Bromley Adult Education College

More information
This final part of French Beginners is not suitable for absolute beginners.By the end of the course, you will have consolidated taking part in basic exchanges, using a limited range of words and expressions and basic correct grammatical structures, sufficient to communicate in the target country in modern everyday situations, such as: using greetings and exchanging basic information about yourself; recognise numbers and perform simple calculations and carry out basic transactions; order food and drinks and shop for basic items; follow directions; and participate in very short dialogues about everyday subjects (the weather, food and drinks, travel and directions, hobbies and interests). The course will be delivered in French, with consolidation of main points in English. You will need English language sufficient to understand explanations of vocabulary, grammatical concepts and cultural awreness. You will need basic numeracy to use numbers, money and perform basic calculations.

Can I join late?
Yes, with the agreement of the tutor. Please contact the MFL Curriculum Development Manager if you wish to join a course that is already running.

Who is the course for?
This course is suitable for learners who have completed French Beginners Spring course, or have equivalent language skills. New learners with very basic language skills are also welcome, please complete the online MFL Self-Assessment Questionnaire by following the link in the Modern Languages section of BAEC website or contact the MFL Curriculum Leader for further information.

Do I need prior knowledge or experience?
You should be able to communicate using basic sentences to introduce and give basic information about yourself and others, recognise numbers up to 100, and understand basic requests and instructions. You should also be familiar with basic grammar concepts such as masculine/feminine and verb ending patterns in present tense, even if you struggle to use them. This course is not suitable for absolute beginners. If you have studied French previously, even a long time ago, and you are not sure of your level, please contact the MFL Curriculum Development Manager for advice. Please complete the online MFL Self-Assessment Questionnaire by following the link in the Modern Languages section of BAEC website or contact the MFL Curriculum Development Manager for further information.

How will I learn?
Communicative, interactive classroom activities designed to promote active participation, including questions and answers, group and pair work, listening exercises, practical tasks, etc. with an emphasis on developping all language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing). A textbook is used for some classroom activities and independent work. You will also be encouraged to use online tools such as websites, language apps and online dictionnaries as well as Google Classroom for homework and directed activities. You will be provided with a BAEC student email address in order to access Google Classroom. You should keep a record of the details provided with the enrolment confirmation.

How will my progress be assessed?
This is a non-accredited course. You will be assessed informally by your tutor as part of normal classroom activities. There will be regular opportunities to review your progress. Regular attendance is necessary for continuing improvement of skills. If you are unable to attend one session, you will be able to catch up with independent study. Any absence longer than two weeks will have a negative impact and you should organise your time to avoid non-attendance during term time.

Is there an external qualification?
No

What can I do next?
You can progress to French Improvers courses on successful completion of the course. They are usually taught by the same tutor and you may enrol on all parts at the same time.

What do I need to bring?
Please bring pen and paper to the first session. You can also bring your mobile phone, tablet or laptop if you have one (fully charged). The tutor will confirm the textbook for the course at the first session. You will required to bring the textbook stipulated by the tutor at every session after the fourth week.

Are there any extra costs?
You will be required to purchase the class textbook supplemented by audio materials either downloaded or accessed via CD/mp3. You may also choose to purchase an activity book and/or a dictionary. We do not advise you to make any purchase prior to the course, but all learners will be expected to use the book(s) recommended by the tutor by the fourth week.

Is there work between sessions?
Yes, you will need to make time for homework in order to fully benefit from this course (equivalent to roughly one to two hours per week). Homework will be set weekly and may include preparatory tasks for the next session. Home study forms an integral part of learning activities and progress will be significantly slowed down if you cannot commit to regualr course work.

For further information, please contact:
Kentwood Centre on 0208 659 7976 or Curriculum Development Manager Philip Bedford philip.bedford@baec.ac.uk