German at KS3
How many lessons do we have?
On average 60% of pupils opt to study German in Year 8. In Key Stage 3 pupils are allocated 2 lessons of German per week. There are currently 7 sets in Year 8 and 7 sets in Year 9. At the end of KS3 in 2009 87% of pupils achieved Level 5 or above compared with the Welsh average of 64%.
In Year 8 we learn about:
Introducing oneself, family and pets, school, the home, food, hobbies, the town and shopping.
In Year 9 we learn about:
Holidays, daily routine, describing people, future plans, health and the environment.
Which resources do we use?
The main resource in our classrooms is the interactive whiteboard, where we use resources and games from language learning websites, as well as our own resources.
We have recently invested in a new course book entitled Klasse (published by OUP). Pupils receive their own copy of the text book to take home.
In Years 8 & 9 pupils receive a workbook (no charge).
We encourage pupils to speak in German as much as possible in lessons in order to increase their confidence and improve their spoken German. Pupils learn through a balance of the four skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing, and these are all complimented by games and songs.
Why Learn German in Year 8? 
It's not difficult!
• German and English are closely related so there are lots of words that are instantly recognisable. eg.
Maus Schuh Elefant Kaffee Buch Apfel Familie Insekt Papier Dezember Schokolade Fussball
Since German and English are like sister languages, you will even be able to understand some whole sentences. eg.
Mein Bruder trinkt eine Cola.
Mein Freund tanzt in der Disco.
Das Haus ist in England.
You never know when you might need it!
Maybe when you're on holiday or later on when you're looking for a job. You don't have to be fluent, even being able to say hello and ask how someone is may be a big advantage.
It won't disadvantage you in Welsh or French
Studying German doesn't mean that you will fall behind in French and Welsh as you will cover the same work and do the same tests.
Choosing to study German next year doesn't mean that you're choosing to study it for GCSE. Give it a try and see how you get on!
German is fun!
• We like to play games as we learn and full stamp cards earn prizes. You will also have the chance to take part in the German exchange or go to the Christmas markets in Cologne.
