New · Languages · French · Intermediate
French Listening & Speaking
The two skills that get judged in real time, not on paper. Understanding native-speed French as it's spoken, and holding your own the moment you have to answer.
Same syllabus as our standard track — just more classes each week, so you finish sooner.
PolarisInstituteSeat pass$239/mo
- 4 hrs/week
- 3 months
- Students per class
- Max 12
- Next start date
- To be announced
- Per month
- $239/mo
Overview
About this course
Reading and writing French give you time to think. Listening and speaking take it away - the recording doesn't pause, and neither does the person across the table. This course trains both at native speed and under real pressure: following audio the first time through, not the third; answering before you've fully translated in your head; holding a conversation instead of reciting one. You'll work with authentic audio - interviews, announcements, everyday conversation - and spend most of every session actually speaking, not being spoken at. Structured drills first, then the unscripted kind, where the only preparation that works is having done the drills.
Skills you’ll gain
- Following native-speed audio on first listen
- Extracting key information under time pressure
- Spontaneous spoken response
- Holding a conversation, not reciting one
- Pronunciation, rhythm and intonation
- Level
- Intermediate
- Format
- In-person, Halifax
- Before you start
- Comfortable with basic French grammar and vocabulary (roughly A2 and up)
- Before you start
- This course assumes reading/writing fundamentals are already in place — it spends its time on the two skills you can't build from a textbook
In the room, not on a call. Every class is in person at 1697 Brunswick Street, Halifax, B3J 2G3.
What you’ll leave with
What you’ll achieve
01Understand native speakers, announcements, and everyday conversation without a script
02Respond in real time instead of translating in your head first
03Hold a genuine back-and-forth conversation, including the parts you can't prepare for
04Walk into a listening or speaking exam without it being the first time you've done this live
Curriculum
3 modules. 12 lessons.
Each module builds on the last, so nothing is taught in isolation.
Module 1 · 4 lessonsListening at Native Speed
- 1.1Training on authentic audio, not textbook-paced recordings
- 1.2Extracting the answer before the recording moves on
- 1.3Interviews, announcements, and everyday spoken French
- 1.4Note-taking fast enough to keep up
Module 2 · 4 lessonsSpeaking Under Pressure
- 2.1Answering before you've finished translating in your head
- 2.2Structured response drills — then the unscripted kind
- 2.3Pronunciation, rhythm and intonation that actually reads as fluent
- 2.4Recovering mid-sentence instead of freezing
Module 3 · 4 lessonsPutting Both Together
- 3.1Real two-way conversation, not a rehearsed exchange
- 3.2Listening to a partner and responding, not just to a recording
- 3.3Timed practice under exam-style conditions
- 3.4Feedback on what actually costs you understanding in the moment
Dates and booking
Dates and booking
$239/mo+ tax
every date is fully booked
Prerequisites
- Comfortable with basic French grammar and vocabulary (roughly A2 and up)
- This course assumes reading/writing fundamentals are already in place — it spends its time on the two skills you can't build from a textbook
Questions
What people usually ask.
Can't find your answer? Ask us and a person will get back to you.
How does the application process work?
Can I defer my spot if something comes up?
Is this worth the investment?
What if I fall behind during the programme?
Is this only in-person?
Why is the class size so small?
Your first class is one decision away.
Tell us what suits you and we’ll let you know when the next group opens.