Press Reviews

  • D.J. Colwell

    January 2005

    Independent Schools Modern Languages Association Newsletter

    Métro Électro offers a varied and stimulating addition to the [Métro] course. Like the book, the ICT components are divided into two parts, “Rouge” and “Vert” to cater for pupils of all abilities. The most striking aspect is the sheer volume and variety of the tasks. They mirror the modules of the course book, so that they can be usefully employed at any stage of the teaching of a module, and the integration of graphics and sound means that pupils are effectively practising several skills simultaneously, rather than moving from one skill to another. Pupils can work at their own pace, and the soundtracks can be paused and rewound to give the pupils more opportunity to listen. The exercises can be used in a ready-made sequence, or in a sequence customised by a teacher with specific objectives or limited time to spend in the computer room. Navigation is straightforward, and pupils have the option of checking their own work at the end of each exercise. Record-keeping can also be done electronically, matching marks against the register of pupils: marks are available to teacher and pupils alike. The user manual is clearly written and contains details of the various ways in which the modules may be used. It is written with teachers in mind, and technical information is kept to a minimum.

  • John Bald

    09.03.04

    The Guardian

    Métro Électro Teacher Presentation Packages are a good example of how successful book-based courses can be enhanced by presenting the activities in the books with computers. Métro is used by 2,000 secondary schools, and of these, 10% use the ICT Version [Métro Électro]. The rest would do well to try this well organised and versatile scheme.

  • Alison Thomas

    21.03.03

    TES Teacher

    Although designed to accompany the Métro textbooks, these [packages] would provide a motivating comment to any Key Stage 3 course. The Teacher Presentation Package contains eye-catching materials, including animation and video, for use with interactive whiteboards; the Pupil Activity Packages provide practice in reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar. Screenshots are colourful and uncluttered, recordings are clear and a record-keeping facility gives feedback to both students and teachers. Interactive activities range from matching pictures and texts to reordering jumbled sentences, producing illustrated written work and recording core expressions for pronunciation practice. Comprehensive on-screen support includes grammar explanations, revision tips and bilingual glossaries, leaving students with little excise for coming unstuck. All in all, this is an imaginative, versatile resource.

  • MARILYN HUNT

    March 2004

    Francophonie (Association of Language Learning)

    Métro Electro 2 Pupil Activity Package This exciting interactive ICT package designed for Year 8 is divided into red/green strands corresponding to Métro 2 Pupil Books. Each module contains sequences of activities for the first and second half of the module and extension activities in all four skills to help pupils practise and consolidate language learned in class. The colourfully visual activities are easy to navigate, most at the click of the mouse. Listening and reading tasks are particularly impressive: the soundtrack is clear, instructions have roll-over English translations and pupils can work independently at their own pace, pausing and re-playing. Listening tasks include reacting to what is heard by matching up questions/ answers, joining correct images or dragging and dropping phrases/ pictures in the correct box. Reading tasks are often linked to the listening, thus reinforcing correct pronunciation and intonation whilst linking directly with the written word. Best of all, pupils receive immediate feedback with a score, the facility to re-try or to find out correct answers, with applause for full marks! Informal speaking practice is built in with the option to record if microphones are available. Writing tasks are more open-ended with visuals and a list of prompts for guidance. Each screen contains links to bilingual glossaries (excellent click-on-the-word to hear it facility) and a grammar reference covering 20 topics, all clearly explained with colourful pictures and colour coding. Traditional grammar exercises become fun, dragging the correct part of the verb into sentences and re-ordering translations. Activities are fun, yet challenging, and an excellent way to consolidate vocabulary and structures as well as developing the four skills.

 

Customer Reviews

  • Mr J M Ferrier, Lathallan School, Montrose, Deputy Head

    "Provides smooth transition to Senior School."

  • Mrs McLaughlin, Test Valley School, Head of Modern Languages

    "As a result of using Métro we feel that our pupils have progressed more quickly through the National Curriculum levels."

  • Miss Stephens, Gartree High School, Head of Modern Languages

    "I'm so glad I bought Métro. The children are really motivated and so are the teachers. It's great to use."

 

 

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