The first semester was very hard work, I was the only one in the class with the minimum Standard Grade needed to get into the first science module, so whearas I was at 1 at SG everyone else in the class ranged from Higher C - AH A (plus A-levels etc), so the obvious pitfall was my lack of proper grammar knowledge. The textbook we use Le Francais en Faculte, assumes that you have at least Higher French coming into University, so the course was pitched at just slightly above Advanced Higher level really, with two assesed presentations in French per week (oral classes conducted entirely in French with a native) plus written assignments every two weeks for the grammar part. I had to work a lot more than anyone else did, but I ended up getting a Honours entry grade (11.5/20, which is about 62% of the marks for coursework and exam) and very loosely equivalent to a B at Advanced Higher (I compared with friends who are still at school who were doing it at the same time as i left at the end of 5th year). My grammar work was what brought me down as i was sitting with a 16/20 for the oral.
This semester I have brought the grammar work up to the same level and I find it quite easy now because of the work last semester. I am now doing it into 2nd year. Wouldnt really recommend anyone to do it though (unless they are a glutton for punishment), cos i really wish i had done French higher. I think they are going to raise the requirement to Higher French next year anyway, because I suggested it at the class rep meeting i went to last week and it raised some interesting debate as St Andrews doesnt have beginner French modules, so they are maybe going to make it the same requirement as the first level arts course.
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