Learn French in Bordeaux: Teaching
The French language school in Bordeaux’s key concern is to get you to speak French!
The objective is to work on the practice of the language using oral expression, enabling students to rapidly communicate in everyday situations.
Group Course Structure
The group classes are build around the core Standard Course, made up of 20 group lessons per week (Monday to Friday), with the option of booking 6 additional workshops on the Intensive Course each week.
Alternatively students can book private tuition at the school, throughout the year, on request. Private tuition can be booked in-conjunction with group classes or as a stand alone course.
French levels and rate of progress
| Beginner / A1 |
| Around 80 lessons |
| 4 wks on Standard Course |
| Can recognise and use familiar words and simple phrases for concrete purposes. Can introduce himself or someone else. Can ask and answer basic questions about home, family, surroundings, etc. Can communicate in a basic way when the other person speaks slowly and clearly, and is ready to repeat or reformulate to help communication. |
| Elementary / A2 |
| Around 120 lessons |
| 6 wks on Standard Course |
| Can understand isolated phrases and common expressions that relate to areas of high personal relevance (like personal or family information, shopping, immediate environment, work). Can communicate during easy or habitual tasks requiring a basic and direct information exchange on familiar subjects. Using simple words, can describe his or her surroundings and communicate immediate needs. |
| Intermediate / B1 |
| Around 160 lessons |
| 08+ wks on Standard Course |
| Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar subjects in work, school, leisure activities, etc. Can manage in most situations that come up when travelling in a region where the language is spoken. Can produce a simple and cohesive text on familiar subjects or subjects of personal interest. Can narrate an event, an experience or a dream; describe a desire or goal, and outline reasons or explanations behind a project or idea. |
| Upper Intermediate / B2 * |
| Around 160 lessons |
| 08+ wks on Standard Course |
| Can understand the main ideas of concrete or abstract topics in a complex text, including a technical article in the user’s area of expertise. Can communicate with a degree of spontaneity and fluency during a conversation with a native speaker, in a way that is comfortable for everyone. Can speak in a clear, detailed way on a number of subjects; express an opinion on current affairs, giving the advantages and disadvantages of the various options. |
| Advanced / C1 * |
| Around 240 lessons |
| 12 wks+ on Standard Course |
| Can understand a wide range of long and complex texts, including any sub-textual or stylistic nuances. Can express him or herself freely and fluidly, without obviously fumbling for words. Can use the language effectively and fluently in a social, professional or academic context. Can speak in a clear, organised way about complex subjects, developing a well-structured argument. |
| * During the summer months the school can generally offer separate B2 and C1 classes, but outside of this period the B2 and C1 students tend to be taught together in the group lessons. |
Course Structure
The French language school in Bordeaux has developed a rewarding and effective method based on active learning. Immersion begins in the classroom: students put the language into practice to draw on their knowledge, skills and reflexes to use in real situations.
Classes which start every week (except for beginners), all year long, and for the time period of your choice.
Courses offered for a variety of periods, from a week to several months, depending on your availability and your objectives (university, professional or personal).
A test is included to evaluate your skills and level before you arrive, giving you the information you need to choose the right course, followed by a regular end of week Friday assessment, across the various language levels.
In reality a student chooses to attend a short course or a longer course according to their French language linguistic goals, personal wishes and time constraints.
Timetable
Standard French Course:
20 face to face lessons / week
Morning lessons Monday/Friday 09.00 to 12.15hrs
Intensive French Course:
26 face to face lessons / week
Morning lessons Monday/Friday 09.00 to 12.15hrs
Afternoon lessons Tuesday through to Thursday 13.15 to 14.45hrs
Private Tuition Course:
One to one lessons can be arranged (generally in the afternoons) throughout the year
Please discuss requirements with CESA staff
Teaching Materials
Teaching materials used in class include recent books, audio and video documents, newspaper articles, internet resources, literature and material specifically developed by the teaching staff.
French Teachers
The teaching team are all native French speakers and are qualified teaching staff, managed by experienced faculty management.
– They are all qualified to teach French to foreigners
– They all have excellent knowledge of French culture and civilisation
Bordeaux Students
Students are drawn from a wide range of nationalities from all around the world, predominantly mainland Europeans and American students. The school welcomes students of all ages, from 16yrs+. Mainly 16/17 year olds are present from June to July, and older students attend throughout the year (18 to 40hrs of age as a norm), but some are older and everyone is welcome! The average age of students is 30 yrs of age. Many students attend for a 2 to 4 week period, but some for just a week, and others (maybe they are moving to France or need to reach B2 level to enter University in France) stay for several months.
