CURRICULUM SUBJECT
German
The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.
— Ludwig Wittgenstein, (20th century Philosopher)
Why study German? Well, German is the second most widely spoken language in Europe, with over 200 million speakers globally. It’s one of the most readily adaptable languages for English speakers to pick up and is a door opening skill for numerous career paths, including: Engineering, Law, Fashion, Politics and Economics.
Study of this subject also presents the opportunity for students to visit the historic and innovative country itself and practice their knowledge in real-life scenarios.
In Year 7, our students learn German as part of the languages carousel. For many students, German is a new language, so we ensure to engage our students with fun, interactive and cultural-based lessons to enthuse them about the acquisition of the language and ease in the learning process. By the end of the first year, students will have a firm grasp upon the language’s fundamentals.
In Year 8, students who have chosen to study German as their second modern foreign language can broaden and deepen their knowledge of the language and culture in weekly lessons. At Kew House school, we understand the essential link between engagement and retention during the learning process, implementing multiple fun and interactive methods into the teaching of each module. There is still a strong focus on communication, although grammar is taught in a contextual way to give the students the tools to use the language more creatively and with greater flexibility.
Classroom learning is also supported by highly rated and engaging resources: Stimmt and ActiveLearn which are both packed full of content and will greatly aid students in the preparation for GCSE exams.
Choosing to advance your German knowledge to GCSE level, will also allow students to participate in exciting learning opportunities outside of the classroom, such as the International Café which we run for European Day of Languages, trips to the BFI and through the German exchange programme which we have been running since 2016, where students will have the opportunity to visit Germany and immerse themselves in real German culture and language, but also, host a German student yourself, presenting a fantastic opportunity for an exchange of culture and language.
At A-level, the course builds on the knowledge already achieved at GCSE and constitutes of an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. Advancement at this stage can be referenced in the application of research skills, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. In depth investigation and understanding is explored throughout the topics of political and artistic culture in the German-speaking world, and aspects of political life in the German-speaking world, to give students the relevant contextual information to support their aptitude with the language itself, and aid in their integration into German life.
