German

Back

We believe that learning and practising a foreign language is not only very satisfying in itself, but once you have it, linguistic power opens up a whole world of opportunities and experiences for you. Travel really does expand your mind and if you can visit the country and communicate with people in their own language, you'll not only encounter more friendliness and courtesy, but you also end up with a far greater understanding of other countries. Ultimately, we aim for you not only to become functional, successful linguists, but to relish a real interest and enthusiasm for other cultures. We want no Colyton student to discover that their world is limited by their language. 

Acquiring a language is not only an intellectual exercise: it's also practical and we try to ensure that almost all lessons have some practical activity. We’re always trying out games and communicative exercises so that you get the skills and confidence as well as the knowledge to make you a successful, functioning linguist. We try to strike the right balance between listening, reading, speaking and writing over a sequence of lessons and we love to use lots of different technology. 

What we do

German is a sister language of English and you will learn it swiftly.  Once you get to the end of the course, your level will be parallel with French.  The fact that you might have started the language after French does not limit your grades: previous results prove that.  

Learning German enhances your employment and mobility prospects, whether you want a career in business, engineering, the media, fashion or world-class football.  Young people in other European countries frequently learn several languages to an advanced level. English speakers of German are sought after in the world of work.  

Your GCSE in German is proof of a practical skill which can be put to effect in the largest single language grouping in Europe. (More people in Europe have German as their mother tongue than any other language.) You will find that you use this linguistic skill later in life. 

Lower Years German

  Year 7 Year 8

Autumn Term 

Personal information and personality 

Pets 

Family 

Birthday

TV Programmes 

Films 

Reading 

Languages 

Food and drink 

Recipes 

Healthy diet and lifestyle 

Spring Term

Sport and leisure 

Online activities 

Daily routine, school 

Opinions and reasons 

Facilities 

Daily routine 

Directions 

Festival 

Activities 

Clothing 

Going out 

Opinions and reasons 

Summer Term

Town 

Food and drink 

Holiday plans 

Holidays 

Perfect tense 

Weather

Role models 

Experiences 

Body parts 

Music 

Bands 

Festival 

 

Middle Years (Y9-11) German

The GCSE German course will develop your desire and ability to communicate with and understand speakers of German in a variety of contexts and for a variety of purposes. It will enable you to travel and thrive in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, broadening your horizons, developing your cultural knowledge and understanding and fostering transferable skills such as confidence, communication, problem solving and creativity. 

German is a sister language of English and you will learn it swiftly.  Once you get to the end of the course, your level will be parallel with French.  The fact that you might have started the language after French does not limit your grades: previous results prove that.  

Learning German enhances your employment and mobility prospects, whether you want a career in business, engineering, the media, fashion or world-class football.  Young people in other European countries frequently learn several languages to an advanced level. English speakers of German are sought after in the world of work.  

Your GCSE in German is proof of a practical skill which can be put to effect in the largest single language grouping in Europe. (More people in Europe have German as their mother tongue than any other language.) You will find that you use this linguistic skill later in life. 

Themes 

The three broad themes studied are: 

  • Identity and culture 

  • Local, national, international and global areas of interest 

  • Current and future study and employment  

Within these themes you will study: 

Youth Culture  

• Self and relationships  

• Technology and social media  

 

Lifestyle  

• Health and fitness  

• Entertainment and leisure  

 

Customs and Traditions  

• Food and drink  

• Festivals and celebrations  

Home and Locality  

• Local areas of interest  

• Transport  

 

France and French-speaking countries  

• Local and regional features and characteristics  

• Holidays and tourism  

 

Global Sustainability  

• Environment  

• Social issues  

• Charity/voluntary work  

Current Study  

• School/college life  

• School/college studies  

 

World of Work  

• Work experience and part-time jobs  

• Skills and personal qualities  

 

Jobs and Future Plans  

• Applying for work/study  

• Career plans  

 

Assessment 

GCSE German is a linear qualification with 100% of assessment taking place at the end of the course. There are four components: 

  • Speaking (25%) 

  •   Listening (25%) 

  • Reading (25%) 

  •   Writing (25%) 

We emphasise practical communication and help you to develop your confidence to manipulate language spontaneously so that you can enjoy and be successful in real-life social situations abroad or when dealing with German-speaking visitors. We use realistic and authentic resources and offer you the chance to apply your language skills (and gain a memorable experience) on the Eckental Exchange in Bavaria. Needless to say, as with French, you will find qualifications in Foreign Languages essential assets in your career and leisure time. 

 

Upper Years German