At A-level, students can become so focused on exams that they forget one of the reasons for learning French: to help develop confident, effective communication skills; to develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning. This conference will encourage students to consider their study of the language in a broader context; to gain pleasure from learning and speaking French.

The day will be an opportunity for pupils who are studying for a new-style French A-Level (from all examination boards) to focus on the key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, and prepare for topics in the examination, in a fun, stimulating and interactive way, as well as a chance to meet students from other schools to swap ideas.

In our workshops we place students in a university environment where they are made to feel comfortable; but we demand much from them in a short time.

During the morning students receive help and language hints from the workshop leader. We choose a topic from any of the AS or A2 range and create a presentation, often a video, which demands teamwork and a pooling of skills and knowledge. For example, we might choose 'Environment'. Students discuss in the target language, plan, prepare, rehearse and produce a weather forecast for the whole world for the next hundred years. This is an intellectual and linguistic challenge. Extrovert students naturally gravitate to camera; introverts tend towards pen and paper. This optimises the teamwork.

Later in the day another project is developed on a different topic, for example, 'Youth in Society'. The introverts are encouraged to the camera (now that they have seen how easy it is) and extroverts to the paper. Perhaps students will produce a video about the rights and responsibilities of young people in the form of an interview.

At the end of the day the students have learned much new vocabulary; they have gained confidence, and they have learnt to work in skill areas in which they were previously uncomfortable.

What you will achieve:

• Extended knowledge of French and increased confidence in your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills for the new A-level examination
• Lively discussion of the topics presented at A- Level
• Sharing ideas for longer pieces of writing such as essays
• Take part in innovative activities designed to improve reading, writing, listening and speaking skills at A Level
• Understand what skills you need to develop to create a sound structure for learning inside and outside the classroom to revise effectively for the examination

To book on this course please email [email protected]

Presenter profile

Christopher Asbury has taught Modern Languages at GCSE and A Level in the State and Private Sectors for 22 years. He runs many pupil events for Network for Languages covering KS3, KS4 and KS5 German and French. Previously he had 15 years in International Business importing from and exporting to Europe. Chris will be assisted by native speakers.

Feedback from students at previous A-level conferences

Today was amazing. The conference was a real confidence booster.
Teachers were excellent – really friendly. Very engaging activities.
I feel I've learnt an awful lot today and feel much more confident in my speaking.
It was great to work with students from other schools and spend a whole day focused on French.
We should organise more trips to these language days as it really helped to boost my confidence with French.
Very pleased, it was a brilliant day! Loved it and enjoyed every bit. Very informative as well!
The event has shown me new ways to make up complex sentences in French and will help me in future. I loved the end activity.

Cost: £25 per student