After-School Advanced Language Courses
These on-campus, after school courses are open to French International School of Oregon graduates or high school students to prepare for the DELF/DALF exams.
The final objective for the course is to prepare for the different levels of the DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes de Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française). Both diplomas are delivered and recognized by the French Ministry of Education and will take the place of an exam for entrance to a French University, if chosen. French International is one of the few centers in the U.S. authorized to administer the exams.
Each exam (A1-A2-B1-B2-C1-C2) tests ability in communication and comprehension, both oral and written. Each level represents a level of proficiency and difficulty that approximately doubles each time; while A1 demonstrates a novice level, C2 demonstrates an almost native level of proficiency in the language. During class, students work on all four skills: oral and reading comprehension; oral and written expression. The first three levels (A1, A2, and B1) usually seem within easy reach to students coming out of an immersion program. The B2 to C2 levels require abilities beyond strong language skills. At these levels, students must demonstrate competency in synthesizing information, constructing arguments, writing essays and debating, as well as knowing and understanding the culture behind the language. Being aware of and knowledgeable on current issues and trends in the cultures pertaining to the language is an important aspect of the testing. This is the reason why we tend to recommend that more mature high schoolers wait to take the higher levels. Over the years we are noticing that the students who do not rush through the exams but take the time to acquire stronger language skills and more importantly intellectual maturity are more at ease, confident and pass with high scores.
Level 1 (B1) is the level recommended for students entering 9th grade. The exam is easier and gives the students a taste of what is to come. For students re-enrolling in a DELF/DALF class, the teacher reserves the right to make a recommendation as to what level to register for, depending on the grade obtained at the exam. A student passing the B2 with 80 percent or below will most likely not be ready for the C1 six months later. Similarly, teachers will evaluate which exam a student should sit for. These classes are demanding in terms of attendance and work during class. Homework will be requested outside of class, especially as students get into the higher levels (B2-C2). Sporadic attendance and lack of personal work will hinder a student’s success on the exam.
Most classes meet for 90 minutes with no break. The DELF Plus class is 2 hours long. The adult class is one hour in length. All classes and exams take place at the French International School of Oregon.
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Level 1 (Delf B1 Junior) For Immersion Students - Tuesday 5:00-6:30 PM
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Level 2 (Delf B2 Junior) For Immersion Students - Tuesday 4:00-5:30 pm
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Level 3 (Dalf C1) For Immersion Students - Wednesday 4:30 - 6:00 PM
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Level 4 (Dalf C2) For Immersion Students - Wednesday 4:00-5:30 PM
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Level 5a (Delf Plus year 1) For Immersion Students - Thursday 4:00-6:00 pm
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Level 5b (Delf Plus year 2) For Immersion Students - Thursday 4:00-6:00 pm
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Level 6 (French for adults) For Beginning Language Students - Monday 4:30-5:30pm (registration opening in August)
The class is $850 for the full year for levels 1 through 4. For candidates taking the C2 level and planning to take the exam in March of 2024, the fee will be $595. Students who take the C2 exam in June will pay the full $850. The fee for level 5 (DELF Plus) will be $900. The fee for the adult class will be $800 The fee is a tuition for the duration of the class, regardless of attendance, and will not be prorated for leaves of absence.
For more information, contact the Middle School Office.