Welcome to Jenny's French and English Courses
Whether you’re a current student of Jenny's French and English Courses or visiting us for the first time, this section can provide helpful information for you. Take a look below and check back often for the latest updates.
Who I am
What I teach
Bonjour! I am Jenny. I grew up in England but developed a passion for France very early on - thanks mainly to a number of extended camping holidays with my family. I also did several home to home exchanges with my penpal, Isabelle, and we still remain friends. I went on to study French and German at Bath University and then qualified as a Modern Languages teacher. Isabelle became an English teacher! For the next 20 years I taught French, German and Spanish (which I learned along the way, so I know what it is like!) to hundreds of young people in comprehensive schools and to adults in Gloucester Prison, Thailand and elswhere. In 2003, we made a life decision to move to France (with our 10 year old daughter!) and have been here ever since. Soon after our arrival I set up “Jenny’s French Courses” giving English-speaking adults the language skills to enjoy France.
I have over 15 years' experience of teaching the sort of French you need to get the most out of your time in France.
I concentrate on the speaking and understanding skills to face such challenges as making appointments, dealing with officials and tradespersons as well as 'just' chatting- which could of course be about anything under the sun... or rain!
My lessons aim to be effective, but also enjoyable, sociable and confidence-boosting. They are organised in small groups according to your standard.
How I teach
Group size
As an English speaker myself, I have been able to identify and then develop techniques to overcome those difficulties people often find daunting when learning French (pronunciation, coping with grammar).
We don't follow a course book, but I base my lessons on actual events, podcasts, and authentic materials.
There is very little writing on your part required. In the lesson we concentrate on speaking and understanding, although after each lesson I do send out lesson notes and suggested follow-up work.
As everyone learns in different ways, we make use of visual materials, songs and recipes recipes to help with understanding and memory.
I find that small groups, rather than private lessons, are more effective and motivational for most people. A great feeling of support, encouragement and of "we are all in this together" quickly develops.
If you are unsure of which group is appropriate for you, email me and we can have a chat to work out what would best suit you.
If after a couple of lessons, you want to try out a different level,
I can usually make that happen.
There may on rare occasions be a reason why someone might need one to one lessons, eg for a specific job. If I can fit these in, I will.