German is the study of the German language in the cultural, political and social context of Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

It is our aim that every child at Key Stage 3 should acquire knowledge and understanding of the German language so as to be able to communicate effectively in everyday situations. Your child will be able to develop language skills that are of use in giving basic information about himself/herself and in developing confidence in asking for information in the target language. We consider it important that students develop an awareness and appreciation of cultural difference and diversity through the study of a foreign language.

Your child will:

· Be taught for two lessons a week.
· Be introduced to the subject by emphasising the oral component through listening and speaking practice
· Develop competence in all four areas of skill by accommodating different learning types and styles in the lessons
· Experience a variety of activities ranging from audio-visual methods (authentic listening material, videos, satellite TV, overhead projections) to role plays, songs and mime
· Be introduced gradually to reading and writing tasks based on oral work
· Be given ample opportunity in class to gain confidence in pronouncing words and phrases regularly regardless of ability or educational needs
· Acquire oral competence in German that will provide enjoyment and interest in learning

What will your child study?

YEAR 7

· A brief introduction to Germany, Switzerland and Austria
· Greetings and personal details
· Details about home and family
· School life including numbers and time
· Talking about food - likes and dislikes - cooking a German dish
· Buying things - talking about money (euro)
· Interest and hobbies
· Asking and giving directions
· Talking about past events

Your child will acquire basic phrases, ask questions, develop dictionary skills and be introduced to basic grammar. At the end of Year 7 students will be able to use verbs in the present and past tense.

YEARS 8 AND 9

· Talking about the weather and holiday activities
· Daily routines
· Friendships and resolving disputes
· Accepting and declining, making excuses
· Giving opinions
· Talking about environmental problems
· Talking about health and lifestyles
· Making plans for the future

Your child will expand on basic phrases, learn to use more complex sentence structure and develop vocabulary.

All students at Key Stage 3 follow the Oxford University Press course KLASSE 1-3. Your child will use book 1 in Year 7 and progress to book 2 in Year 8 and book 3 in Year 9. The course book is supplemented by a work booklet. Students are asked to purchase this additional resource through the department at reduced cost.

How will your child be assessed?

- Oral assessment in terms of class feedback
· Written class work and homework will be regularly marked and assessed
· Formal assessment will take place after every three units in the course book.
· Your child will be advised about the criteria against which this assessment is made
· Oral tests will take place in class during lessons
· Listening, reading and writing skills are assessed through specifically designed work sheets

Work set for your child will be differentiated:

· By providing appropriate extension or revision tasks
· By using a variety of teaching methods which take into account many different learning styles
· By encouraging independent learning through open ended tasks
· By praising and rewarding effort regardless of attainment level
· By providing additional help or extra time in completing the tasks
· By asking for support through classroom assistants who are familiar with German.

Homework is used to revise or extend work . In Year 7 your child will be set one homework assignment a week of approximately half an hour, increasing to one hour in Year 8 and 9 .

What extra-curricular activities will be on offer?

Your child’s acquisition of German will be enhanced by visits to Germany, Switzerland or Austria.

In Year 7 and 8 your child will have the opportunity to take part in a study tour to a major German-speaking city. In Year 9 students will be able to take part in the annual exchange with our German partner school in Bremerhaven.

Your child will also be encouraged to establish contact with a pen friend through letter writing, audio tape or email as part of our afternoon activities programme.

Click here to see information about past trips.