Learn French in Rouen: Teaching
The French language school in Rouen aims to get you speaking French!
Course Content
Oral participation by the student, is of paramount importance. This is encouraged by the relaxed atmosphere in the French language school generally and in the classroom and throughout a stay by the school staff and of course the tutors. French language grammar and written exercises are developed through independent work. Class work consists of linguistic exercises and communicative work aimed to maximise the development of each student’s communicative skills. The work of each group is tailored to each class’s ability level in French and centres on oral exercises, role playing, discussions, simulations and practical exercises in every day situations. Students work on progressive enrichment of their language skills in small groups of no more than 15 students per class.
The students are divided into six theoretical ability levels. A student of average linguistic ability should allow 4 weeks to complete the Beginner level and 4 weeks for the Elementary level.
A further 4/6 weeks to complete one of the two Intermediate levels, (during the Intermediate level, the college will introduce the subjunctive) approximately 3/4 weeks to complete the Advanced level and a further 3/4 weeks at Superior level.
In reality a student chooses to attend a short or longer term programme according to their linguistic goals, personal wishes and time constraints.
First Day in Rouen
All students will be tested in advance of arrival via an on line language test (or if this is not possible you can sit the test on the first day of classes) before lessons begin on Monday (09.30 hrs), that afternoon students are given an introductory talk and a tour of Rouen.
French course structure and timetables
Lessons are always offered from Monday to Friday.
Classes are based on communicative French and structural progression in mornings.
Class times are 9.30 to 13.00 hrs, including a 30 minute recess from 11.00 to 11.30 hrs.
While in the afternoons between 14.00 to 16.00 hrs, the lessons are organised in a series of workshops:
Monday: Vocabulary and reading
Tuesday: Written comprehension and writing skills
Wednesday: Listening skills and French life and culture
Thursday: Vocabulary and reading
Friday: Speaking
The maximum number of students in each group is 15.
The French school in Rouen can also organise additional individual lessons for students at any time. These are tailor-made to suit your specific needs. Just let the CESA staff know if this is of interest.
Language Levels
The European system allows straight forward comparison of the levels of examinations in a wide range of languages is supported by an extensive programme of research and validation. All of the French language courses in Rouen are defined using a 6 level scale of language proficiency, which are aligned with the Council of European Framework of reference for languages:
Proficient : C2
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
User : C1
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Independent : B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
User : B1
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Basic : A2
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
User : A1
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
French Exams
Examinations in the ALTE framework in the French Language Certificat d’Etudes de Diplôme de Langue Diplôme Supérieur d’Etudes Diplôme de Hautes Etudes
Français Pratique 1 (CEFP1)
Français Pratique 2 (CEFP2)
Française (DL) (AF)
Françaises Modernes (DS) (AF)
Françaises (DHEF) (AF)
Langue Française DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) / A1
Langue Française DELF / A2
Langue Française DELF / B1
Langue Française DELF / B2
Langue Française DALF ( Diplôme Approfondi de la langue française) / C1
Langue Française DALF / C2
The ALTE Framework of European Levels
The levels are as follows:
A1 ALTE BREAKTHROUGH
A2 ALTE LEVEL 1
B1 ALTE LEVEL 2
B2 ALTE LEVEL 3
C1 ALTE LEVEL 4
C2 ALTE LEVEL 5
Council of Europe levels description: ALTE is an association of providers of foreign language examinations, founded in 1990. In 2003 it was awarded International Non Governmental Organisation status with the Council of Europe. It includes many of the world’s leading language assessment bodies, ALTE currently has 31 members, representing the testing of 26 languages. ALTE members provide standard examinations and computer-based language tests ALTE examinations are placed at one of 6 levels. The levels are described by a series of Can-do statements which define levels of ability in terms of what language users can typically do at each level of the ALTE Framework make it easier for users to understand what each level means in relation to what language users actually can do.
Rouen School Teachers
All of the French school in Rouen’s teachers are highly qualified and have many years experience teaching students from all over the world. They are here to help all of the students get the maximum from their stay. Their friendly, knowledgeable and supportive administration team is always on hand to help you to settle into your new life in Rouen.
Rouen Language Students
Students are drawn to Rouen from across Europe and beyond.
