A private school in Bermuda has forged links with the largest language school in France for foreigners.

La Maison Francaise Bermudes will become the testing centre for anyone seeking certificates or diplomas in French.

Owner Riquette Bonne Smith told The Royal Gazette she has worked out an agreement with l'Alliance Francaise in Paris.

"I sent them information about the school (here). They reviewed the programme and felt it was strong enough to be a centre of examination,'' Mrs. Bonne Smith said, adding that the achievement was unprecedented.

"This is very important because all of the European countries have gotten together and have evaluation across the board.

"For example, in Switzerland in order to work in the government system one needs that diploma.

"For Bermuda it will be proof of the proficiency level in French.'' Explaining the role her school will play, Mrs. Bonne Smith said l'Alliance Francaise will send the exams to Bermuda and students will sit both the written and oral parts.

"I will then send it back and they will grade it,'' she explained.

In order to achieve the lower level certificate, the student must complete a minimum of 125 hours of French.

A minimum completion of 250 hours of French will qualify students for a higher certificate level. Four hundred hours will secure them a diploma in the language. And for an advance diploma, students must complete 600 hours.

The centre will work with a range of individuals, from high school students to adults seeking to teach French, Mrs. Bonne Smith said.

"The centre will be open for anyone,'' she added. "High school students can prepare in their last year for the exams. College students and adults in the workforce who want certification in French to teach can prepare for the exams.

And people who want certification in interpretation can also use the centre.

"It's not always easy for people to leave and go to France. So now they can learn here and that may inspire them to further their studies in France.'' L'Alliance Francaise will also send a representative to Bermuda to hold training workshops for local teachers.

Mrs. Bonne Smith said she planned to make a presentation concerning this to the Education Department shortly.

The agreement will also provide another avenue for Bermudians to go to France to study.

"We can test them here and send them to the appropriate programme at l'Alliance Francaise,'' she said.

"The school is always looking for areas where we can make changes and bring opportunities to others.'' For further information, call 296-5676.