For beginners and those with a little knowledge (i.e. have completed WEA languages for Fun and Travel course). This year-long course will bring together textbook learning, grammar, phonetics and conversation in a fun, inclusive and relaxed atmosphere. Textbook required: Alter Ego+A1. There is a break between terms.
This course is taught by one of the following WEA Tutors:
Annabelle Leray
Annabelle is a native French speaker from Normandy, driven by a strong passion for sharing her language and culture.
With many years of teaching experience, she has worked with learners of all ages, levels, and goals, whether for travel, professional needs, school support, or personal interest, both individually and in group settings.
She previously taught French at the WEA for several years and is delighted to return next February to welcome new students.
In addition to language teaching, Annabelle is also a Well-being coach and passionate about Indian culture, Yoga and Vedic philosophy, which she teaches passionately as well.
Arnaud Benassy
Arnaud Benassy has been teaching at WEA since January 2022.
Raised in the Haute Savoie région, Arnaud also lived in Paris before moving to Adelaide in 1996, and his passion for sharing French culture and language is as strong as ever.
With many years of experience in teaching at all levels, Arnaud loves hearing about a student’s experience after their trip to a French-speaking country, and their pleasure and pride in having been able to communicate.
His other passions include DJing, entertaining and organising cheese nights and kayaking.
Course Description
French 1 is a beginner-level course designed for students who are new to the French language or have completed an introductory course such as WEA’s "French for Fun and Travel" course.
This year-long program provides a strong foundation in French through an engaging mix of textbook learning, grammar, phonetics, and conversation.
The course focuses on practical communication skills for everyday situations while fostering a fun, inclusive, and relaxed learning atmosphere.
Whether you're learning French for travel, personal enrichment, or as a stepping stone to further study, this course offers a structured yet supportive environment to help you build confidence and fluency.
Each unit introduces key vocabulary and grammar, supported by real-world communication goals and cultural insights into French-speaking countries.
Students will engage in conversation practice, listening activities, reading and writing exercises, and interactive class discussions.
With a focus on everyday French and cultural understanding, learners will gain the tools to introduce themselves, talk about their environment, ask for directions, describe people and places, and express preferences.
By the end of the course, participants will have developed essential language skills and a deeper appreciation for the French way of life.
Course Structure
Over the course of the year, students will progress through structured units that focus on communication in everyday situations. Each unit integrates grammar and vocabulary with cultural and conversational practice to create a well-rounded learning experience.
Starter Unit (Dossier 0): Discovery
- Linguistic goals: Learn how to introduce yourself; use definite articles, country names, and nationalities.
- Pragmatic goals: Introduce yourself, ask for and give personal information, use polite expressions.
- Cultural goals: Discover French first and last names; understand social customs related to introductions in France.
Unit 1: Getting to Know Others
- Linguistic goals: Use the verb avoir (to have), possessive adjectives, days of the week.
- Pragmatic goals: Greet someone, take leave, introduce yourself, express possession.
- Cultural goals: Understand daily time references in France, and the use of tu vs. vous (informal/formal “you”).
Unit 2: Here and Elsewhere
- Linguistic goals: Use verbs like prendre, descendre, aller; prepositions of place; country names.
- Pragmatic goals: Ask for and give directions, write a postcard, express opinions about places.
- Cultural goals: Discover iconic places in Paris; understand the city layout and districts (arrondissements).
Unit 3: Who Are You
- Linguistic goals: Use verbs like aimer, adorer, détester; the verb faire; descriptive adjectives.
- Pragmatic goals: Talk about likes/dislikes, activities, professions; describe people.
- Cultural goals: Explore typical French hobbies and cultural activities; compare leisure practices.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Introduce themselves and ask for basic personal information
- Use common French verbs and grammatical structures confidently
- Understand and use vocabulary related to travel, people, places, and daily life
- Ask for and give directions using simple prepositions and verbs
- Talk about their hobbies, preferences, and professions in French
- Read and comprehend simple texts and postcards
- Develop cultural awareness of French customs and everyday practices
- Improve pronunciation through guided phonetics and conversation practice
- Gain the confidence to use French in practical, real-world situations.
Course Textbook
The textbook required for this course is Alter Ego+A1 and Alter Ego+A1 Cahier d'activités.
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