Course content & levels

Our courses are built around the needs of learners, according to the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Four skills are covered in each level: listening, reading, speaking and writing.
This dynamic program covers a wide range of subjects, and favors a linguistic approach based on communication and play. Students are encouraged to act and interact in French, whatever their level. 

A1

Level A1 in French corresponds to a beginner's level, where the learner acquires the essential basics of the language. At this stage, the learner becomes familiar with simple words and short sentences, enabling him or her to communicate in very basic everyday situations.

In French, at A1 level, you'll learn to introduce yourself, and talk about yourself, your family and those around you. Basic notions such as greetings, numbers, colors and everyday objects are explored. Grammar at this level includes simple structures such as verbs in the present tense, definite and indefinite articles, and personal pronouns.

Oral and written comprehension and expression skills are gradually developed. We practice understanding simple announcements and short instructions, and writing small texts such as personal messages or simple notes.

Overall, level A1 is a crucial initial stage where the learner becomes familiar with the sound, basic vocabulary and first structures of the French language. It's an exciting stage, because it's where everything begins on the journey towards mastery of this beautiful language.

A2

Level A2 in French represents a stage after the beginner's level (A1) where learners begin to consolidate their basic knowledge and broaden their language skills. At this stage, we deepen the knowledge acquired at the previous level, while exploring new concepts to better interact in everyday situations.

At A2 level, we continue to develop vocabulary by exploring more varied themes such as leisure, travel, work and so on. Sentences become a little more complex, and we learn to express simple opinions on familiar topics. Grammar is enriched with the introduction of new verb tenses (such as passé composé), adverbs, prepositions and complementary pronouns.

As far as communication skills are concerned, the focus is on listening to simple dialogues, announcements and everyday conversations. In writing, we begin to draft more elaborate texts, such as personal e-mails or simple descriptions.

Overall, level A2 represents a phase in which learners strengthen their linguistic foundations and familiarize themselves with more complex concepts, while continuing to progress towards more fluent, autonomous communication in French.

B1

At level B1 in French, the intermediate stage is reached, where language learning becomes more advanced. At this stage, the learner begins to feel more at ease communicating in a variety of everyday and professional situations, even if this still requires some support.

At B1 level, vocabulary is considerably enriched, and more complex subjects such as society, culture, health, the media, etc. are covered. We learn to argue, express opinions and debate on familiar subjects. Grammar becomes more elaborate, with mastery of new verb tenses, subordinates and nuances of language.

As far as comprehension is concerned, progress is made in the ability to understand longer discussions, radio broadcasts or simple press articles. Oral and written expression becomes more precise and fluent, enabling you to write more detailed texts and take part in more complex conversations.

All in all, level B1 marks a significant advance in mastery of the French language. Learners feel more comfortable interacting in a wider range of situations, and begin to acquire a certain autonomy in their use of the language.

B2

At level B2 in French, learners reach an advanced stage where they are able to communicate much more fluently and precisely. At this level, the language is mastered to a degree that enables more sophisticated interaction in a variety of personal, professional and academic contexts.

At level B2, vocabulary is further enriched, covering more complex and specialized topics. Topics include politics, economics, literature and more. Grammar becomes more subtle, with advanced use of verb tenses, grammatical subtleties and a better understanding of the nuances of the language.

Oral and written comprehension at this level enables the learner to grasp longer, more complex content, such as speeches, TV programs or in-depth press articles. Oral and written expression is more refined, enabling the writing of structured texts, essays and active participation in complex debates and discussions.

Overall, level B2 represents advanced competence in French. Learners are able to communicate independently and fluently, understand a wide variety of texts and express themselves with ease in most situations. It's a level that opens the door to more advanced academic, professional and cultural opportunities in the French language.

C1

At level C1 in French, the learner reaches a level of advanced competence, very close to complete mastery of the language. At this stage, communication is highly sophisticated and precise, enabling nuanced and complex expression on a wide range of topics.

At C1 level, vocabulary is very extensive, covering a wide range of specialized topics. Complex subjects such as philosophy, science, international politics, etc. are explored. Mastery of grammar is advanced, with fluent and precise use of verb tenses, grammatical structures and a fine understanding of linguistic nuances.

Oral and written comprehension is highly developed, enabling you to grasp long, complex speeches, academic presentations, debates and in-depth literary texts. Oral and written expression comes almost naturally, enabling us to adapt to different language registers, write complex texts and argumentative essays, and participate actively in demanding academic or professional discussions.

In short, level C1 represents a high degree of proficiency in French. Learners at this level are able to express themselves with ease, precision and nuance in a wide variety of contexts, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the language and its associated culture. This level opens the door to advanced academic and professional opportunities in the French-speaking world.

C2

At level C2 in French, the learner achieves the highest degree of linguistic competence. This level represents an almost complete mastery of the language, enabling virtually native communication in all contexts, whether academic, professional or social.

At C2 level, vocabulary is extremely extensive and varied, covering highly specialized topics. Grammar is virtually perfect, with fluent and precise use of verb tenses, the most complex grammatical structures and a deep understanding of linguistic subtleties.

Oral and written comprehension is highly advanced, enabling understanding of highly complex speeches, academic lectures, specialized debates and dense literary texts. Oral and written expression is highly refined, enabling the learner to adapt to any language register, to produce elaborate texts and in-depth analyses, and to participate proactively in high-level discussions.

In short, level C2 represents near-native mastery of French. People who have reached this level are able to express themselves with an ease, precision and linguistic richness comparable to that of native speakers. It is the highest level of linguistic competence and opens the door to the most advanced opportunities in academic, professional and cultural fields in the French language.

Rules and Regulations

Article 1: Purpose and Scope

The Alliance Française de Lille is a training organization located at 2 rue Bernos, 59800 Lille. These regulations are established in accordance with the provisions of Articles L6351-1 et seq., L6352-3, L6352-4, and R6352-1 through R6352-15 of the Labor Code.

It applies to all students, regardless of the length of the course they have chosen. Its purpose is to:

  • clarify the application of health and safety regulations within the organization;
  • establish general and permanent rules regarding discipline, as well as the nature and severity of applicable penalties;
  • to reiterate the procedural safeguards available to students regarding disciplinary actions.

SECTION 1: OPERATING RULES

Article 2: Training Schedule

The class schedules are set by the Alliance Française de Lille and communicated to students at the time of registration or via email. Students must adhere to these schedules and arrive on time so as not to disrupt the smooth running of classes and out of respect for the instructor and fellow students.

Article 3: Absences, Late Arrivals, and Early Departures

In the event of an absence, tardiness, or leaving before the scheduled time, students must notify the Alliance Française de Lille office by email at info@aflille.org, as well as the instructor, who may send the assigned work via email.

If a student arrives more than 15 minutes late for a daytime class, they may enter the classroom after the break. If a student is more than 15 minutes late for an evening class, the Alliance Française de Lille will be closed, and students will not be able to attend their class. 

In addition, students are not allowed to leave the class without a valid reason, including to answer the phone.

Article 4: Care of Minors

Minors aged 16 to 18 may enroll in courses at the Alliance Française de Lille provided they have a signed parental consent form at the time of registration; they remain under the sole responsibility of their legal guardians. 

If adult students enrolled at the Alliance Française de Lille are responsible for supervising minors due to exceptional circumstances (illness, teacher absence, etc.), they may under no circumstances bring minors with them to classes at the Alliance Française de Lille.

Article 5: Pets

Pets are not allowed on the premises, with the exception of guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Article 6: Dress Code and Conduct

Students are asked to dress appropriately for the learning environment and to behave in a manner that respects basic rules of etiquette and social conduct.

The wearing of religious symbols, including the headscarf, is permitted. Individuals working and/or studying at the Alliance Française de Lille may be required to keep their face visible during activities that require identification, educational communication, or interaction with the public, when justified by the nature of the activity and the operational requirements of the institution.

When activities take place at locations outside the institution, the rules of the host institution apply, provided that all applicable legal requirements are met.

Article 7: Use of Equipment

At the end of the course, students must return all materials and documents in their possession that belong to the organization, with the exception of course materials distributed during the training. Students are also prohibited from taking any items belonging to the organization without written permission.

Article 8: Consumption of Food and Beverages

It is prohibited to:

  • to eat in the classrooms during class sessions. Outside of class hours, students may bring food into the classroom only with the permission of the administration of the Alliance Française de Lille. Students must clean the tables and the classroom after eating, whenever possible;
  • bringing alcoholic beverages into the premises. Alcohol consumption is permitted only during tasting events or parties organized by management;
  • to enter the establishment while intoxicated.

Article 9: No Smoking

Smoking and/or vaping are strictly prohibited in classrooms and throughout the school premises.

Article 10: Use of Cell Phones

The use of cell phones is prohibited during classes and activities at the Alliance Française de Lille, except for educational purposes authorized by the instructor 

Only the teacher or a representative of the institution may authorize their use when deemed necessary. The use of cell phones during breaks is permitted outside the building and tolerated in the lobby as long as it does not disturb others.

SECTION 2: HEALTH AND SAFETY

Article 11: General Principles

Preventing accidents and illnesses is essential and requires compliance with:

  • the health and safety rules applicable at the facility;
  • all instructions issued by the management of the Alliance Française de Lille (or any person acting on its behalf), particularly regarding the use of the equipment provided.

Everyone must ensure their own safety and that of others by following general and specific safety and hygiene guidelines.

Anyone who notices a malfunction in the security system must immediately notify the management of the Alliance Française de Lille or a representative of the organization (staff member or volunteer).

Failure to comply with these instructions may result in disciplinary action.

When training takes place at a company or institution that already has internal regulations, the health and safety measures applicable to students are those set forth in those regulations.

Article 12: Fire Safety Guidelines

In accordance with Articles R. 4227-28 et seq. of the Labor Code, fire safety instructions—including a map showing the locations of fire extinguishers and emergency exits—are posted on the premises so that all students are aware of them.

They must immediately follow the evacuation instructions given by the teacher or a member of staff.

Current safety guidelines must be strictly followed, especially in the event of danger or fire.

Anyone who witnesses a fire breaking out should immediately notify a representative of the Alliance Française de Lille and then call emergency services by dialing 18 from a landline or 112 from a cell phone.

Article 13: Incidents and Accidents

Any accident or incident occurring on the premises of the Alliance Française de Lille must be reported immediately by the student involved or any witnesses to the head of the training organization.

In accordance with Article R. 6342-3 of the Labor Code, the organization shall, where applicable, file the necessary reports with the relevant authorities (CPAM / Social Security Fund) in accordance with applicable regulations

Article 14: Loss and Theft

The Alliance Française de Lille assumes no liability for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal belongings left by students on the premises.

SECTION 3: PENALTIES

Article 15:

Any violation of these regulations may result in disciplinary action taken by the management of the Alliance Française de Lille or its representative, depending on the severity of the offense: a verbal warning, a written warning, or temporary or permanent exclusion from the course.

No disciplinary action may be taken unless the student has been informed of the allegations and given the opportunity to present their case during a preliminary hearing.

Fines are prohibited.

Where applicable, if the training is funded by a third party (an employer or funding organization), that party may be notified of any sanctions imposed, in accordance with applicable requirements.

SECTION 4: PUBLICATION OF THE REGULATIONS

Article 16: Publication

These regulations are posted on the Alliance Française de Lille website and displayed at the reception desk.