German

Faculty Aims:

At the heart of our German department is a commitment to nurturing confident, independent and curious learners who are inspired by language and culture and enjoy the learning process.

Our key aims are:

• To foster independent learning both in lessons and beyond the classroom.
• To make the acquisition of higher-level language skills enjoyable, engaging, and intellectually rewarding.
• To promote inclusive, modern teaching approaches that cater to diverse learning styles and reflect contemporary methodologies.
• To offer regular co-curricular trips and experiences.
• To encourage healthy living, compassion, curiosity, and open discussion around relationships and cultural understanding through the curriculum.
• To foster an interest in and awareness of Germany’s role and importance in the world today and the opportunities learning the language presents both for future study and careers.

 Facilities

Our team live and breathe the language and bring authentic linguistic expertise and cultural insight into the classroom.

Our department is supported by a Modern Language Assistants (MLA) from Germany, who works closely with students to prepare for speaking assessments and to develop both linguistic competence and intercultural awareness.

We make extensive use of online learning platforms to support independent study, revision, and enrichment.

A Level Curriculum

Our A Level German curriculum offers a rich and intellectually stimulating exploration of the language and the diverse cultures of the German-speaking world. Students develop both linguistic accuracy and fluency, while deepening their understanding of contemporary social, political, and cultural issues.

Through the study of literature, film, and current affairs, students gain valuable insights and broaden their global perspective. The course also fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural empathy, qualities that are highly valued in higher education and beyond.

Exam board: AQA A-level German 7662 | Specification | AQA

Co-curricular, Enrichment, Extension and Support

We offer a wide range of opportunities to enrich students’ learning and support their progress:

• MLA Support: Weekly individual speaking sessions for Years 12 and 13, as well as lunchtime and after-school support.
• Bamberg Exchange: We offer a school exchange programme open to all students from Years 9 to 13.
• A–Level Trip Opportunity: We are planning to offer a trip to Germany more specifically related to the German A Level course in the academic year 2026-27.
• Cultural Enrichment Programme: A variety of events including  cultural celebrations and enjoyable activities for students in Years 7–13.
• Language and Translation Competitions: Opportunities for students to participate in national and regional competitions, encouraging creativity, precision, and a deeper appreciation of the language.
• Wider Opportunities: We encourage students to attend and apply for opportunities in German beyond the school curriculum. Previous A Level students have participated in the prestigious UK-German Connection summer courses, spending two weeks in Germany with a cohort of 12 highly motivated German students, living with a host family, attending a German school and participating in cultural projects.

Our A Level German students consistently achieve excellent outcomes, with 100% securing between grades A*-B since 2021. Feedback from both students and parents highlights the high level of individualised support and feedback we offer to students. Students have particularly enjoyed the study of the film Goodbye Lenin and the literary play Andorra, offering them valuable insight into different chapters of Germany’s recent history and the impact still felt by these episodes to this day.