Our programme of study places equal emphasis on classroom language and an immersion in authentic language and culture - from the news media, radio, television, or internet.

Pre-U French reinvigorates the process of language learning by promoting awareness of culture and authentic language, by developing critical skills and by emphasising effective, appropriate and accurate communication.

Our course is designed to encourage learners to think laterally, critically and creatively, and to acquire good problem-solving skills.

What advice would you give to anyone considering studying French Pre U?

I would tell any students considering the French Pre-U course to approach this subject with an open mind. Languages in general are challenging subjects to study and Pre-U French is no exception. However, when you put the work in and spend the extra hours on independent study each week, the results are always so rewarding. I would advise all students to fully immerse themselves in not only the contents of the course and lessons, but also the language itself, beyond the classroom. I spent a lot of my time listening to French podcasts (there are many online which are targeted towards A-Level students), reading posts and watching YouTube videos from French social media influencers and playing French music in the car when I drove to school. I highly recommend that students do this, as it breaks the barrier between ‘academic studies’ and ‘personal life’, until the point when you’re actively embracing the French language and culture without even realising. I would also say that with the broad spectrum of material covered in the Pre-U course, there is always going to be an area of study which you find interesting. What I loved about this course was that there was the freedom to research an area further and then discuss your findings with the language assistant in your allocated time each week. This was really beneficial, as you not only improve the quality of your spoken French but you also develop your critical analysis and understanding of a matter in another language. This is a skill which very few individuals have following their A Levels and, consequently, you can offer an additional skill (communication with French-speaking individuals) beyond your A Level qualification.

How do you intend to use your language in the future?

Currently, I don’t have a specific career path which I would like to pursue in the future. However I am currently studying both French and German at University, which is extremely beneficial as they allow me to keep my studies broad until I know what I would like to do. Studying both French and German can be hard work at times, but I have found that in some areas of my personal life, it has really benefited me. For example, languages force you to manage your time effectively. At both A Level and degree standard, you are expected to regularly complete some form of independent study, be that reading literature in the language, consolidating areas of weakness in your knowledge of grammar or watching a French film. So, managing your time is really important, as you need to ensure that you can do all of these ‘extra-curricular’ tasks. I have also found that there are many similarities between the Pre-U course and the degree course, which has undoubtedly made the transition to university a little easier. Because of the small cohort at CHS, there are many parallels with university seminars as, in both cases, you prepare the material during independent study (part of homework during the Pre-U course) and discuss with other students.

Why did you enjoy studying languages so much?

Studying languages isn’t about learning every word in the dictionary or understanding every grammar point, it’s about compassion towards the people and appreciating their culture and way of living. Languages encompass the history of the country, the origins of the language and the politics of the people. I enjoy reading and analysing literature and films in English, so by doing this in French, I am building a communicative skill whilst also studying an area of interest. Languages are also really fun - there is something that it is quite desirable about pushing yourself to become better at a skill. It will all pay off in the end!