German
Staff
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Ms Olga Mezza
Key Stage 3
Students enjoy 3 periods of German per week. Currently there is one class in each Year Group. In Year 8, initial emphasis is on pronunciation skills and understanding and responding to spoken German. Students gradually build up their reading and writing skills as they become more confident. These skills are evident in the bright classroom displays.
We use Pearson text books Stimmt!1 in Year 8 and Year 9 and Stimmt!2 in Year 10. Teachers have access to the books online which offer lots of scope for role-play, listening, reading, writing and interactive ICT activities, covering topics such self, family, pets, hobbies and free-time, school, food and drink, holidays and daily routine. Students also have online access to ‘Quizlet’ and 'Pearson Active Learn' where they can practise vocabulary, reading, listening and grammar skills at home.
GCSE
Exam Board CCEA
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At the end of Year 10, students can choose to continue their German studies at GCSE level (currently CCEA examining board). 5 periods per week are allocated at Key Stage 4. We also use the Pearson Active Learn Stimmt! GCSE textbook and students have access to online grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening activities from home to work independently and to reinforce learning. The three learning contexts at GCSE extend prior knowledge from Key Stage 3. These are: Identity, Lifestyle, and Culture, Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest and School Life, Studies and the World of Work.
Students are provided with booklets to support their study of the course. Additional support materials are available online e.g. via One-Drive and Quizlet. Revision classes are available in the second term of Year 12 to assist with exam preparation.
For more information, visit the CCEA GCSE German microsite: http://ccea.org.uk/german/
A-Level German
Exam Board CCEA
Students may choose to study German at AS or A Level (CCEA syllabus) and 9 periods per week are allocated at Key Stage 5. The aim of the course is to equip students with an in-depth knowledge of the language, enabling them to converse fluently across a wide range of topics and write German with a high degree of accuracy, as well as offering insights into the culture and civilisation of German-speaking countries. Students also attend conversation classes with the German Language Assistant.
At both AS and A2, students sit a speaking (approx. 11-15 minutes with an external examiner), listening, reading and use of language exam in the summer term. AS accounts for 40% of the overall A Level.
For more information on the course, visit the CCEA GCE German microsite: http://ccea.org.uk/german/
Post A-Level German and Careers
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German is the main business language after English and is extremely useful for careers in engineering, publishing, travel and tourism and banking. German is also a good choice for careers in translating and interpreting and offers many opportunities for studying and/or working abroad.
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Undergraduate degrees in German may be combined with a wide range of subjects or with other languages, for example:
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Art History and German BA
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Chinese and German MA
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Economics with German BA
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German and Business Studies BA
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German Studies and Computing BSc
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Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) BSL/German MA
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Enrichment
Throughout their study of German, students learn about culture, food and festivals as well as language.
From Year 8 spelling bees to A Level film and careers events, we promote language learning for life. Students have had the opportunity to take part in educational visits to Berlin and Cologne at Key Stage 3.
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