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:
twelve face to face group lessons per week,
four lessons on a specific project overseen by your teacher (a survey or interviews etc encouraging active use of the French language),
two mentoring lessons of targeted exercises etc to address linguistic weaknesses enabling more personalised teacher attention,
plus two “Meeting the locals” sessions, where a local French speaker will give a talk on their career or a trip to a local business (overseen by a teacher, to ensure students improve their ear for the French language).
French levels and rate of progress
| Beginner / A1 |
| Around 120 lessons |
| 6 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 140 lessons |
| 7 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 200 lessons |
| 10 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 260 lessons |
| 13 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 340 lessons |
| 17 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. |
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 a term, 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 “Languages for Life” course according to their linguistic goals, personal wishes and time constraints.
Timetable
Standard French Course:
20 face to face lessons / week
| Option 1 | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 09.00 – 10.30 | Welcome | Group class | Meet the locals | Group class | Group class |
| 10.45 – 12.15 | Group class | Group class | Mentoring | Group class | Meeting locals |
| Option 2 | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 16.30 – 17.15 | Welcome | Group class | Meet the locals | Group class | Group class |
| 17.30 – 19.45 | Group class | Group class | Mentoring | Group class | Meeting locals |
Exact timetable arranged by tutors based on student requirement and teacher availability
Intensive French Course:
20 face to face lessons + 6 or 10 online workshop lessons / week
| Option 1 | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 09.00 – 10.30 | Welcome | Group class | Meeting locals | Group class | Group class |
| 10.45 – 12.15 | Group class | Group class | Mentoring | Group class | Meeting locals |
| 16.00 – 18.15 | Online classes | Online classes |
| Option 2 | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 10.00 – 12.15 | Online classes | Online classes | |||
| 16.30 – 17.15 | Welcome | Group class | Meeting locals | Group class | Group class |
| 17.30 – 19.45 | Group class | Group class | Mentoring | Group class | Meeting locals |
Exact timetable arranged by tutors based on student requirement and teacher availability
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. School activities promote communication so that students can adapt themselves to different types of situation (day-to-day, educational, social, economic or professional).
Please see Course Finder Quote for costs.
French Teachers
The teaching team are all qualified teaching staff, managed by experienced faculty advisers:
– They are all qualified to teach French to foreigners (Master 1 and 2 in French as a Foreign Language teaching)
– They all have excellent knowledge of French culture and civilisation
– Most of them have taught French abroad and speak several languages
– The school prefer their teachers to have professional or personal experience living in a foreign country
– They are also chosen for their interpersonal skills and open-mindedness towards other countries and cultures
– Their enthusiasm and spontaneity guarantees a professional and lively classroom environment
Bordeaux Students
Students are drawn from a wide range of nationalities from all around the world. Mainly mainland Europeans and American students. Likewise the school welcomes students of all ages (predominantly 18 yrs to 45 yrs of age).
