French GCSE help...

[crunched]

DS is in Yr 10 and is not a natural linguist - to put it mildly!- but a modern foreign language is not optional at his school.

I had it in mind to send him to a 'French in France' summer school but now realise that this is not only exorbitant but he would dread the idea. I know we could look at tutors but I would really like an intensive week or so to boost his confidence and not to drag on throughout the school term when he has homework, clubs etc. Anyone found such a course?Any where in the UK would be do-able.
He is not at all enthusiastic about anything academic so the donkeywork would need to be done whilst on the course.

There are a number in Central London. I googled them last year so can't remember details but shouldnt be too hard for you to find.

Could you plan a family trip to France during the summer?

Being exposed to the language would be good, and should help him see the point of what he has been taught. Even a short trip can be useful.

I think you will pay a lot for an intensive course and I doubt this is what he needs. Probably what he really needs is a weekly lesson with a tutor working primarily on helping him prepare for controlled assessments and giving him a boost in his confidence. You need to find a good tutor and make sure it is someone who is used to GCSE rather than just someone who is a native speaker.

Plus a holiday to France whilst lovely will not help your ds with his GCSE course!

Thanks. I found a couple in London for adults but couldn't see one for teens that didn't consist of sessions over a period of weeks or where other subjects were covered - I know a good one in Oxford that needs 3 GCSE subjects per week.
Would love the family trip to France but think leaving the business will be impossible the way things are - and yes, cansu, suspect we would not be able to force him to converse.
Just hate the idea of tutors, I want him to develop confidence and pleasure in speaking/listening to French, not pile on the pressure.

Any language schools near you, where they are hosting French youngster over the Summer ? Maybe you could offer your son as someone to practice their English on for an hour in exchange for an hour when just French is allowed to be spoken ?

I found that doing a French speaking competition really helped my confidence when I was in Year 10. Whilst it may not be what you're looking for, Alliance Française de Londres might be good. Private tuition, group tuition, speaking competitions etc

I think Learn4Good, Cactus Language and Dolphin Languages offer classes and camps, but I have no personal experience with them so I can't comment on their quality.

This might help for a bit - listening practice he could do at home for free ..

www.agreenmouse.com/french-food-and-drink-listening-practice/
www.agreenmouse.com/je-mappelle-billy-french-listening-for-children/
www.agreenmouse.com/french-preposition-practice/

(From my blog - A Green Mouse - here on Mumsnet)

BackforGood great idea, we are near Stratford on Avon so loads of places for foreign students and I'll check out the places you mention ICanTotallyDance.

Never braved a Mumsnet blog but now I will, agreenmouse

Green Mouse - fantastic! have just tried out on DS2, and he like it - praise be - thanks!!!!!!

Thank you, MrsSalvoMontalbano! I won't say any more as my work speaks for itself, but it's lovely to have a friendly comment like yours.

Oh yes agreenmouse , he loved it ! Specially the Playstation football, very appropriate...

Oh good, that's great news. I wish him well!