French Classes FAQ

Frequently asked questions about French as a Foreign Language courses :

1. Which level can I expect to achieve after 30 hours of French lessons?
2. Why isn’t it possible to have more French lessons?
3. Why doesn't the teacher speak in English?
4. Why don't we have a textbook to learn French?
5. Why are all the course materials in French?
6. Why are there no outings organised during French lessons.
7. How are the exams organised?
8. What is the format of the resit exam?
9. I have some problems with the French language!
10. I would like to participate in more activities in French.
11. I would like to find an internship in France ...
12. I would like to obtain a certificate in French, to prove my level.

1) Which level can I expect to achieve after 30 hours of French lessons*? 

DEPARTURES*		ARRIVALS*
	Complete beginner's class		Arrival at level A1.1
	Beginners' class		Arrival at level A1
	A1 level class		Arrival at level A2.1
	A2.1 level class		Arrival at level A2
	A2 level class		Arrival at level B1.1
	B1.1 level class		Arrival at level B1
	B1 level class		Arrival at level B2.1
	B2.1 level class		Arrival at level B2

* If you work regularly between lessons and if you really participate in French class

2) Why isn’t it possible to have more French lessons?

Your French language course is based on a programme (Master Sc, PGE, exchange) and it is not possible to change the duration (15h or 30h/semester). 

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 to improve your French, l'Académie Diderot organises French workshops regularly.

3) 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!

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) 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.

9) 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. Meetings can only be scheduled on Tuesdays. 

10) I would like to participate in more activities in French.

Look into the activities set up by the Académie Diderot.

• Free workshops: “Amuse-bouche”  a fun way and stress-free way to practice French (pronunciation, conversations, karaoké..)
• Fee-based courses: One-to-one courses (all year round) and intensive courses (August and June)

11) I would like to find an internship in France ...

It is generally necessary to have a B1 level in French because everyday communication in companies, even international ones, is in French (meetings, breaks, etc.).

12) I would like to obtain a certificate in French, to prove my level. 

At the end of each semester, an internationally renowned French test is scheduled and organised by the school. This test is available to all international students from A2 level, at their own cost : the TFI test by ETS Global.

More information about TFI session this semester (Fall 2023) coming soon (date, link to register...).