Our teaching methods

The Alliance Française d’Annecy's dynamic approach to teaching is based on the use of the language as it interacts with situations in normal day-to-day life. It puts the emphasis on understanding, and oral expression. Our training courses are made to measure, and are adapted to the pupils' environment.

Our courses are also preparation for qualifications in French as a Foreign Language (DELF and DALF).

Our team consists of experienced teachers, qualified to teach French as a Foreign Language.

The high level of teaching French which is offered by our Alliance. and our teaching methods are based on the Common European Framework for Languages (CECRL) and on the positive and communicative approach to language teaching.

Levels Why take courses in French?

The four fundamentals of language

Speaking Conversation, or individual expression

Talking, expressing yourself and chatting on matters that have to do with everyday life, or on more specific topics relating to professional or personal concerns.
Working with the teacher, you can learn or practice in an environment which will very soon give you enough confidence to be able to hold a conversation.

You will also learn to handle the different levels of language.

At the same time, you will work on your pronunciation, to appear as 'French' as possible!

Listening Conversation, or individual expression

You will acquire quick techniques to UNDERSTAND the spoken word on everyday life (on radio or television, or in the cinema), or in conversation with native speakers.

Writing Vocabulary, grammar, spelling ...

You will learn vocabulary, work on grammar and spelling to be able to handle any type of document: filling forms, managing administrative procedures, writing letters and emails.

Reading Understanding

You will learn techniques for understanding the written word, and will work on grammar and sentence structure to understand any type of document: newspapers, administrative and personal mail, advertising, letters, strip cartoons, literature, emails, explanatory texts, etc.

Levels

The Common European Framework for Languages (CECRL) is the benchmark for the different levels of language, established by the European Council.

Independent Level A1: I can

ask simple questions on familiar subjects, or express my immediate needs; understand familiar words and expressions about myself, my family, my surroundings and my situation if people speak slowly and clearlu.
Write a short, simple message, such as a holiday postcard.
Fill in a simple form and give personal details, for example when completing a hotel booking form.

Intermediate Level A2: I can

share information on familiar, normal topics - family, work, way of life;
express my opinions and feelings in simple, direct conversations;
understand everyday documents, such as advertisements, leaflets, menus, timetables;
understand expressions and vocabulary about things which concern me;
write notes and short, simple messages.

Independent Level B1: I can

cope with most situations I might meet on a journey, or when dealing with a native speaker;
take a short job interview; talk about an event or an experience; share my opinions and projects in a more constructive way; bring events together logically;
understand texts written in everyday language, describing events and feelings;
understand most of some radio and television programmes on topics which concern me personally or professionally;
draft minutes, brief reports, personal letters, a CV.

Advanced Level B2: I can

grasp the essentials of concrete or abstract subjects, understand fairly long speeches and follow arguments; understand most radio broadcasts and films;
speak naturally and easily on a wide range of subjects, and talk freely with a native speaker;
put forward a reasoned opinion setting out the pros and cons of a situation;
write clear, detailed documents, pass on information, put forward arguments;
read texts dealing with a variety of subjects.

Experienced Level C1: I can

use the language in an effective, flexible way; express myself easily and spontaneously in aclear, well-constructed conversation; express my own point of view;
understand the specifics of different types of text and language;
write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, emphasising the important points.

Advanced Level C2: I can

master the studied language and its nuances of style to perfection;
accurately express subtle nuances of meaning;
produce complex essays giving a critical appreciation of a piece of literature.