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12

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 2024-2025

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
1)      Mastering phonology and pronunciation

2)      Grammar  -verb second rule, forming questions, giving opinions

3)      Learning key vocabulary from the topics in bold

 ·        Pronunciation and phonology

·        Numbers 1000

·        Forming and answering basic questions

·        Greeting people

·        Alphabet phonology

·        Months and days

·        Negatives (kein)

·        sein (to be) haben (to have)

 

Family

 

·        Describing family members (physical and character)

·        Pets with descriptions

·        Regular verbs in present tense

 School

 

·        School subjects

·        Telling the time

·        Expressing opinions of school subjects

·        Verb second rule

Hobbies and Sports

 

·        Expressing opinions of hobbies and sports

·        Adverbs of frequency for hobbies and sports

 Hobbies and Sports (Continued)

 

·        Discussing what you and others do in your free time

 

Food and Drink

 

·        Mealtimes

·        Likes/Dislikes food and drink

·        Buying food and drink

·        Ordering from a menu
Assessment Pieces

·        Pronunciation Test (October)

·        Translation/ Grammar test (November)

 Assessment Pieces

·        Extended writing about self

(February)

 Assessment Pieces

·        Speaking: General Questions

·        Reading: School, hobbies, food and drink (June)
 

Key vocabulary

 

 •        The German alphabet

•        Umlauts

•        Question formation

•        haben and sein

•        Word order in simple sentences

•        Cardinal and ordinal numbers

•        Possessive pronouns “mein“and „dein”

•        negatives with „kein”

•        Subject pronouns

•        Intensifiers

•        adjectives (after nouns)

•        Definite and indefinite articles

•        Sentence buiders

 •        “Verb second” word order

•         Gern, nicht gern, lieber, am liebsten (opinions)

•        Present tense verb formation of key verbs

•        Clock times

•        Denn for justifying opions

•        Word order with time

•        Sentence builders

 •        Structures for buying and ordering food

•        Subjunctive: möchte/hätte

•        Quantities and containers

•        Prepositions + dative (einem/einer/einem, dem/der/dem)

•         Es gibt + accusative (einen/eine/ ein)

•        Relative clauses with „wo“

•        Modal verbs dürfen andn können

•        Sentence builders
Outside the taught curriculum Christmas traditions including carols “Stille Nacht” and “Kling Glöckchen”

Spelling Bee – Summer Term
 

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.
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
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
1)      Mastering phonology and pronunciation

2)      Grammar – Dative case, using and understanding the future tense, understanding fundamental word order, using and understanding the past (perfect) tense

3)      Learning key vocabulary from the topics in bold

 ·        Where I live

·         

·        Saying What I can do in my neighbourhood

·         

·        Saying what there is to do in my street

 ·        Clothes and Accessories

 

·        Weather and free time

 

 ·        Future plans and holidays

 

·        Holidays: talking about a past holiday, where we went and where we stayed

 

 

·        Talking about a recent day trip
Assessment Pieces

Dictation and Writing about where I live

(October/November)

 Assessment Pieces

Listening, Reading and Translation about clothes (February)

 Assessment Pieces

Speaking about my holidays

(June)
Key vocabulary

 

 •        Ich wohne in/ Ich lebe in + location

•        Mir gefällt meine Nachbarschaft + weil+ adjective/noun phrase/infinitive

•        Grammar: clauses with weil, negation with kein

•        Man kann + infinitive

•        Man kann + noun/prepositional phrase

•        Bin ich habe ich + past participle

•        Grammar: Modal verb können + infinitive, Perfect tense with haben and sein + past participle

•        In meiner Straße gibt es + noun phrase

•        Noun + locative adverbial/prepositions + prepositional phrase

•        Mein Haus + ist/befindet sich + location

•        Es gibt kein/keine + noun + adbverbial

•        Grammar: Using locative adverbials and prepositions, kein/keine, masculine/feminine/neuter/plural: von dem /von der/ von den

•        Time adverbial + verb phrase + um +time + noun phrase + adversative clause

•        Time adverbial + verb phrase + um +time + prepositional phrase + adversative clause

•        Aber/jedoch + time adverbial + modal verb + infinitive

•        Grammar: Reflexive constructions with reflexive pronouns in dative (mir) or accusative (mich), present tense of modal verbs

 •        Giving a wide range of words for clothing items and accessories

•        Using a range of words for places in town

•        Full present tense conjugation of tragen

•        Revising:

o   Time markers, frequency markers, colours, self-introduction phrases, adjective endings in accusative case after einen/eine/ein

•        Learning words for places in town

•        Learning how to answer questions about clothes

•        Revising:

o   The full verbs “machen , “gehen“ and “spielen“ in the present tense, pets, places in town, clothes, family members, numbers 1-100

•        Learning how to talk about:

•        What you intend to do on future holidays

•        Where you are going to go

•        Where you are going to stay

•        Who you are going to travel with

•        How it will be

•        Means of transport

•        Revising:

o   “gehen”, free-time activities, previously seen adjectives

 •        Verb in perfect tense + time marker + noun or prepositional phrase

•        Verb phrase in perfect tense + casual clause

•        Local adverbial + verb in past tense + prepositional phrase

•        Grammar: perfect tense of fahren, anreisen, wohnen

•        Preposition in + Dativ or Akkusativ

•        Prepositions auf, bei and nach + Dativ

•        Time marker + perfect tense + noun phrase

•        Time marker + perfect tense of fahren and anreisen + noun phrase + um…zu…+ infinitive

•        Das Beste war, als + perfect tense + prepositional phrase

•        Meiner Meinung nach + war es ein + adjective + Urlaub + adversative clause

•        Grammar: First person perfect tense, use of um….zu… to indicate “in order to”, Use of Konjunktiv II to indicate “I would like”

•        Time marker + war/waren + locative adverbial + prepositional phrase

•        Hatte/hatten + food

•        Time marker+ war + weather

•        Prepositional phrase with vor/während + perfect tense

•        Es war + noun phrase

•        Grammar: All persons of the perfect and imperfect tense, various time markers.
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
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
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
1)      Mastering phonology

2)      Grammar – Regular and Irregular Present tense verbs, Perfect tense with haben and sein, Imperfect tense

3)      Learning key vocabulary from the topics in bold

 Identity and Relationships with others

 

·        Talking about family and friends

·        Describing appearance, interests and personality

·        Talking about family life and social lives

·        Talking about relationships with others

 

 Healthy Living and Lifestyle

 

·        Talking about food and healthy lifestyle

·        Sport and healthy living

·        Health and happiness

·        Discussing lifestyle choices

 Education and Work

·        Comparing school experiences

·        Talking about school routine and rules

·        Talking about jobs

·        Talking about work and future plans
Assessment Pieces

Dictation and Writing about Family and Relationships

 Assessment Pieces

Reading, Listening and Translation about Healthy Living and Lifestyle

 Assessment Pieces

Speaking about School and future plans
Key vocabulary

 

 From Sentence builders

(Issued at start of term)

 From Sentence builders

(Issued at start of term)

 From Sentence builders

(Issued at start of term)
 

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 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.
 

Outside the taught curriculum

 Residential Trip to the Rhineland in Germany (from Summer 2023)
Suggested reading

 

 Kerboodle.com Vocabulary builders

Vocabulary Booklet
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:

·        3 main tenses + conditional tense, Imperfect tense

·        Cases in German

·        Pronouns and verb endings

·        Co-ordinating and subordinating conjunctions

·        Oral spontaneity

  

Education and Work

·        Comparing school experiences

·        Talking about school routine and rules

·        Talking about jobs

·        Talking about work and future plans

 

Customs, Festivals and Celebrations

·        Describing celebrations

·        Describing Christmas Traditions

·        Talking about typical festivals

·        Talking about festivals from other parts of the world

Celebrity Culture

 

·        German-speaking celebrities from the past

·        Famous German-speaking people

·        Talking about celebrities

·        Talking about positive and negative aspects of fame

Travel and Tourism

 

·        Giving opinions about holidays

·        Talking about past holidays

·        Giving details about places of interest

·        Describing holidays
Assessment Pieces

Writing task about School and future plans

 Assessment Pieces

Reading and listening tasks festivals and celebrity culture

 Assessment Pieces

Oral Task on Holidays

(Year 10 exam week)
Key vocabulary

 

 AQA GCSE GERMAN HIGHER (2024)

Textbook pp.34-59, pp.72-79

AQA Specification vocabulary (www.kerboodle.com) pp.50-51, 95-96

 AQA GCSE GERMAN HIGHER (2024)

Textbook pp.80-105

AQA Specification vocabulary

(www.kerboodle.com) pp. 96-97

 AQA GCSE GERMAN HIGHER (2024)

Textbook pp.110-117

AQA Specification vocabulary

(www.kerboodle.com) p.140-141
Outside the taught curriculum Cultural information about Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Pearson Revise GCSE Revision guides

www.quizlet.co.uk for vocabulary practice

www.senecalearning.com for vocabulary practice

www.memrise.com for vocabulary practice
 

Suggested reading

 Kerboodle.com Vocabulary builders

AQA Specification Vocabulary
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

·        Conditional, Imperfect and pluperfect tenses

·        Use of complex linguistic structures in writing and speaking (e.g. subordinating conjunctions, verbs with zu+ nf)

·        Examination Tips and Techniques

  Holidays and Travel

·        Talking about accommodation

·        Talking about travel websites

·        Talking about city breaks

·        Talking about holiday destinations

 

My Studies

 

·        Describing your school

·        Types of school in Germany

·        Typical school day

·        Different experiences of school

 

Education Post 16

 

·        Making choices about university or career

·        Talking about career choices

·        Career and work experience

·        Ideal job

 Charity and Voluntary work

 

·        Talking about doing Charity work abroad

Homelessness and Poverty

 

·        Talking about becoming homeless

·        Talking about living on the streets

Revision

 

·        Units 1-4

 Revision

 

·        Units 5-8
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

Pearson Revise GCSE Revision guides

www.quizlet.co.uk for vocabulary practice

www.senecalearning.com for vocabulary practice

www.memrise.com for vocabulary practice
Suggested reading

 

 Kerboodle.com Vocabulary builders

AQA Specification Vocabulary
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
·        GCSE grammar review

·        Passive voice

·        All 4 cases and adjective endings

·        Interpreting statistics

·        Writing a literary essay

 Family

·        Relationships within the family

·        Partnerships and marriage

·        Different family forms

Technology

·        The internet

·        Social networks

·        Digitalisation of the Society

 Youth Culture

·        Fashion and Image

·        The meaning of music for young people

·        The role of TV

Traditions and Customs in German-speaking Countries

·        The roots and origins of festivals and traditions

·        The social and economic significance of festivals and traditions

·        Regional variation in festivals and traditions

Der Besuch der alten Dame (Set Text)

 Art and Architecture

 

·        Art and Architecture in daily life

·        Art and Architecture – past, present and future

Berlin Cultural Life -past and present

 

·        Theatre, music and museums in Berlin

·        The diversity of the population in Berlin

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
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)
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
·        Subjunctive

·        Phrases of argumentation and expressing complex opinions

·        Writing a literary essay (continued)

·        Exam Technique

  Immigration

 

·        Explain the main reasons why people migrate

·        Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of immigration for immigrants and the country of destination

·        Examine issues affecting a country’s migration policy

·        Discuss how the German government promotes the integration of migrants and refugees

Integration

 

·        Discuss barriers to integration

·        Discuss and compare the experiences of migrants and refugees in Germany

Set Film : Goodbye Lenin

 Racism

·        Discuss the impact of racism on its victims and the support available

·        Discuss the origins of racism

·        Discuss how people resist racism and show moral courage to fight against it

Germany and the EU

·        Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the EU for Germany

·        Understand the impact of EU expansion on Germany

Youth and Politics

·        Discuss the ways and the extent to which young people engage in politics

·        Discuss priorities for youth politics in Germany

·        Discuss the priorities of young people and the role of pressure groups

Germany and Reunification

 

·        Discuss the events and developments which led to German reunification

·        Discuss and contrast
the desired and actual outcomes of reunification

·        Discuss and compare the culture and identity of the old and new federal states

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

  
 

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)

Further information

  • Mr D Thomson (Head of German)
  • Miss M Todd (German)
  • Mrs C Gardner (German)
  • Mrs T Richards (French and German)

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 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

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

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 German Websites

Contact us…

King Edward VI Handsworth School,
Rose Hill Road, Birmingham B21 9AR

T: 0121 554 2342

E: office@han.kevibham.org

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