Lower School
German is fun, lively, up-to-date, and has many trips to practise the language. Pupils can choose to study German as an additional foreign language, beginning in Lower IV (Year 8). The department adopts a lively, modern approach, using communicative methods and the regular practice of all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The course covers a broad range of pupil-centred topics, such as Introducing Oneself, School, Family, Free Time, Home Life, In Town, Eating and Shopping among others. Vocabulary is introduced in an exciting way by using flashcards, power point, tape, oral practice and lists. The essential grammar is taught and practised with plenty of exercises, whilst the Multi Media Lab allows plenty of listening and oral practice. The German teachers are native speakers, enthusiastic, experienced, visit the country very regularly, and love their subject deeply.
Trips to Germany abound. For LIV (Year 8) and UIV (Year 9) there is the ever popular trip to the Christmas Markets in Aachen, Bonn and Cologne. The itinerary seeks to blend culture in the broadest sense and the educational experience, and includes the Museum of Federal Germany’s History, Cologne and Aachen Cathedrals, as well as a visit to Bonn for some shopping. The highlight is the Chocolate Museum.
Pupils can also begin to participate in the long standing exchange with a school in Würzburg, which continues through all year groups.
GCSE
German follows the OCR syllabus. Teaching styles and methods are continued and enhanced by a deeper study of the grammar and workings of the language. German culture is studied more closely by extended use of reading texts, as well as topics such as music, food and drink and customs and traditions. German students at the University also assist with small group oral practice in UV (Year 11). The examination comprises four papers, testing the four skills. Further details can be found on the OCR website.