FAQ // classes

You should enrol in any Elementary 1 class level or in a French for Travel class level.

The best way to place you in the right class in terms of level, is to take the Online Placement Test and/or call us on 07 3844 4460. If you speak a little bit of French you need to take the online placement test or call us. It is important that you are placed in the level that best matches skills and needs from the very start so that you can get the most out of your French learning experience.

Yes we do! We offer classes on Teams for different levels including beginners. Private tuition can also be held online.

No, it is not. We will provide the help you need and guide you through the process.

Elementary 1 belongs to our standard courses stream, which teach general French, while the French for Travel class is perfect to learn phrases or basics just before a trip to France. Elementary 1 is a longer, 20-hour course, whereas French for Travel is a short, 8-hour course. The starting level is the same - they are both designed for beginners with little to no French language experience.

• Enrol in Elementary 1 if you intend to learn for a while and wish to become an independent user of the language.
• Enrol in French for Travel if you wish to learn a bit of French before you travel to France/ French-speaking country or before you commit to a longer course.

It really depends on each individual, and you may remember more (or less) than you think. Self-assessing your foreign language skills can be tricky; this is why we recommend you take the Online Placement Test or call us on 07 3844 4460 to have your French level assessed. If you feel more comfortable going back to the first level, you are welcome to do so.

• Standard Courses: run for one full or half term. They cover all levels from A1 to B2 (fluency) and teach general French. They cover the four core areas of language acquisition: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The emphasis is on speaking and listening during class time; reading and writing, whilst used in class, are mostly for homework.

• Regular Workshops: run for one or half a term. They cover some/most levels and teach specialised French, such as French for Travel; speaking for advanced levels, grammar for intermediate and so on.

• Holiday Workshops: run in-between terms and are short courses. We explore specific skills such as pronunciation, grammar, conversation, but also the popular or less famous aspects of French culture from cooking to literature or pop culture.

• If you have little time: take a short course such as French for Travel (4 weeks)
• If you have more time: try to complete as many levels as you can in the standard stream. 
  'The more you learn before you go, the more enjoyable and culturally satisfying your trip will be'.

• Aim to reach a B1 level (independent user of the language level). Usually, to become an independent user of the language takes about 200 - 250 hours of tuition.

If you start at the beginning and learn in a classroom situation it will take at least 400 hours of learning. If you already have some French or will be going to France for a while it can be much faster. Exposure is key when it comes to language learning.

Any class will help you to achieve this, however you can refer to our regular or holiday workshop programs, as we offer classes that specifically focus on skills such as speaking and pronunciation.

It depends on the type of course you enrol in:

• Most standard courses (once or twice a week) require a language set: consisting of a textbook and exercise book (including audio tracks).
• French for Travel and most workshops do not require a textbook.

Standard courses use different textbooks depending on the level, please check the courses page. 

When you purchase a course on the website the textbook will be automatically added to your cart. If you already have the books, you can remove them from your cart. If you are In doubt, check the level progression or courses page to find out which book is required for your course.

Pen and paper are necessary, as well as a positive attitude! : )

We issue certificates of level completion upon request. Please be sure to ask us if you would like to have one.

• A good language learner is willing to experience and take risks. Please leave perfectionism at the door and allow yourself to make mistakes, because you will learn from them and from active listening.

• Set realistic expectations. It takes time and effort to become proficient in French and expect periods when you do not seem to be making much progress. Identify your needs before you get started and set yourself achievable goals.

• Be pro-active, independent and organised. You will not speak French fluently just by sitting in a classroom. The work you put in and the opportunities for extra exposure to the language that you create or encounter will greatly assist your progression and satisfaction as a learner. 

• Study frequently and for shorter periods of time. It is more efficient to break study time into smaller chunks than study infrequently for extended periods of time. Try to do a few homework exercises every night rather than all of them the night before your class. In addition, make the most of the mentally "idle" moments during the day when you can fit in some study. For instance, you can review the alphabet whilst having a shower; count your steps whilst going for a walk; name as many objects as you can in French at the office or just out and about; write shopping lists or to do lists systematically in French.
  
  
• Finally, accept that you will reach a plateau from time to time and feel that you are no longer progressing. This is a normal part of the learning process and happens when you are actually on the verge of stepping up to a higher level. So this is good news! 

AF Members receive a minimum discount of 5% all year round on courses, products and services and a 10% discount on textbooks. Members can also benefit from a 10% discount when they enrol by the early bird deadline. You also get a discount with all our partners and can borrow from our extensive library in West End as well as join the online media centre: Culturethèque. We also have regular social events which are free for members including weekly game nights, French chat nights and a monthly book club.

They are 18 months-3 yo: any Les Tout-Petits class
They are 3-6 yo: any Les Petits class.
They are 7-11 yo: any Les Grands Basic 1 class.
They are 12-14 yo: any Les Pré-Ados Elementary 1 class.
They are 15-17 yo: any Les Ados Elementary 1 class.

The best way to place your child in the right class is to contact the course coordinator (celine@afbrisbane.com) or to call us on 07 3844 4460. Teens can also take the online placement test.

We do offer classes for French-speaking children from 5 to 14yo.

We also can organise private tuition to cater for their specific needs.

Les Tout-Petits (18 months-3 yo): up to 8 children.
Les Petits (3-6 yo): up to 12 children.          
Les Grands (7-11 yo): up to 12 children.
Les Pré-Ados (12-14 yo): up to 14 children.
Les Ados (15-17 yo): up to 14 children.

On average there are 7 children per class which ensures children can take turns to play, speak and receive feedback.

Yes! You as a parent are more than welcome to join in for that trial class too. You will then pay for that class if you decide to enrol your child.

Yes, provided that there are seats in the class. Please advise reception a few days before the class.

It depends on the type of course you enrol in.
Les Tout-Petits do not require any books.
Les Petits receive 2 story books (except for the courses held in schools). These are included in the course price.
A language set (textbook & exercise book) is required for Les Grands, Les Pré-Ados and Les Ados courses. It is automatically added to your shopping cart. If you already have the books, you can remove them from your cart.

We strongly recommend that you join the AF membership, but this is not necessary. If you intend to study more than one term, then you should definitely purchase the membership as it will save you money! Please check our membership page for prices, discounts, advantages and exclusive offers for members.

Yes. All of our tutors and teaching assistant volunteers in kids classes are QLD Blue Card holders. They are trained and have experience teaching children. The coordinator visits their classes to make sure their teaching is at the highest level. Positive teaching in a friendly environment is their mission.

What is better than immersion to learn a language? Our teachers speak as much French as possible in the classroom. However, they will use English when necessary to make sure children understand instructions and do not feel lost or left behind.

Parents of Les Tout-Petits stay in the class.
Other parents are always welcome to try a class with their child to get to know the teacher and their teaching style, and to ensure their child is confident in that environment. Nevertheless, we ask the parents to leave the classroom after one or two lessons. Let the magic of immersive language learning happen: the children will learn to speak differently and will grow to become more independent.

Conversation and practical French is the focus. Our curriculum is designed to enable dynamic and fun learning in a structured way.

• Les Tout-Petits and Les Petits classes include a wide range of fun activities such as story time, singing, dancing, playing games, watching short films, doing craft and more. We want to ensure the children have fun whilst learning and absorb French in action through all their senses.
  
  
• Les Grands, Les Pré-Ados and Les Ados follow a set progression as defined by the book they are using in the class.

Any class will assist your child to achieve this. Please refer to our holiday and regular workshop program as we offer specialised classes that focus on specific skills such as speaking, pronunciation and grammar.

It generally takes at least 400 hours of learning to become an independent speaker. This is a long journey which can be accelerated through increased exposure to French games, movies, magazines, audio CDs and other authentic content. Engaging with anything in French is a step in the right direction.