for both the English speaker and the native French speaker.

"The opportunity to have a one-to-one conversation with a local resident was extremely enjoyable and a real boost to my confidence." (C, from Worcester)

The teaching sessions described below are examples only, and the structure of the lessons vary from program to program.

Session 1/

Informal Introductions. The first session will be an opportunity to get to know each other. It will be a refresher session aimed at building confidence with the spoken language and acquiring the skills for switching from one tense to another.

Session 2/         

Making general enquiries in a variety of different situations which may involve using the telephone or dealing with French administration. The session will look at common situations which arise on a daily basis. 

Session 3/     

This session will focus on general medical matters and will allow you to consolidate and improve your language skills when dealing with the doctor, chemist, dentist and even a vet. The session may involve light hearted role play of real life situations such as a visit to the local GP.

Session 4/    

This session will give you the confidence to deal with social situations such as entertaining French friends or responding to an invitation. You will practise light hearted conversation topics useful at the dinner table or in the company of friends. eg. discussing the weather, future plans, personal interests (past, present and future experiences).

Session 5/      

One-to-one 

This unique session will give you the opportunity to speak freely, in a relaxed and informal situation, to a native French speaker who is unable speak English. A relaxed conversation about anything you wish, exclusively in French, to the best of your ability.

Session 6/  

This session will look at the language skills required to express your dissatisfaction in a variety of common situations. How to make a formal complaint, returning goods to the shop, etc. Also, practical problems which you may encounter, such as a car breakdown, dealing with French administration, etc.