Frequently asked questions about French as a Foreign Language courses :
- Do I need to take a French placement test to be enrolled in my French class ?
- Is French class mandatory for all students?
- Which level can I expect to achieve after 30 hours of French lessons?
- Can I change my French group if I feel it's not the right level for me?
- Why is your behaviour in French class important?
- Why isn’t it possible to have more French lessons?
- Why doesn't the teacher speak in English?
- Why don't we have a textbook to learn French?
- Why are all the course materials in French?
- Why are there no outings organised during French lessons.
- How are the exams organised?
- What is the format of the resit exam?
- I have some problems with the French language!
- I would like to participate in more activities in French.
- I would like to find an internship in France ...
- I would like to obtain a certificate in French, to prove my level.
1) Do I need to take a French placement test to be enrolled in my French class ?
If you are a complete beginner in French, you do not have to take this test. You will automatically be enrolled in a beginner’s group.
If you have already studied French, the Language Department needs to assess your level in order to enrol you in the appropriate group. This is a placement test only, you do not have to pass it, but it is compulsory to take it.
By being in the right group level, you get the most out of your learning experience, allowing you to progress at a comfortable pace and build on your existing knowledge. Ultimately, this leads to better results and greater confidence in using the language.
Once we receive your result your French class will automatically be added to your schedule online.
2) Is French class mandatory for all students?
Whether French class is mandatory depends on your specific programme and/or home university.
You can verify this information by reading your programme curriculum (module list) or by contacting your studies assistant.
3) Which level can I expect to achieve after 30 hours of French lessons*?
| DEPARTURES* | ARRIVALS* | ||
|
Complete beginner's class |
Arrival at level A1.1 |
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|
Beginners' class |
Arrival at level A1 |
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|
A1 level class |
Arrival at level A2.1 |
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|
A2.1 level class |
Arrival at level A2 |
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|
A2 level class |
Arrival at level B1.1 |
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|
B1.1 level class |
Arrival at level B1 |
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|
B1 level class |
Arrival at level B2.1 |
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|
B2.1 level class |
Arrival at level B2 |
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* If you work regularly between lessons and if you really participate in French class
4) Can I change my French group if I feel it's not the right level for me?
Only your teacher can make changes to your French group. If you believe you are in the wrong level, please discuss your concerns with your teacher. They will assess your situation and contact the Language Department who will determine whether a group change is necessary or not.
5) Why is your behaviour in French class important?
Your behaviour in French classes is crucial for creating a productive and respectful learning environment. Some exemples :
Be on time: arriving on time shows respect for your teacher and classmates. It ensures you don't miss important parts of the lesson and helps the class start smoothly.
Participate actively: engage in class activities. Participation helps you improve your language skills and keeps the class dynamic.
Come prepared: make sure you have reread the previous lessons, and have completed any assigned homework.
Trust your professors: even if the class seems difficult and your teacher only speaks French, keep a positive attitude!
6) Why isn’t it possible to have more French lessons?
Your French language course is based on a programme (Bachelor, MSc, Master, PGE, PGTC) and it is not possible to change the duration (24h, 30h, or 48h/semester depending on your programme).
If you arrive at school without having learnt the French language beforehand, you will not be able to reach A2 level (speaking about yourself and your immediate environment) because you would need to follow between 120 to 200 hours of French lessons to achieve this level.
To help you improve your French, l'Académie Diderot organises workshops regularly.
7) Why doesn't the teacher speak in English?
Learning French at Rennes SB in the Way-Up! attitude is an experiential learning process: students are encouraged to speak as much French as possible (even beginners) and the teacher speaks mainly in French. The teachers know what they are doing and they encourage you to dare to talk in French. You can trust them!
8) Why don't we have a textbook to learn French?
Your course materials are created and developed by the school's team of French as a Foreign Language teachers. They use their expertise and knowledge of the most recently published textbooks and are in accordance with the CEFR levels. Course materials are updated and improved every year.
Also, in order to respect the school's CSR policy, we request that teachers do not provide any photocopies and that students work on their own screens or notebooks.
9) Why are all the course materials in French?
It's absolutely normal! The explanations provided in French are written and simplified to suit your level in the language. If you don't understand something or need more practice, ask your teacher. You'll also find many books in the Learning Centre if you wish.
10) Why are there no outings organised during French lessons?
Due to the limited number of French lessons, going out of school is not encouraged. However, inter-group activities can be planned by teachers, as well as meetings with school staff and students, depending on the syllabus.
11) How are the exams organised?
In French classes, there are no end-of-term final exams but continuous assessment during the semester.
2 tasks / semester are carried out in class: the first assessment is worth 30% and the second is worth 70%. If you are absent from the second assessment (70%) you will not be able to pass your semester and you will have to attend a resit exam.
12) What is the format of the resit exam?
It is an oral test graded out of 100%, of about 20-30 minutes, which is held via Teams with a jury of 2 French teachers.
13) I have some problems with the French language!
Contact the “Coach in French” service for more information !
Appointments of 45 minutes to assess your difficulties and to find ways to overcome them.
14) I would like to participate in more activities in French.
Look into the activities set up by the Académie Diderot.
Various extra classes are available:
"Amuse-bouche" workshops: free whorkshops in a relaxed atmosphere to help boost your confidence
"A la Carte" lessons: personalised French lessons to meet your individual needs
"C'est la Vie" intensive lessons: intensive classes before you start your semester at school
16) I would like to find an internship in France...
It is generally necessary to have a B2 level in French because everyday communication in companies, even international ones, is in French (meetings, breaks, etc.).
16) I would like to obtain a certificate in French, to prove my level.
At the end of the spring semester, a French test is scheduled and organised by the school.
More information coming soon.
You can also take a DELF test in Rennes 2 university: https://sites-formations.univ-rennes2.fr/cirefe/delf-dalf/
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