Students can opt for German in Year 8, continuing until the end
of Year 9 or up to GCSE.
We use a new, modern course which incorporates recorded and
visual material supplemented with readers and material from other
sources. We train students in reading, speaking, listening and
writing skills and offer a good grounding in grammar. Above all we
wish to make their study of German interesting and enjoyable.
Regular use is made of the ICT suite and the new language facility.
Pupils from Year 11 onwards have regular conversation lessons with
the German Assistant who also runs the German Club.
At AS and A2 we follow the AQA specification. The emphasis is on
developing linguistic skills through the study of German culture,
literature and institutions, and through independent study and
research. The Department has a large stock of books, magazines and
DVDs which students may borrow. They also have access to on-line
resources.
We have longstanding, close links with our partner school, the
Michaelsschule, in Paderborn. Years 9-11 and Sixth Formers
regularly take part in this Exchange. Some have also undertaken
work experience in Germany. There is a popular five day visit to
the Rhineland for Year 8, which provides an enjoyable introduction
to the German way of life. Year 11 students and Sixth Formers are
invited to participate in our German Study Weekend at Patterdale,
which takes place in March, and in events such as Language Days at
Salford University and film evenings with conversation over coffee
and cakes!