French
Beginner’s
Begin speaking French in your first lesson constructing sentences and learning vocabulary in situations practical for you. You will develop conversation skills during your French classes putting different tenses into immediate use – what did you do yesterday? Where did you go? Where are you going tomorrow and how will you get there? The classes are very practical. You learn the lesson during your French lesson – “a lesson finished is a lesson learned”. Homework is a luxury and you will learn faster if you are able do some, but it isn’t necessary to progress easily and well with our French course without the need for homework. At the end of each French lesson you will know that lesson.
Intermediate
We begin intermediate French courses with: 1) a complete assessment, pinpointing and improving your existing French skills, using appropriate tenses, improving accent, using the best word or phrase in a situation and so on; and 2) developing a syllabus to bring your French to an advanced level.
Advanced
As with intermediate French lessons we begin with an assessment of and then improve your existing French and develop together your aims in continuing French studies. We have many clients who want to maintain their level of fluency and understanding through regular French conversation classes as well as clients who need to specifically develop their business or social French. The deeper mysteries of the subjunctive tense in French is a common area of study in advanced classes.
Business Trips & Meetings
Landing at the airport, finding a taxi or renting a car, buying tickets on the underground, buses or trains, giving addresses and directions. Booking into the hotel. Using the phone. Room service. Making a complaint. Ordering dinner. Going to the meeting. Talking to the receptionist…..where is the lift…?! Meeting and greeting: the little details – whether to take your jacket off, whether to shake everyone’s hand or just the boss’s, how best to introduce subjects. In some countries these details are more important than in others, but in all countries an attention to detail will pay dividends. Although many business meetings are held in English your learning French demonstrates a real commitment to the future business relationship, and you will soon be able function fully – in a meeting – in French.
Business Dinners
Many deals and business relationships in France are developed and done over lunch and dinner. So you will know the names of most food and drink and the usual table manners and acceptable topics of conversation. Whether to talk about the family, etc.
Shopping
You may need to go shopping in France, perhaps for flanges and valves or forklift trucks or presents for the family. You will learn all the necessary vocabulary and constructions to buy what you need.
Buying and Developing Property
Dealing with Estate Agents and lawyers. Vocabulary of houses and property. What’s a condensing boiler called in French? Negotiating with builders, plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, gardeners, etc. Names of different local government departments. How to get on well with the neighbours. The customs of the country.
Exams
In both small groups and in one-to-one classes we prepare students for French exams. For business learners we recommend studying for the London Chamber of Commerce French examinations – both useful and relevant for your CV.
We take students through French GCSEs and French ‘A’ levels with all the examination boards and help university students through various aspects of their French degree course.
We don’t allow our students to take their French exams until we are sure you are going to pass with ‘A’s.
