Shirley Language Tuition
French classes for adults in Shirley, Southampton
The next block of 7 online classes begins 22nd April. New students are welcome. Email for details
The photo shows the Intermediate class in action. Below are some of the comments the students made in their feedback:
"This last session was great!"
" ...love the different activities. The pace is good. I need the repetition you often give because the work is challenging."
"Toutes les exercises sont excellentes"
"I like the balance of activities".
"This last session was great!"
" ...love the different activities. The pace is good. I need the repetition you often give because the work is challenging."
"Toutes les exercises sont excellentes"
"I like the balance of activities".
About Me
I am a recently-retired teacher of French and Italian. I have worked in several local schools and colleges, including periods as Head of Department in two of them. I have taught French and Italian from Year 7 to sixth form, including GCSE and A level. When my own children were young, I also taught adult education classes. As I really enjoyed these, and because there are far fewer of them available nowadays, I thought I would harness my enduring passion for language teaching and offer some classes locally. Do come along!
Alison Spottiswoode
Classes offered
Class 2 - Intermediate/post GCSE 'O' level (CEFR B1/B2)
This class caters for those who have studied French for at least 200-250 hours. You may have taken 'O' level or GCSE at school. Many of the students in the class felt rusty when they joined, but most have made good progress and now feel more confident. There is a range of abilities within the class, and new students, even if they are at the 'feeling rusty' stage, are welcome to join, and will be catered for.
Lesson content (general)
The focus is on speaking and communication, but I am a firm believer that a good grasp of grammar is essential to oral fluency. There are regular written activities to consolidate learning. Most of the class time is spent on speaking activities using pair work, group work and language games. We will listen to a wide variety of French, using songs, videos and films.The idea is to have some fun as we learn!
Clearly you will be undertaking this course for your own pleasure and satisfaction, but there is no doubt that your progress will be faster if you consolidate what you have learned between lessons. For this reason homework is set each week, and most students choose to complete it, but the tone of the class is informal, and there are no consequences if the dog eats it!
For the academic year 2019 - 2020 in consultation with the group, I am planning to incorporate some elements of the A level course into lessons, including reading a French novel together, and increasing the number of topical subject to be discussed.
Details
All classes are held at the community room of the Saint James Park café in Shirley (St. James' Park St. James' Road
Southampton, SO15 5SD). Classes are held on Wednesday mornings, and the new term starts on September 25th.
Dates and Payment
Classes will be organised into 6-week blocks, and payment will be required in advance for each block. The blocks will run as follows:
Block 1: 25th September - 6th November (no class on 9th October)
Block 2: 13th November - 11th December (5-week block, payment £50)
Block 3: 8th January - 12th February 2020
Block 4: 26th February - 1st April 2020
Block 5: Online classes, 7 sessions from 22nd April - 3rd June. (Payment £45)
Payment and registration
The classes need a minimum of 8 participants to be viable. There is a maximum of 15 students. The charge for each block of 6 lessons is £60.
To reserve your place in the class, please email alison.spottiswoode@gmail.com. Payment can be made in advance, or at the first class. Payments are accepted in cash, by cheque or bank transfer.
Private tuition
I am also available for private language tuition in French and Italian. I have a huge amount of experience from beginner level up to Advanced level. I am happy to teach individuals or groups.
