Bonjour to Fluency: Explore Our French Language Courses
Book an Assessment
According to the British Council Language Trends Report 2020, French remains the most popular modern foreign language taught at KS3, GCSE and A level. The CBI Education Skills Report states that French is still the most sought-after language required by employers (51%).
Over the course of the years, and especially at GCSE and A level, pupils studying French will study interesting and topical issues as part of the syllabus such as the environment, social media, friendships and careers, which can greatly broaden their horizons and cultural knowledge.
We tutor French to children as young as 5, who are keen to explore the language further alongside their English development. It's not uncommon to see children continue with these classes up to GCSE or A level as their confidence and enjoyment increases. Our students typically have French classes at school, at after school clubs or have been learning independently at home. Others are private candidates and come to us as we can guide them through the exam application process as well as tuition lessons.
Generally speaking, French tuition at most levels is focused on grammar, verbs and vocabulary although all core modules of reading, writing, speaking and listening will be covered. Having a tutor who can support your child to fill in knowledge gaps and who have experience of the syllabus, module guidelines and grade boundaries, is greatly reassuring. Syllabi, examinations and assessments are susceptible to changing frameworks and so parents and pupils will have peace of mind that we are up to date with these changes.
Depending on level, most French tuition lessons will follow the following format:
1. Lesson recap – from last week’s class in case there are any follow-up questions
2. Syllabus topic work – we’ll study a topic on the syllabus covering key vocabulary, useful verbs, model Q&A’s and how best to learn these.
3. Grammar and verbs – we’ll always study these components during every lesson
4. Past exam paper practice (if applicable) – we’ll study past papers and exam techniques to consolidate revision strategies and maximise grades
5. Homework – there will be homework most weeks and students will be given access to the lesson resources, handouts and message board corrections made in class.
We support with French from children as young as 5, through to GCSE, A level and University Degree standard. We can tutor adult learners who are keen to explore new language skills, whether as a hobby, a necessary requirement, or for those who want to progress through their language proficiency levels (CEFR A2 - C1).
We also offer bespoke services for businesses, schools and individuals who need extra training, whether that's learning to communicate verbally, reading or essay writing.
Our highly experienced tutors can help you prepare for requirements such as: DELF (French Studies Diploma) and DALF (Advanced French Studies Diploma) to certify the French language competency of candidates outside of France. Plus VISA exams and the French Nationality Test.
Answering questions in context and approaching different styles of questions, e.g. gap fill, translation, matching up and comprehensions.
Improving skills with essay planning techniques and using higher tier sentence starters, opinions, connecting words and a variety of tenses.
Fill in any knowledge gaps by revising and applying relevant topical terminology and synonyms to improve fluency.
Revising key grammatical constructions and the appropriate use of verbs and tenses.
Practise ideas on (dis)advantages, causes, consequences and solutions for all French syllabus topics.
Sharpen audio skills by practising appropriate activities and past papers and understanding how to extract what’s relevant.
Access to downloadable templates, handouts, study guides, winning formulas and acronyms.
Practising past exam papers for reading, writing, speaking and listening relevant to the exam board.
Understanding what examiners are looking for by adhering to mark scheme guidelines in order to achieve higher tier marks.
Speaking and writing techniques to expand sentences, justify points of view and defend opinions in French.
Improve oral skills for effective planning and delivery with less nerves and more confidence. (IRP preparation for French A level students).
Revising character analysis, themes and critical thinking for essay writing practice (for A level students).
Just a brief email about my trial lesson with David today. It went flawlessly! Not only did the technology work, but David had pitched the taster session at exactly the right level for me. Thanks for organising that. We’ve agreed a regular lesson on Saturday mornings.
Tom is thoroughly enjoying his classes and David is obviously as enthusiastic teacher as Tom is a French student - a great match! We are extremely grateful that Tom is able to carry on with his learning, especially with all that is happening in schools at the moment. The fact that he so looks forward to his lessons with David and that he really wants to speak and learn more French, makes me a very happy parent indeed.
We'll be back soon
