AF Frames

Language classes at the Alliance cover 3 levels: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced.

Each level is divided into steps (ranging from 4 to 5), each of them being taught for one session). It then takes 4 sessions or one year to cover each level and to evolve, for instance, from 101 (as a complete beginner) to 104.

The textbook Connexions is been progressively introduced into the curriculum. It will be used for all levels in early 2009.

AF Levels

Material/Manual

Number of instruction hours

A1

101

Connexions 1
Module 1

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

102

Connexions 1
Module 2

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

103

Connexions 1
Module 3

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

104

Connexions 1
Module 4

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

201

Connexions 2
Module 1

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

202

Connexions 2
Module 2

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

Basic User A2

203

Connexions 2
Module 3

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

204

Connexions 2
Module 4

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

301

Connexions 3
Module 1

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

302

Connexions 3
Module 2

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

B1

303

Connexions 3
Module 3

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

304

Connexions 3
Module 4

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

305

Connexions 3
Module 5

24 + 12 ind. Coursework

Independent User

B2

Workshops

A1

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Basic User

A2

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

B1

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Independent

B2

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

C1

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Proficient User

C2

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.