German at GCSE
We enjoy excellent results at GCSE with 95% of pupils achieving A*-C in 2009 (50% A*-A, 68% A*-B)
This course is a natural progression of the work done in Year 8 and 9 leading on to GCSE in Year 11. Pupils continue to learn through the main skills of listening, speaking , reading and writing. We follow the WJEC course and continue to use the Klasse textbook. Each pupil is given a Klasse 3 textbook for use in school and at home.
How is GCSE assessed?
Pupils sit exams in listening (20%) and reading (20%) at the end of Year 11, and complete speaking coursework throughout Years 10 and 11 (30%), which consists of taking part in a conversation and giving a presentation followed by a discussion. The writing coursework (30%) consists of two tasks completed in class, where pupils have access to dictionaries.
There is no final exam to assess speaking or writing! It is 100% coursework! 
Which trips are on offer?
In Years 10 & 11 pupils have the opportunity to visit Cologne at Christmas time and sample the festive delights of the German Christmas markets. We run this trip on alternate years so we're already looking forward to going in December 2010. Last year the cost of the 3 day trip was £180.
Why learn German for GCSE?
German is easier to learn than you think because it's related to English. With a reasonable amount of effort any average student can expect to do well.
Germany is a short flight away. You can ski or snowboard in the mountains, sunbathe on the beaches and by the lakes, visit the Berlin Film Festival or the Oktoberfest in Munich. It is a great country to travel in - discover the people, the culture and the cities.
Anyone who can speak German can communicate with around 100 million people in their own language for German is not only spoken in Germany but also in Austria, Switzerland and in many other countries in Europe.
Speaking German will improve your job prospects, not just in Germany but at home and wherever you are. Germany is the most important trading partner for many European and non-European countries.
Businesses are eager to recruit people with language qualifications. In many companies a foreign language will be the deciding factor when two candidates have similar qualifications. Graduates with German have the best employment prospects after the medical professions.
Knowledge of German is a real asset for students and scientists.
If you can read German, you have access to whole world of research findings in all areas of modern science.
As a citizen of the EU you have the right to live, work or study in Germany or Austria. You will also be able to use your German in many of the countries that recently joined the EU such as the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.
Understanding and speaking German will enable you to gain a much deeper insight into the history and culture of the heart of Europe.
