German

German is an increasingly popular subject at Queen Elizabeth's School, with outstanding results achieved at both GCSE and A Level.

German at QE starts in Year 8, where it is a compulsory subject for all boys. It remains compulsory in Year 9 and is an increasingly popular option both at Key Stage 4 and 5. After one term of mixed-ability teaching in Year 8, sets are introduced. We use a broad range of teaching styles and techniques, developing the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing that are tested separately at GCSE level. Oral work in the target language is emphasised from the outset.

All German classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, including electronic white boards. In the Sixth Form, students are mainly taught in the recently refurbished language laboratory, which has TV and video facilities. Emphasis at A Level is on oral fluency, and much attention is given to learning about the country's culture, history, arts and way of life.

Pupils at all levels can attend weekly lunchtime German clinics, where help is on offer for those with any difficulties. For Years 11, 12 and 13, teachers offer students additional speaking practice for oral examinations. For Oxbridge candidates and those wishing to study German at university, individual lunchtime is available. A film club showing classic German films as well as new releases is a popular after-school Sixth Form activity. We are happy to take groups of our students to the theatre or cinema to see any production that ties in with our syllabus.

The department offers all boys studying German the opportunity to take part in trips to Germany. For our beginners in Year 8, there is a very popular annual trip to the Rhineland at the end of the Summer Term, which includes language sessions and visits to local attractions. For Years 9 and 10, the German department runs a highly successful exchange programme with our partner school in Bielefeld (north-west Germany). Boys live with a German family for a week and spend time in a German grammar school.

All Year 12 students of German, and occasionally boys in Year 11, can experience the world of work in a placement of their choice in Aachen, while living with an exchange partner. There are also Sixth Form study trips at Easter to Berlin or Munich, alternating annually.

In addition, we arrange for boys at Key Stage 4 and 5 to attend German study days in London.

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