Lessons
Lessons are from 9.30am to 12pm every Saturday during term time. Pupils are split into six classes
based on age and ability in French.
For older students, preparation for the DELF (Diplôme d’étude en langue française) is also offered, giving them the opportunity to officially certify their skills.
Structured lessons tailored to each age group
The mornings are made up of two one-hour lessons with a half-hour break in between. The first hour is dedicated to learning the French language (reading, writing and grammar for the higher levels). The second hour offers children the chance to work each week on a different theme relating to the Francophone culture (such as Mardi Gras, Carnaval and Mother's Day).
Qualified teachers and small class sizes
Apart from Les Cigognes, all our classes are run by a teacher and an assistant, allowing the classes to be split into smaller focus groups.
The teachers at Les Alouettes are recruited by the Committee. They all have a recognised teaching qualification and operate under the supervision of Les Alouettes’ Head of Teaching.
Feedback on your child's progress
Each Saturday, your child will bring home their binder after school, containing homework assignments. The binder includes all the lessons covered in class.
A parent-teacher meeting is held once a year, giving parents the opportunity to meet individually with their child’s teacher. Teachers are also available at pickup time if needed.
In June, each child receives an end-of-year report summarising their acquired knowledge and progress throughout the school year.
Classes
Les Poussins
6 months to 3 years old
A French early learning class for young children, accompanied by a parent. Through songs, stories, nursery rhymes, puppets, and playful activities, children develop listening, social, and motor skills while enjoying French in a fun, interactive environment.
Les Moineaux
3 to 5 years old
The lessons focus on learning the French language through play, songs and dance. In this class, the children start to study sounds and learn to recognise and trace letters.
Les Mésanges
5 to 7 years old
The children learn to read and write in French using age-appropriate French teaching methodology.
Les Etourneaux
7 to 9 years old
Alongside reading and writing, the children begin to study the basics of French grammar and conjugation.
Les Goélands
9 to 11 years old
In addition to reading and writing, the children will gain a deeper knowledge of grammar and conjugation, whilst continuing to develop their spoken French.
In this class, children will be given the opportunity to prepare for the DELF PRIM A1 and A2 exams.
Les Cigognes
11 to 13 years old
Children continue to develop their French language skills (both written and oral) and to prepare for the GCSE examination.
In addition, this class offers children the opportunity to prepare for the DELF B examination.
DELF exams
Diplôme d’étude en langue française
The DELF qualification is awarded by the French Ministry of Education. It recognises a candidate’s level of French as a foreign language across all four skill groups: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The DELF is made up of various levels, targeting different proficiency levels and age groups (ranging from age seven to adult).
