Book your course now
Our evening classes run throughout the year, with breaks for Christmas, Easter and the summer. To book your place on a course register now, contact Bryony Hussey bryony.hussey@langsols.com or call us on
020 7689 1900
Is this course for me?
Our evening classes are ideal for learners whose long-term objective is to be able to use French in a social or work context. If you want to improve your current knowledge of French or, if you are a beginner, want to set out on the exciting journey of learning a new language, then this course is for you.
You don’t need any knowledge of the language but if you have studied French before, you will be assessed before the course to make sure you join a group of learners who all have the same level.
You can take our online test now to get an idea of your level – or have a look at the level descriptions below and decide which definition suits your knowledge best.
What can I expect to learn?
This obviously depends very much on your current level. As a complete beginner, after 20 hours you should be able to
- Give and ask for basic personal information
- Get something to eat and drink
- Ask for directions
- Ask for basic travel information
- Understand numbers
If, like many of our students, you have a GCSE or O-level, then you should expect to remember a lot of the French you learnt at school but use it to talk about your life now. At an intermediate level, you will revise the basic structures and vocabulary to ensure that you can use them with fluency and accuracy before moving on to more complex language.
Whatever the level, all our courses concentrate on developing a range of language skills you will need in a French speaking environment:
- The ability to understand a native speaker and react spontaneously
- To communicate with ease and confidence
- To keep a conversation going
- To paraphrase if you don’t know the right word
- To read and write texts that you will encounter in your everyday life
- To pronounce French well enough to be understood at all times
- To have fun with grammar
- To acquire a good range of vocabulary that is relevant to you
Who are the teachers?
We are very proud of our teachers. All of them are native or bilingual speakers of the language they teach. They all have a teaching qualification and are experienced in teaching adults. Most importantly, they know how to make language learning enjoyable.
We work very closely with our teachers to ensure the quality of our courses. Continuing professional development plays an important role and we regularly run workshops for teachers and inform them of new developments in language teaching.
Some interesting facts about French
- French used to be the language of the nobility and diplomacy all across Europe and in the Ottoman Empire, then the world's first real international language until English replaced it in the mid-20th century.
- French was the official language of England for 300 years. It is still the official language of 30 countries worldwide.
- French language is spoken by 270 million people worldwide (almost as many as the population of the USA), of which 120 million are native or fluent.
Source: http://www.languagehelpers.com (2008)
A short guide to the levels
LEVELS |
Listening/Speaking |
Reading |
Writing |
C2
Mastery |
CAN advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues, understanding colloquial references and dealing confidently with hostile questions. |
CAN understand documents, correspondence and reports, including the finer points of complex texts. |
CAN write letters on any subject and full notes of meetings or seminars with good expression and accuracy. |
C1
Proficiency |
CAN contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within own area of work or keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions. |
CAN read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, to read the media for information or to understand non-standard correspondence. |
CAN prepare/draft professional correspondence, take reasonably accurate notes in meetings or write an essay which shows an ability to communicate. |
B2
Advanced |
CAN follow or give a talk on a familiar topic or keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics. |
CAN scan texts for relevant information, and understand detailed instructions or advice. |
CAN make notes while someone is talking or write a letter including non-standard requests. |
B1
Intermediate |
CAN express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a limited way or offer advice within a known area, and understand instructions or public announcements. |
CAN understand routine information and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area. |
CAN write letters or make notes on familiar or predictable matters. |
A2
Threshold |
CAN express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar context. |
CAN understand straightforward information within a known area, such as on products and signs and simple textbooks or reports on familiar matters. |
CAN complete forms and write short simple letters or postcards related to personal information. |
A1
Elementary |
CAN understand basic instructions or take part in a basic factual conversation on a predictable topic. |
CAN understand basic notices, instructions or information. |
CAN complete basic forms, and write notes including times, dates and places. |
Source: http://www.alte.org/can_do/general.php (2008) |
