Introducing the ultimate French companion for Junior Cycle students in First Year!

Ready to dive into French and make language learning fun, interactive, and accessible? Developed by experienced language authors, J’excelle ! 1 French for Junior Cycle is the perfect introduction to the language, guiding students through their language-learning journey while keeping them engaged and motivated.

Here is what makes it stand out:

Complete, structured learning: Covering key themes for CEFR A1-level Junior Cycle learners, each unit provides a well-rounded approach to the essential language skills. With dedicated sections for each skill that can be accessed in the order that suits your planning and your student’s needs, rather than a prescribed schedule, this book allows for full flexibility and autonomy in your teaching.

Vocabulary made easy: Each unit kicks off with a ‘réseau de mots’ – an extensive vocabulary section with audio, giving your students the essential words and phrases for each topic. Perfect for building strong foundations!

Grammar with a twist: Grammar concepts are introduced inductively within each unit. Students will enjoy learning grammar with the help of Biscuit, our clever ‘chien détective’, who leads them on a fun journey of discovery through language patterns.

Interactive video clips: Short, relatable video clips featuring native French speakers bring each unit to life, making the topics feel authentic and engaging for students.

Effective revision tools: Every chapter ends with a two-page revision test – perfect for reinforcing learning and spotting any gaps. Plus, with learning objectives and a self-assessment page, students will be able to track their progress and prepare for success!

Quick access to key points: A laminated vocabulary and grammar page provides quick access to key points, so students are never left searching for the right words or rules. Just scan the QR codes in the book for instant access to audio and video resources, both in and outside the classroom! Plus, they are embedded in the eBook, making learning easy. Exercises that allow students to create a unique and diverse student portfolio are highlighted throughout.

Cultural insight through fun and interactive activities: Students get an introduction to key aspects of life and culture in French-speaking countries. Pair and group work, including quizzes, board games and conversation exercises, encourage active participation and peer learning.

Each unit also makes a clear link to student wellbeing, in line with the principles of the Junior Cycle specification, helping your students feel connected to the language in a meaningful way.

What’s in it for teachers?

The J’excelle ! 1 package offers comprehensive teacher support:

• Complete solutions to all exercises, a guide to the difficulty level of each activity, and a suggested marking scheme for the end-of-unit tests ensure you are fully equipped to assess student progress effectively and efficiently.
• To help your planning, you can access adaptable sample lesson plans and schemes of work.
• Further revision material and tests are also provided.

Whether you are a seasoned teacher or new to teaching French, J’excelle ! 1 offers everything you need to deliver an engaging, effective, and fun French course for your First-Year Junior Cycle students.

The authors

Niamh O’Rourke teaches French and German and is the author of several textbooks, including the very successful Viel Spaß! German series for Junior Cycle.

Léo Macheda was a French language assistant in Ireland and now teaches at Lycée Lamartine in Macon, France.