Curriculum - German
What makes German special?
In German students are immersed in the language from day one. The primary emphasis of lessons is using the language for all classroom needs and situations so that students become fluent in the classroom context. They are then taught to transfer this to other contexts making students confident communicators. This is a real asset in the work place considering that Germany has the strongest and biggest economy in Europe and is the most widely spoken language in the European Union.
What skills will you develop from studying German?
• Confidence in expressing yourself in another language
• Engaging with German grammar develops your cognitive skills, actually making you more intelligent!
• An appreciation and understanding of German speaking countries and their culture, as well as German films
• Literacy skills
• Improved ability to think creatively and critically
• The roots of English are found in German and studying German improves your English
What other opportunities are available in this subject?
• Language events in the Learning Resource Centre
• Opportunity to visit Berlin
• Opportunity to visit Cologne and Aachen Christmas Markets
• Penpal project with German and Austrian schools
What topics will you study in Years 7 and 8?
An introduction to German is offered to all students in Year 8. Some students will be taught German in class and in addition, all students have the opportunity to attend German club.
• Classroom language
• School rules
• Information about yourself
• Past activities and future activities
• A series of paintings by germanophone artists
What topics will you study in Years 9, 10 and 11?
YEAR 9
• German culture including German cake tasting, German Christmas traditions and carnival
• German school
• German music
• German film, ‘Das Wunder von Bern’
• Healthy living and sport
YEAR 10 AND 11
Students work towards the GCSE course focusing on topics such as holidays, education and work, family and relationships, environmental issues and life in the German Democratic Republic. The skills of speaking, writing, listening and reading are all developed. At the end of Year 11 students sit their GCSE exam with a listening, reading, writing and speaking exam; each element is worth 25%.
What courses are available post 16?
• A Level German