Teaching Method

Teaching method

What better way to learn to speak French than at a French table?

6 people maximum per class

Written & Oral Assessment

Active Speaking

Professional Teachers

Speak French all day long

Meals in French

Learning a new language and understanding a new culture is a challenge.

Our teaching technique is based on developing your ability in conversation and also involves systematic revision of essential grammar points with serious follow-up in the form of homework. As well, we use the support of audio and video material to cover all aspects of the French language. For advanced level learners, we offer in-depth study of the French language through the use of films, advertising, press articles, TV, and news.

Most classes have between 3-5 students in them, with the maximum being 6. These small classes help facilitate oral conversation and encourage a good relationship between your teacher, you and your fellow classmates. Small groups allow classes to be made up of students at the same level and allow your teacher to meet the needs of each student.

We encourage each of our guests to learn to feel at ease and confident in speaking French and we try to help develop a better ear to improve pronunciation. Small classes rapidly allow a relaxed exchange in the French language during class time.

When you reserve we ask you to do the multiple choice test which is at the back of our brochure and online. We'll ask you to do a second oral test on the Monday morning before your course starts. This allows us to place each person into the appropriate class for their level. At the end of each course we give a diploma to each student and a progress-level certificate which also contains comments from your teacher.

Audio and video material is available at the Ecole des Trois Ponts: CD ROMs, audio cassettes, video cassettes, DVDs, as well as books that you can read here.

Some advice on what to bring:

In order to get the most out of your class, we suggest you bring along a notebook or exercise book for taking notes. We advise you not to use loose sheets as you will quickly lose the order of them and it's then difficult to find the information again.

It is also very important to have a small pocket size notebook to write your new vocabulary in. This small notebook is indispensible for French language beginners and anyone who wants to broaden their vocabulary and optimise their progress.

We have both bilingual and monolingual dictionaries available at the Villa for your use but it is worthwhile bringing your own so that you can work at your own pace.

A good book of French conjugations (e.g. 501 Verbs or Bescherelle) is always a precious aid.

If you have already taken a French course elsewhere, you may wish to bring your own personal notes or method with you. This is sometimes an extra help for making you feel at ease in learning.

Learning material for grammar, vocabulary or about cultural lessons will be provided to you during your classes.