Teaching

Quality

Our teachers are all native French speakers and have at least a university degree. They are monitored and undergo continuous training courses which allow them to take on the technology and recommendations of the European Council for the teaching of foreign languages.

Each year 1000 students, young and old, pass through our door and are embraced with warmth by our team. It is not a surprise that so many people have great confidence in us and return to study here year after year. Be assured that we put everything into place to offer you quality teaching.

The head of teaching directs the team, of which the numbers vary between 5 in the winter and 15 in the summer.

A dynamic method

We emphasise the “communicative approach” to French. Whether it is points of grammar, vocabulary or idioms that are involved, the student is always invited to participate. This approach is complemented by a more “task orientated” way of teaching that follows the recommendations of the Council of Europe. This new approach allows the students “to learn in action”, as though they were working in a company, which contributes to a greater authenticity in the teaching method.

The students learn French with other innovative and modern teaching materials : CD Rom ; DVD ; new books etc... Also, the staff use a variety of newspapers, songs and audio-visual material to create a more motivated atmosphere on their courses.

Thanks to our testing methods, the classes are made up of small groups of 10 students maximum, allowing each student to fulfil their potential whilst benefitting from group dynamics.

Evaluation

On the first morning the students sit an oral and written test to ensure accurate placement into a class of a similar level. Great care is taken in this process so that the groups form uniform levels of linguistic ability. As a result, the students will neither be worn out nor slowed down by others more or less advanced than them. We use the Common European Framework with its 6 levels of competency from A0 to C2, beginners to advanced.

At the end of the course the students are tested again and are given a certificate of achievement –‘attestation de stage’ –
indicating the precise level achieved in French.

Common European Framework

For many years the school has been involved in a new approach to teaching that was introduced by the Council of Europe. Our levels of assessment have been adapted and our teaching is now more centered on knowing how to do it than simply on linguistic ability. The teachers are continuously trained according to this new effective approach and the implementation in our school will continue for many years to come.