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King Edward VI Handsworth School,
Rose Hill Road, Birmingham B21 9AR
T: 0121 554 2342
F: 0121 554 3879
E: office@kingedwardvi.bham.sch.uk
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In this section
In this section
German
Aims
The German department aims to provide students with the opportunity to become familiar with both the spoken and written language, as well as broaden their understanding of the culture of German-speaking countries. Germany is Britain’s biggest trading partner and is Europe’s most powerful economy. German is also the most spoken first language in Europe with around 100 million native speakers. Germany has a rich heritage in science, philosophy and the arts.
Curriculum and Assessment Maps
Year 7
| Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year | Scheme of Learning
Autumn Term |
Scheme of Learning
Spring Term |
Scheme of Learning
Summer Term |
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Family
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School
Hobbies and Sports
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Food and Drink
Locality, Homes, Rooms
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Assessment Pieces
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Assessment Pieces
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Assessment Pieces
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| Key vocabulary |
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| Outside the taught curriculum | Cultural information about Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Christmas traditions including carols “Stille Nacht” and “Kling Glöckchen” Spelling Bee – Summer Term |
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| How our Year 7 Curriculum relates to the Key Stage 3 German National Curriculum | Grammar and vocabulary
♣ identify and use tenses or other structures which convey the present tense, with examples of verbs in other tenses ♣ use and manipulate a variety of key grammatical structures and patterns, including voices and moods, as appropriate ♣ use accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation. Linguistic competence ♣ listen to a variety of forms of spoken language to obtain information and respond appropriately ♣ transcribe words and short sentences that they hear with increasing accuracy ♣ initiate and develop conversations, coping with unfamiliar language and unexpected responses, making use of important social conventions such as formal modes of address ♣ develop and use a wide-ranging and deepening vocabulary that goes beyond their immediate needs ♣ use accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation. |
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| Suggested Reading/ resources | www.vocabexpress.com for vocabulary practice
www.quizlet.co.uk for vocabulary practice www.senecalearning.com for vocabulary practice www.memrise.com for vocabulary practice Mary Glasgow Magazines available in school library / Class readers |
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Year 8
| Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year | Scheme of Learning
Autumn Term |
Scheme of Learning
Spring Term |
Scheme of Learning
Summer Term |
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| Assessment Pieces
Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing about where I live (November) |
Assessment Pieces
Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing about clothing and the future tense (February) |
Assessment Pieces
Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing about holidays and the past tense (June) |
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| Key vocabulary |
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| Outside the taught curriculum | Cultural information about Germany, Austria and Switzerland | ||
| How our Year 8 Curriculum relates to the Key Stage 3 German National Curriculum | Grammar and vocabulary
♣ identify and use tenses or other structures which convey the present, past, and future as appropriate to the language being studied ♣ use and manipulate a variety of key grammatical structures and patterns, including voices and moods, as appropriate ♣ develop and use a wide-ranging and deepening vocabulary that goes beyond their immediate needs and interests, allowing them to give and justify opinions and take part in discussion about wider issues ♣ use accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation. Linguistic competence ♣ listen to a variety of forms of spoken language to obtain information and respond appropriately ♣ transcribe words and short sentences that they hear with increasing accuracy ♣ initiate and develop conversations, coping with unfamiliar language and unexpected responses, making use of important social conventions such as formal modes of address ♣ express and develop ideas clearly and with increasing accuracy, both orally and in writing ♣ speak coherently and confidently, with increasingly accurate pronunciation and intonation ♣ read and show comprehension of original and adapted materials from a range of different sources, understanding the purpose, important ideas and details, and provide an accurate English translation of short, suitable material |
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Year 9
| Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year | Scheme of Learning
Autumn Term |
Scheme of Learning
Spring Term |
Scheme of Learning
Summer Term |
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Family, Relationships and Marriage
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Technology in Everyday life
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Free-time Activities
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| Assessment Pieces
Listening and Reading tasks about Family, Relationship and Marriage |
Assessment Pieces
150-word Writing Task about use of technology |
Assessment Pieces
Speaking, Reading and Listening Tasks about Free-time Activities |
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| Key vocabulary |
Sentence builders
Textbook pp. 28-29 |
Sentence builders
Textbook pp. 40-41 |
Sentence Builders
Textbook pp. 62-63 |
| Outside the taught curriculum | Cultural information about Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Residential Trip to the Rhineland in Germany (from Summer 2023) |
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| Suggested reading | Kerboodle.com Vocabulary builders | ||
Year 10
| Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year | Scheme of Learning
Autumn Term |
Scheme of Learning
Spring Term |
Scheme of Learning
Summer Term |
Increased Mastery of:
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Germany and Customs
Home, town, neighbourhood and region
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Healthy/Unhealthy Living
The Environment
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Holidays and Travel
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| Assessment Pieces
Writing task about your local area |
Assessment Pieces
Reading and listening tasks about healthy/unhealthy living and the environment |
Assessment Pieces
Oral Task on holidays (Year 10 exam week) |
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| Key vocabulary | AQA GCSE GERMAN HIGHER (RED)
Textbook pp.74-75, pp.94-95 AQA Specification vocabulary |
AQA GCSE GERMAN HIGHER (RED)
Textbook p. 107, p.124 AQA Specification vocabulary |
AQA GCSE GERMAN HIGHER (RED)
Textbook pp.136-137 AQA Specification vocabulary |
| Outside the taught curriculum | Cultural information about Germany, Austria and Switzerland | ||
| Suggested reading | Kerboodle.com Vocabulary builders
AQA Specification vocabulary |
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Year 11
| Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year | Scheme of Learning
Autumn Term |
Scheme of Learning
Spring Term |
Scheme of Learning
Summer Term |
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My Studies
Education Post 16
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Charity and Voluntary work
Homelessness and Poverty
Revision
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Revision
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| Assessment Pieces
Mock Examinations (Listening, Reading and Writing) |
Assessment Pieces
Speaking Mock |
Assessment Pieces | |
| Key vocabulary | AQA GCSE GERMAN HIGHER (RED)
Textbook pp.156-157, pp, 168-169 AQA Specification Vocabulary |
AQA GCSE GERMAN HIGHER (RED)
Textbook p.106 and 125 AQA Specification Vocabulary |
AQA Specification Vocabulary |
| Outside the taught curriculum | Cultural information about Germany, Austria and Switzerland | ||
| Suggested reading | Kerboodle.com Vocabulary builders
AQA Specification Vocabulary |
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Year 12
| Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year | Scheme of Learning
Autumn Term |
Scheme of Learning
Spring Term |
Scheme of Learning
Summer Term |
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Family
Technology
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Youth Culture
Traditions and Customs in German-speaking Countries
Der Besuch der alten Dame (Set Text) |
Art and Architecture
Berlin Cultural Life -past and present
Der Besuch der alten Dame (Set Text) |
| Assessment Pieces
Speaking about family/technology |
Assessment Pieces
Reading and Listening from Terms 1-2 |
Assessment Pieces
Writing on set text |
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| Key vocabulary | AQA A LEVEL GERMAN
Textbook pp. 26-27 pp.46-47 |
AQA A LEVEL GERMAN
Textbook pp.66-67, pp.86-87 |
AQA A LEVEL GERMAN
Textbook pp. 106-107, pp.126-127 |
| Outside the taught curriculum | Cultural information about Germany, Austria and Switzerland | ||
| Suggested reading | Euronews.net
Fokus/ der Spiegel Der Besuch der alten Dame + secondary literature Nancy Thuleen German Grammar (website) |
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Year 13
| Key Learning Constructs to be developed over the academic year | Scheme of Learning
Autumn Term |
Scheme of Learning
Spring Term |
Scheme of Learning
Summer Term |
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Immigration
Integration
Set Film : Goodbye Lenin |
Racism
Germany and the EU
Youth and Politics
Germany and Reunification
Set Film: Goodbye Lenin |
Revision |
| Assessment Pieces
Writing on der Besuch/ Good Bye Lenin |
Assessment Pieces
Mock exam |
Assessment Pieces | |
| Key vocabulary | AQA A LEVEL GERMAN
Textbook pp. 26-27 pp.46-47, pp. 66-67 |
AQA A LEVEL GERMAN
Textbook pp.86-87, pp.106-107, pp. 127-128 |
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| Outside the taught curriculum | Cultural information about Germany, Austria and Switzerland | ||
| Suggested reading | Euronews.net
Fokus/ der Spiegel Der Vorleser, Good Bye Lenin + secondary literature Nancy Thuleen German Grammar (website) |
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Further information
Staff
- Mr D Thomson (Head of German)
- Miss M Todd (German)
- Mrs C Gardner (German)
- Mrs T Richards (French and German)
Additional Information
Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)
All pupils in Year 7 learn German as one of two foreign languages, which they will continue to at least Year 9. In Year 7 they will have 4 periods of German per fortnight, whilst in Years 8 and 9 this will reduce to 3. One period may occasionally be based in a computer room, in order to practise ICT skills and revise vocabulary and grammar through a variety of engaging sites. Classroom lessons contain a wide variety of listening, speaking, reading and writing activities, using a number of stimulating and challenging resources, tailored to prepare pupils for the new-style GCSE curriculum.
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
Students who opt to take the GCSE course will have a good grounding in the subject from Key Stage 3, consolidating on some previously learnt material as well as developing their competencies in new topic areas. In each Year students will have 5 periods of German per fortnight, using a new course book with accompanying interactive resources. We currently follow the AQA examination syllabus. The four components are: Listening (25%), Reading (25%), Speaking (25%) and Writing (25%). All skill areas are assessed by final exam in Year 11. During the course there will be a lot of emphasis on grammar and translation skills, as well as heightening pupil awareness on current and historical cultural matters.
Post 16 (A Level)
The A-level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and to society. The specification has been designed to be studied over two years. In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic life of German-speaking countries. In the second year, further aspects of the social background are covered, alongside the German political landscape, both in relation to Germany itself and its role on the European stage. The past and the way Germany shapes the present is viewed through the reunification and its consequences while the focus on young people and politics looks forward to shaping the future of German-speaking countries. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where German is spoken, and their language skills. They will do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in German. Students following this specification will develop their language knowledge, understanding and skills through a variety of strategies and themes, including translation, literature and film. In the second year there will also be the opportunity to personalise study to a specific area of interest, which will then be examined as part of the spoken component.
How can parents help?
How To Help Your Daughter To Improve
Whenever possible, you could encourage your daughter to:
- Read the teacher comments and where relevant act on them.
- At GCSE and A’ level, carefully read the assessment criteria and examiner’s report before assessments or examinations
- Use the text book to read ahead to be ready for new topics.
- Make revision materials at the end of each topic
- Keep up-to-date with vocabulary learning
- Review her work frequently
- Use the text book to consolidate classroom learning
- Use the internet sites suggested later to research unfamiliar topics
- Explain her lessons to you
- Ask her teacher for a more detailed explanation
- This is not a full list, the techniques she uses in other subjects may also work with German
Where next
Here are just a few areas in which the application of German would prove to be useful:
- Business
- Travel and Tourism
- Arts (especially Music) and Science (2nd most published language for scientific journals)
- Teaching
- Academia
- Translation and interpreting
- Any profession that requires confidence in communication, flexibility, the willingness to embrace a new challenge
Opportunities out of lessons
German Opportunities Out Of Lessons
- Key Stage 3 Residential to the Rhineland
- Weihnachtsmarkt in Birmingham (German Christmas Market)
- Brieffreunde (Pen pals)
German Opportunities Parents Can Provide
- Trip/holiday to Germany, Switzerland or Austria
- Work Experience/Contacts with international/German-based companies
Useful links
Useful German Websites
- ARD and ZDF (television channels)
- GCSE Bitesize German (good for Year 10 and 11 exam practice)
- Keep Learning and Revising (grammar, vocabulary and games)
- German-games.net (good for practicing KS3 and 4 vocabulary through topics)
- Languages Online (grammar, vocabulary and games)
- Goethe-Institut (cultural institute)
- AQA GCSE German (GCSE website)
- AQA A-Level German (AS and A2 website)
- youtube.com (various videos in German for all levels and topics)