Au Point

The Bath Nelson Modern Languages Project is a collaboration between the University of Bath and Thomas Nelson to develop innovative course materials for students studying French and German at an advanced level.

The "Au Point" series is a communicative course for post-16 students who are preparing for A-level, AS-level or Revised-Higher examinations.

The materials have been specifically written to help students to make an effective transition from GCSE or Standard Grade to an higher level of French-language work. "Au Point" consists of: students' book; teacher's resource book (including copymasters); cassette pack (3x 90 cassettes, including one duplicating master self-study cassette); and video and IT components are currently under research.

The series has been developed with the demands of the changing curriculum and the need of a new post-16 clientele in mind. The course provides: a carefully structured bridge from pre-16 to post-16 study; a communicative approach for the four skills, including ample opportunity for creative work and examination-style practice questions; widespread coverage of the topics required by post-16 examinations, within a magazine-style format; full coverage of advanced-level grammar, including practice activities and full grammar reference section; two extended reading sections, to develop reading for interest and enjoyment; a self-study cassette to encourage independent listening; useful work on dictionary skills, language awareness and practical tips for self-study; useful work on dictionary skills and activities with a more vocational slant; and material from many parts of the French-speaking world to promote cultural awareness and contribute to cross-curricular work. This cassette pack contains: two class audio cassettes containing a variety of authentic items, including off-air recordings, interviews, dialogues and discussions; and one self-study cassette (duplicating master) to support independent listening work, and including authentic songs and advertisements, pronunciation exercises and more general listening material.