French courses

This French course is tailored for adults and teenagers who want to enhance their French language skills.

Whether online or in person, classes use an immersive and interactive approach, prioritizing communication as the key to language acquisition. Learners study French grammar in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), complemented by writing, listening, and conversational exercises.

Activities include reading newspaper articles, real-life practice outside the classroom, and analyzing documentaries or French films, followed by discussions.

JOIN US AND TALK IN FRENCH 🚀🇫🇷🙂 !

Depending on individual needs and objectives, courses are offered in two formats:

➡️ INTENSIVE : More than 5 hours per week

Ideal for:

• Beginners seeking rapid progress
• Intermediate learners aspiring to achieve native-like fluency
• Individuals requiring swift confidence-building in French communication
• Professionals aiming to enhance their French skills for career purposes
• Exam preparation candidates

➡️ CLASSIC/STANDARD : Less than 5 hours per week

Ideal for:

• Individuals preferring gradual, pressure-free learning at their own pace
• Enthusiasts of French language and culture, exploring content leisurely
• Busy learners seeking consistency without opting for intensive sessions

📌 A brief French proficiency test is given during our first class.
This helps us assess your current level according to the CEFR.

COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE FOR LANGUAGES

Levels and Objectives

At Sophie’s Academy we teach within the CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment. The CEFR is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe. It was established by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project “Language Learning for European Citizenship” between 1989 and 1996. The Common European Framework divides learners into three broad divisions and each division into two sub categories. The six reference levels are becoming widely accepted as the standard for grading an individual’s language proficiency.

LINGUISTIC PROGRESSION

An initial French language proficiency assessment is conducted during the first class, aligning with the CEFR:

A0: Complete beginner

At this stage, learners have no knowledge or understanding of the language. They are unable to form basic sentences or understand even the simplest expressions. Essentially, they are starting from scratch and need to learn the most fundamental aspects of the language, such as basic greetings, numbers, and simple vocabulary. They may struggle to comprehend even basic communication and require significant assistance and guidance from others.

A1: Beginner

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.

A2: Elementary

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.

B1: Intermediate

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

B2: Upper-intermediate

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.

C1: Advanced

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.

C2: Mastery

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.