German

German is the second modern language taught to GCSE, AS and A level. It is also taught as a major A1 subject for the International Baccalaureate.

Aims and Philosophy

Our aims in the department are:

for pupils to develop the ability to use German effectively for purposes of practical communication
to offer insights into the culture and civilisation of Germany, Austria and Switzerland
to instill appropriate study skills, so that pupils are equipped to pursue further their learning of German or to undertake the acquisition of other languages

Course Content

Pupils begin German in Year 8. Thereafter at least one set continues up to GCSE (AQA/Edexcel) in Year 11. In recent years the majority of our candidates have passed with B, A or A* grades. We have introduced new courses 'Echo Express' and 'Logo', which have an innovative and interactive approach to both grammar and vocabulary - this allows pupils to build up their own reference material. We supplement the course with a range of other authentic materials, a proportion of which we receive directly from sources in Germany and Austria.

Sixth Form

In the Sixth Form we follow the WJEC syllabus and specifications. The A and AS level course builds on a number of the topics first encountered at GCSE and develops them further with a particular slant. Seventeen and eighteen year-olds will be able to relate easily to the subjects under discussion. Using a wide range of materials (newspaper and magazine articles, video and audio media, posters, advertisements, internet) students discuss and write about topics such as the 'world of work', the leisure industry, 'health and fitness', drugs and alcohol, contemporary politics, the environment, education and training, food and travel and other related issues. Sixth Form Germanists are encouraged to subscribe to 'Authentik' in German and to spend some time in Germany or Austria during their holidays. Opportunities for this abound.

From September 2009 we offer German as a Higher Level literature-based IB course for those of native-speaker standard.

Foreign Visits

We have run successful exchange schemes and language-study visits to Hamburg, Passau, Berlin and Munich (2010). Participants derive cultural awareness, confidence and linguistic benefit from these visits. Thus, we see participation in the visits as an integral part of the courses we offer.