Level ProgressionOverview We offer French courses from absolute beginner to advanced levels. Our level progression and teaching philosophy are in line with the recommendations and guidelines of the CEFR. Our full curriculum includes a total of 600 hours of learning but many of our students aim to reach a B1 level (independent user) which enables them to interact with ease on familiar topics in French with native speakers. It is perfect for astute travellers! Fluency is generally reached at B2 level (vantage). B2 is also the level of language proficiency that most French universities require from undergraduate foreign students.
What is the CEFR?
Created by the Council of Europe, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages has become the international reference for learning and teaching European languages as well as assessing language acquisition. The CEFR sets clear standards to be attained at each stage of learning (6) and to evaluate your French language level in an internationally comparable manner.
The CEFR or Framework divides learners into three broad divisions which can be divided into six levels:
| A Basic user |
B Independent user |
C Proficient user |
| A1 Breakthrough or Beginner |
B1 Threshold or intermediate |
C1 Effective Operational
Proficiency or advanced |
| A2 Waystage or Elementary |
B2 Vantage or upper intermediate |
C2 Mastery or proficiency |
Each level in the CEFR describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing. The CEFR privileges can do descriptors of language acquisition (see table below).
What is my level and where should I start? -Students with no French must start at the A1.1 level at Alliance. They can progress through levels of 30 hours each. The total progression allows for 600 hours of tuition.
-All students who have some French must be assessed and placed in their corresponding level of proficency. Please take our placement test if you have done some French before.
-The level progression and language acquisition of each student is validated by a certificate issued by the Alliance Francaise de Brisbane, at completion of each broad level of the CEFR. Students are also encouraged to take the DELF or DALF tests. These diplomas can be taken twice a year at Alliance, they are internationally recognised, and are desgined and accredited by the French Department of Education.
CEFR
6 Main
Levels
|
CEFR
Level Description |
AF Levels
|
Current
Text & Unit Progression
T1 & 2 - 2012
|
New
Text & Units Progression
(under proposal and TBC) |
A1
90 hrs |
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help |
A1.1 (30 hrs)
(Ex Breakthough 1)
|
Connexions 1
Units 1, 2 & 3
|
Alter Ego 1 +
Dossiers 0 & 1 | |
A1.2 (30 hrs)
(Ex Breakthough 2)
|
Connexions 1
Units 4 & 5
|
Alter Ego 1 +
D2 & D3
| |
A1.3 (30 hrs)
(Ex Breakthough 3)
|
Connexions 1
Units 6 & 7
|
Alter Ego 1 +
D4 & D5
|
Certificate of Completion of Level A1 on request
A1 DELF test recommended (March or November session) |
A2
120 hrs |
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. |
A2.1 (30 hrs)
(Ex Breakthough 4)
|
Connexions 1
Units 8 & 9
|
Alter Ego 1 +
D6 & D7
| |
A2.2 (30 hrs)
(Ex Breakthough 5)
|
Connexions 1
Units 10, 11, 12
|
Alter Ego 1 +
D8 & D9
| |
A2.3 (30 hrs)
(Ex Waystage 1)
|
Connexions 2
Units 1 & 2
|
Alter Ego 2 +
D1 & D2
| |
A2.4 (30 hrs)
(Ex Waystage 1)
|
Connexions 2
Units 3 & 4
|
Alter Ego 2 +
D3 & D4
|
Certificate of Completion of Level A2 on request
A2 DELF test recommended (March or November session) |
B1
210 hrs |
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
B1.1 (30 hrs)
(Ex Waystage 2)
|
Connexions 2
Units 5 & 6 |
Alter Ego 2 +
D5
(Bilan A2-B1)
| |
B1.2 (30 hrs)
(Ex Waystage 3)
|
Connexions 2
Units 7 & 8 |
Alter Ego 2 +
D6 & D7
| |
B1.3 (30 hrs)
(Ex Waystage 4)
|
Connexions 2
Units 9 & 10 |
Alter Ego 2 +
D8 & D9
| |
B1.4 (30 hrs)
(Ex Waystage 5)
|
Connexions 2
Units 11 & 12 |
Alter Ego 3
D1 & D2
| |
B1.5 (30 hrs)
(Ex Theshold)
|
Alter Ego 3
Units TBC
|
Alter Ego 3
D3 & D4
| |
B1.6 (30 hrs)
(Ex Threshold)
|
Alter Ego 3
Units TBC
| Alter Ego 3
D5 & D6
| |
B1.7 (30 hrs)
(Ex Threshold)
|
Alter Ego 3
Units TBC
|
Alter Ego 3
D7 & D8
|
Certificate of Completion of Level B1 on request
B1 DELF test recommended (March or November session) |
B2
180 hrs |
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
B2.1 (30 hrs) |
Alter Ego 3
Units TBC
|
Alter Ego 3
D9 + Bilan
| | B2.2 (30 hrs) |
Alter Ego 4
Units TBC
| Alter Ego 4
D1 & D2
| | B2.3 (30 hrs) |
Alter Ego 4 Units TBC | Alter Ego 4
D3 & D4
| | B2.4 (30 hrs) |
Alter Ego 4
Units TBC
| Alter Ego 4
D5 & D6
| | B2.5 (30 hrs) |
Alter Ego 4
Units TB
| Alter Ego 4
D7 & D8
| | B2.6 (30 hrs) |
Alter Ego 4
Units TBC
| Alter Ego 4
D9 & D10
| | Specialised Workshops for B2: Langue et Culture - B2, Edito du Jour - B2, DALF preparation au B2, Langue et Littérature - B2. |
|
B2 DELF test recommended (March or November session) |
| C1 |
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. |
Ateliers de français spécialisé
- Langue et Culture - C1
- Edito du Jour - C1
- DALF preparation au C1
- Langue et Littérature
- C1 |
| C2 |
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. |
Cours privés |
|
C1 or C2 DALF test recommended (March or November session) |
Our French courses follow a strict progression and we place new students in courses according to the above levels. If you have no French you must enrol in A1.1 level. If you have some French, please take our placement test.
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