French Courses in Vendée

Beginners Weekend Course (December, 2007)

“Really enjoyed the weekend, would definitely come back. I surprised myself with what I have learned and look forward to using French at work and in the future. You are a very friendly and welcoming family and thanks for letting me cook!  I enjoyed the market activity and it made more confident in talking to real French people" (Miss S, from Kent)

"Cathy is very informative and helpful during the lessons. The lessons are conducted in a very pleasant atmosphere. The market activity was a good idea to build confidence and communication with real people in real situations, enabling us to assess how we are progressing. The final extra day was very worthwhile. Thank you" (Mr W, from Yorkshire)

Intermediate Weekend Course (November, 2007)

“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 opportunity to have a one-to-one conversation with a local resident was extremely enjoyable and a real boost to my confidence.  We covered a wide range of topics from family and occupations, hobbies, local amenities, medical matters to gardening and compost heaps!" (Mrs C, from Worcester)

"A very friendly and welcoming environment, with relaxed classes which were both fun and beneficial.  The chance to mingle with local people was an added bonus.  Excellent value and I'm sure my French improved!  The course improved my confidence and revived some vocabulary and grammar which hadn't been used for many years! See you again one day? (Mrs H, from Wales).

"I thought that the course was very good and we were extremely well looked after" (Mrs O, from Yorkshire)

As a teacher in the UK

College Inspection (observation)

“Catherine is an excellent teacher, she has a natural gift for teaching her subject and I found this to be one of the most encouraging and enjoyable lessons that I have attended since becoming the Language Coordinator for the College adult education department. 

Her lesson was so good that it could be used as a demonstration model for new teachers of Modern Languages in Adult Education” (Bill Asbury, Language Coordinator, Skelmersdale College)  

College Inspection (observation)

“The lesson had lots of activity throughout, teacher diverting skillfully from the front, excellent working atmosphere – purposeful but fun – sense of security with everyone comfortable to contribute. French used exclusively for most of session; some explanation in English when deemed necessary. Very impressive lesson!” (Kevin Watson, Principal, Winstanley College)

Student Comments

“I have found the course to be enjoyable and pitched at the correct level” 

“Excellent teacher, different teaching techniques, great course”  

“Very enjoyable course”  

“Would very much like to go to the next stage of learning French conversation with Catherine as tutor”  

“If there is a follow-on course with the same tutor, I would like to enroll”  

“Very enjoyable, helped immensely being taught by a French person”  

“I am enjoying the course, it is going to be of great help to me. Catherine has been an excellent tutor”  

“The experience has proved to be pleasurable and many times removed from the cranky old French teacher I had at grammar School in the 50’s!”