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 now do a joint Exchange with the Boys' Division, our partner
school being the Hardtberg Gymnasium in Bonn. 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!