What will I be learning?

By the end of a full year in this class you should be able to:

•        understand and use simple vocabulary in everyday use.

•        understand and use set phrases in a fixed form expressing polite social conventions.     

•        understand and use simple numbers, prices and dates.

•        understand and use past, present and future verb tenses

•        understand and use simple positive and negative statements.

•        understand and use simple question forms.

•        understand and give simple instructions or orders.

•        understand and use simple link words in sentences.     

•        use reference sources, for example, dictionaries or online tools, to clarify and confirm the meaning of words.

An example of topics included in the course:

This term the class will include a project to swap information about Derby with a parallel group of learners in the small town of Mauriac in France.  To do this we will use video and online communication. All learners can have a role in this project if they wish but appearance in the video is totally voluntary

The course tutor is Alastair Clark who worked in France for Compagnons Batisseurs and has undertaken training in French in Tunisia for the British Council. 

Does the course lead to a qualification?

No, it doesn’t lead to a qualification but you will have informal assessments to monitor your progress.

Who is the course for?

You will need to have successfully completed either a one year Beginners evening course in French language or have a very basic knowledge of the language through prior studies or experience.

You will be expected to have a good command of the English language (although this need not be your first language), but no formal qualifications are required.

What do I need to bring?

You will need an A4 folder and lined paper along with a pen and highlighter.  

Are there any additional costs?

We will use as a text book Façon de Parler Book 2 Course Book (not Activity Book but you can buy this as well if you wish), The Course book costs about £20 

How will I know how I am progressing during the course?

Feedback will be given, both verbally and by the evaluation of completed tasks & projects. You will receive verbal feedback on the results of your practical exercises.

There is no formal exam, although there is continual evaluation throughout the course.

Towards the end of each session you will be encouraged to keep a ‘diary’ of your experiences and consider your confidence, achievements and preferred learning styles.

Can I have help in the class?

If you would like to enrol on this course but think you will need some extra help in the class you could have support through the Learning Partners Scheme. The scheme matches learners who need additional help with a volunteer to attend the class together. Volunteers can help with confidence, practical tasks such as cutting or measuring, reading and taking notes or communicating with the tutor and other learners.

If you would like more information about the scheme please contact Pat Ward on 01332 642308

How is this course supported by DerbyLearn?

DerbyLearn is an online learning platform that supports and complements this course. To find out more, please go to www.derbylearn.net and sign up, it's free and well worth a look!

Progression within DALS

We have lots of courses planned to ensure you have a variety of progression routes. If you are interested in another course, please ask for more information or telephone our helpline on Derby (01332) 717900 or enquiries@derbyals.org

On completion of this course, you could progress to:

• French Improvers with DALS

Volunteering Opportunities

Having skills in an additional language can be very valuable in an increasingly connected world.

Even a basic level of French can mean that you have skills to help others.

Here are some examples of ways that your language skills can help others:

Local twinning associations are always looking for French speakers to help to welcome visitors to our area.

 DALS welcomes volunteers in classes for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses)  - some of our learners come from French speaking countries.

Short and mid term work camp placements are offered by many organisations in French speaking countries. Service Civile International is just one example
 http://www.sci-france.org/

At least one DALs learner has gone on to volunteer with Médecins Sans Frontières http://www.msf.org/

HF Holidays recruits volunteer walking leaders and those who want to lead in French Speaking countries need to pass a simple language test.  http://www.hfholidays.co.uk/get-involved/leaders

Health and Wellbeing

The slogan you see on our brochures and leaflets is:

meet enjoy learn achieve

This is because we believe that taking part in adult and community learning can open the door to new friendships, give you something enjoyable and worthwhile to do with your time, enable you to learn something new and give you a sense of achievement. That's got to make you feel good!