Bienvenue!
I am a native French speaker with 25+ years of experience teaching French, and I am qualified as a teacher in the UK (PGCE).
I offer classes for individuals and groups, from holiday French to GCSE and A-Level support, in Stroud, Tetbury and Cirencester. I teach online too.
Steph
hello@frenchcentral.co.uk
07455 938682
Group courses & conversation
STROUD French improvers
Fridays 18.00-19.30 in Rodborough This is a lively and interactive course aimed at those who want to refresh their knowledge and build their confidence speaking French. The course will introduce new structures and vocabulary gradually. All materials are provided by the tutor. £20 per session.
CIRENCESTER French conversation from 15/04
Structured French conversation in a friendly setting to help you improve your French whilst having fun. The focus will be on speaking and listening. Expect to develop your fluency, your vocabulary, and grammar. These sessions focus on communication, not heavy grammar instruction. Suitable for those who prefer a discussion-led format rather than textbook study. £9 per session.
Wednesdays 10:00-11.15 Toro Lounge, Cricklade St. All welcome. Sign up: hello@frenchcentral.co.uk
TETBURY French conversation from 17/04
As above.
Fridays 9.45-11:00 Cotswold Coffee Bar, Church St. All welcome. £9 per session. Sign up: hello@frenchcentral.co.uk
Individual classes
I offer 1 to 1 classes in Stroud, Cirencester and Tetbury. I also teach online. My lessons are designed around each student’s particular needs and I use a wide range of materials that are current and up-to-date as part of my teaching. I love teaching and I love languages, and I just love to see my students progress and grow in confidence, it truly is the best thing. I will say that it is never too late to either start learning French from scratch, or to pick it up again after a period of dormancy, and I can help you ease back into it.
Fees: £30* per one-hour session and a one hour taster session is £25.
* for those on low income, I can offer a discounted fee. Please ask: hello@frenchcentral.co.uk
Events
Saturday 18 April Conversation and games Amberley Inn. 5:00-6:30pm. Come and practice your French in a relaxed setting whilst playing games. Expect to learn and have fun! This is for anyone who has an intermediate level of French and can converse. £9 per session. Limited spaces. Sign up/more info here: hello@frenchcentral.co.uk
Sunday 12 April: French walk and talk on Rodborough Common 10-11:30
About me
Originally from Nouvelle-Aquitaine, I now live just outside Stroud in Rodborough with my family and our cat, Plum, who is also bilingual. I hold a PGCE in Modern Languages from Exeter University and an MA in Literary Studies. I have a full and up-to-date DBS certificate and can provide references from tutees’ parents, and adult learners who I have taught/teach. Currently I teach privately, my book club and my community groups (see below) keep me busy, and I also volunteer with the U3a. I have taught all levels and ages: for many years, I taught French at the university of Bristol, and I currently run a ‘French Fun club’ at a local primary school.
Community groups
Le Cercle français de Stroud is a friendly group of proficient non-native French speakers; immersive, French language only. On se réunit une fois par mois pour discuter en français, voir un film etc. Pour plus d’informations, ou pour vous joindre à nous, contactez-moi au: 07455938682
Le groupe francophone Les P’tits Loups de Stroud a pour but de réunir les parents et les enfants (de 0 à 15 ans) qui communiquent en français à la maison. Le club est ouvert à tous les parents, quelles que soient leur nationalité et leur langue maternelle, qui possèdent une bonne connaissance du français et souhaitent la partager avec leur.s enfant.s en leur parlant en français au quotidien dans le cadre de leur vie familiale. On se retrouve régulièrement pour faire vivre la langue française et encourager les enfants à la parler, dans un contexte ludique. Rejoignez-nous ici: www.facebook.com/groups/lesptitsloupsdestroud/
French book club: we are a friendly group who meets once a month at the Amberley Inn; we read - and discuss - books in French, and discover francophone authors from around the world. Every month we read a different book and meet over coffee for an hour and a half. If you are interested, then we’d love to hear from you! hello@frenchcentral.co.uk
2026 programme:
January: Tant Mieux (2025) Amélie Nothomb. Friday 20/01
February: Mon Mari (2021) Maud Ventura. Wednesday 25/02
March: Un Soir d’Eté (2024) Philippe Besson. Wednesday 25/03
April: Truismes (1996) Marie Darrieussecq. Wednesday 29/04
May: Trois Femmes Puissantes (2009) Marie NDiaye. Wednesday 20/05
June: Trois (2022) Valérie Perrin. Part 1. Wednesday 24/06
July: Trois (2022) Valérie Perrin. Part 2. Date TBC.
August: Le Quai de Ouistreham (2010) Florence Aubenas. Date TBC.
September: La Traversée de la Mangrove (1992) Maryse Condé. Date TBC.
Resources
Here are some free resources that I recommend for language learning:
https://www.waterstones.com/book/bescherelle/9782218065910all the verb tables you’ll ever need, in one book, or use the Bescherelle online conjugueur here: https://conjugaison.bescherelle.com/
https://www.wordreference.com/my go-to online dictionary
https://quizlet.combrilliant learning platform with quizzes, flashcards, games
https://francaisfacile.rfi.fr/fr/ news from around the francophone world for learners of all levels , with exercises
https://www.youtube.com/@francaisavecfluiditeinteresting videos and learning tips (astuces) from French teacher Fabien; on Instagram too: https://www.instagram.com/francaisavecfluidite/
https://apprendre.tv5monde.com/frTV5 Monde has a really good range of learning resources, whatever your level
https://open.spotify.com/show/04xgaUm233iT1Th8hWGDyNgreat podcasts in an accessible format
https://lyricstraining.com/fr/#google_vignettefor learning through songs
The Connexion - News and guides about France in EnglishFrench news in English. Also helpful advice about immigration, Visas etc.
https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scaleunderstanding CEFR levels/finding your level
https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb57for CEFR descriptors in French and in English here:https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb52
Language-related accounts I follow:
https://www.instagram.com/sophiasgaler/
https://www.instagram.com/monsieur_proff/