German
Aims
The aims of studying German are largely those of studying French, except that German is chosen as an optional and supplementary language to French in Year 10 and GCSE level is attained in 3 years instead of 5.
Curriculum
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Key Stage 3
Pupils move swiftly in one year through a broad selection of topics and attain a wide range of basic knowledge and confidence in the four skills: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
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GCSE
Pupils currently follow AQA Specification A. They take examinations in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The oral component is conducted and assessed by their teacher. Pupils in Year 12 also have regular conversation classes with the German assistant.
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AS / A2
The AQA German specification is continued. Pupils study a wide range of contemporary issues and further develop their competence and fluency in the four skills. Literary texts are studied at A2 level and conversation classes with the German assistant are timetabled in both years.
Facilities and Resources
Pupils are taught by specialist teachers in subject-specific classrooms. An ICT Suite exists within the Modern Languages Department, to enhance and encourage interactive learning. Reading material in French is available, both within the department and in the school library, to promote further, independent study of the language.
Additional Information
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Through a pen pal scheme, all pupils studying German have the opportunity to correspond with a young German speaker, thus having the opportunity to put into practice the skills developed within the classroom.
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We avail of Film and Study day opportunities offered to GCSE and A Level pupils by the Queen’s University of Belfast, the Goethe Institut and CILT.
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In previous years pupils have chosen to continue their study of German at university, including Oxford.
German is promoted within school via the European Day of Languages in September.
School News
BOYS’ ATHLETICS RESULTS
13th May 2008
District Championships, Antrim Forum
GIRLS’ ATHLETICS RESULTS
12th May 2008
District Championships, Antrim Forum
CHESS RESULTS
12th May 2008
UK Chess Challenge Megafinal of Northern Ireland
SHOWJUMPING RESULTS
12th May 2008
Ulster Schools’ Showjumping Spring Championships