Calling Marslady - can I ask you a couple of questions about OU french please?

[changer22]

Just that really. Trying to work out logistics and skill between L192 and L120 and the summer school...

Oh, I did L120 about 8 years ago. Assume course content may have changed a little but level would be teh same. Can I help? What do you need to know?

Thanks said.

Well... I've started on L192 which began at the beginning of November and is going fine - although I could do with more practice with the speaking... Anyhow, L120 starts at the beginnning of February and runs until September (like L192) but only has 4 TMAs. I am tempted to do this too, partly because I want to crack on with the French (if I don't do it this February, I have to wait a whole extra year) and partly because I want to immerse myself in it fully IYKWIM. Also, the stand alone summer school in Caen this year is the last one and I would like to have a firm foundation of French to make the most of going to it.

So... what level French did you have for the L120 and how much study did you find yourself doing?

I know (through looking through old threads) that Mars did both courses running concurrently and went to the summer school too which was I aimed the question at her but I would be interested to hear your experience of L120.

Hello

Well, when I did it it was just a 30 point course and there was no summer school. Think that was on the next course. So, can't comment on that bit. I had done (and failed!) A-level French about 20 years earlier. However, at the time I did L120 (and the reason I did do it, tbh) was that I was having private French tuition - only 1 hour per week. I'd been seeing my tutor for about a year but felt I needed a course to give me some structure/reason to continue. I did also go to as many of teh 3 hour monthly tutorials as possible but less towards the end of teh course (when I felt some people had advanced more quickly than me...) Anyway, the TMAs were a mixture of listening to a recording and then having to write a piece covering some of teh aspects that you'd heard. Plus, there was a piece to read from which you then had to record yourself speaking about. (only for 2/5? (can't remember exactly) minutes)

The exam consisted of submitting a piece of writing (you had plenty of time to do it) and an oral exam. For this you were given notice of teh subjects to talk about and you had to speak in your group for 2 minutes (longer than it sounds). The other group members did likewise and then you had to have a "debate" for a further 8/10 minutes. Unless you were totally mute in this bit, you'd be unlikely to fail.

Fortunately, because I had a French tutor, I was able to go through my TMAs with her - she helped with the listening bit (my weak point) and she reviewed my final written exam bit for obvious errors (agreements, etc) but I didn't use her for style or content - just to explain more clearly the areas I was weak on. Presumably the OU tutor would also have done this but easier for me to use my personal tutor.

I really enjoyed it; it was my indulgence for no end purpose. I just like French and wanted to improve it. Have to say, 8 years later I feel as though I'm back to where I was pre-course but by the end of the course (and certainly after the Sat tutorials) I did feel so much more confident and able.

Hours per week depended on when teh TMA was due. I could spend a long time on the written bit - a couple of hours each night in the week it was due. Other than that, probably just my weekly lesson?

Hope that helps and ask if you need any more info.

Thanks for all the info. I don't know whether I am kidding myself about doing it. I want to find it challenging without being over my head. (To be honest I'd like to be there sans enfants learning it right now )

The summer school isn't linked to either L192 (beginners) or L120 (intermediate) but is there for people who want to practise/learn their French in France. Apparently beforehand they test you and put you in an appropriate group. Then you do various workshops, classes, etc. It sounds good fun and I think it would be really good for my French.

The fact that 2010 is the last year it is being run is hanging over me. The next higher French course has a compulsory summer school but I feel I need to be there and use my French before I get to that level. I'm not sure I would get to that level anyhow without spending some time in France and I think there is a limit to the amount I would use on a family holiday.

Oh deliberations! Apart from the learning side, there is also the money and the DCs to consider... Part of me says they are 'only' level 1 courses so wouldn't count for much if I don't come out of them with great results, the other part of me says that I have to make sure I learn everything properly and take my time doing it.

(My previous French was O'level grade E and a CSE grade 2 back in '87 but I did loathe my French teacher).

Oh, I think if you can do the summer school you should. And if they set you appropriately it should be worthwhile. I was never able to do them so had to discontinue studying French (which I was quite pissed off about). Am jealous that you can go.

The range of abilties was quite wide but if you're doing the beginners class and finding it ok then L120 is the next logical step and that, and the summer school, should be geared for people in your exact position, non? (Bit of French there)

I think complete immersion is the only way abd the nearest you'll get to that is the summer school. Honestly, I used to feel a bit buzzy after the 3 hour tutorials so imagine you'll feel exhilerated after a week in France. And surely there will be many/most who will be feeling as "What have I done?" as you. Good luck

Are you able to come/tempted this time? If you wanted to look it up it's LXR122.

Hmm, not sure I could do it really. Am not "in the zone" re French atm. But love the idea of swanning off and leaving everyone else here at home just to indulge myself for a week.

Ah well, if you change your mind let me know and we can meet up.

Hi Changer ,
I was in Caen last summer and would highly recommend it .
The course was fantastic and the tutors all very good and enthusiastic.
Would recommend also you try to immerse yourself throughout the year where possible.
ie play French Cd's etc in the car and DVDs when ironing etc.. just get French all around you where poss !

Good luck

Hi Babbi - Thanks for that. I'm just waiting for my Tesco vouchers to swap up to pay for it. I'm really looking forward to it.

I've decided against the L120 now. Nothing quite like having all the DCs at home because of the snow to make me realise that my 'free' (French) days are open to being taken over by unexpected events!

Because I have a dependent (I'll still be breastfeeding DS2) I have permission to live off campus at Caen; so the whole family will be renting a house so that I can attend the course.

While the OU have given their consent for this, they point out that the daily hours are long. As someone who has been there, would you say that it (spending at least a couple of hours morning and evening with the family) was do-able?