Learning German will inspire you to engage with the world, different societies and cultures and broaden your tolerance, adaptability, knowledge and thinking skills.
| Teacher in charge of German | Mrs D Williams |
In Year 7, all students have the opportunity to experience each of the four languages on offer at Bishop Luffa (French, German, Spanish and Latin) within a carousel over three terms. Students have 5 periods per fortnight. Before the end of Year 7, students will be asked (in consultation with parents/guardians) to decide on one language to study for Year 8 and 9. From Year 8, where possible, classes are grouped in order to support student ability.
In Years 8 and 9, students study their chosen language for 5 periods per fortnight. In Year 9, students start the GCSE course. There is an expectation that students continue their chosen language through to GCSE in Year 11. We offer students the opportunity to study A'Level French, German, Spanish and Latin in Years 12 and 13. Further details about the A'Level courses are available on the Sixth Form website.
Vision
Students will develop their linguistic confidence in a safe and supportive environment in which they are encouraged to take risks. The lessons foster cooperation, collaboration and teamwork. Students will develop their linguistic skills through the use of authentic materials (songs, articles, stories) in a positive atmosphere. Their teachers are experts in building positive relationships and they will have high expectations of students to engage and adapt to the pace of their lessons. Students will find teachers draw on their own experiences, which helps to take the subject outside of the classroom. They will be challenged to question where you have seen German used in the wider world, outside of school. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a residential visit abroad.
German Learning Journey
This is a visual representation of how students' knowledge and skills develop through the German curriculum.
(click on the image below to view a larger version)
Why Study German at GCSE?
Whatever plans you may have for the future, knowledge of German will increase your options. When you learn German you acquire a range of skills which can improve the quality of both your work and private life:
- You will be able to communicate effectively and present yourself in front of others
- Stand out from the crowd (particularly for university or job applications)
- Improve your understanding of your first language
- Germany has the biggest economy in Europe. In business, knowing the language of your German business partners improves your relations and therefore your chances for effective communication and success.
- In the tourism and hospitality industry tourists from German-speaking countries travel far and wide, and are the world’s biggest spenders when on holiday. They appreciate being looked after by German-speaking staff and tour guides.
There are also many opportunities to study/work in Germany: Germany awards a generous number of scholarships and other support to study in Germany. Studying a language develops your skills and you as a person. Studying German means you open up a new range of experiences and a new world to yourself.
Outline of syllabus content: Over the course of Year 10 and Year 11 students study the following broad topic areas or themes:
Identity and culture
- Me, my family and friends
- Technology in everyday life
- Free-time activities
- Customs and festivals in German-speaking countries/communities
Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Home, town, neighbourhood and region
- Social issues
- Global issues
- Travel and tourism
Current and future study and employment
- My studies
- Life at school/college
- Education post-16
- Jobs, career choices and ambitions
Students develop their skills in speaking, writing, reading and listening as well as their vocabulary and knowledge of German grammar. There are opportunities to discover German and Germany through the culture and students have access to a wide range of paper and electronic resources to help them expand their vocabulary and to follow their own as well as class interests.
GCSE Assessment
Students are assessed by terminal examinations in the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Each exam is worth 25% of the total mark.
There are two tiers of assessment: Foundation and Higher.
Translation of short passages of German into English or English into German feature in the reading and writing exams.