German

German is taught from Year 7 upwards at St. James'. In the earlier years, at Key Stage 3, pupils learn how to speak about themselves, their families and friends and how to perform basic tasks in shops or other places. Students also learn the basics of grammar at this stage.
 
In Year 8, for example, pupils will learn about the following topics: House and Home, Food, Town and Directions, Favourite Activities, Shopping and Holidays. At GCSE and AS/A levels, St James' follows the AQA syllabus. For more details see below or look at www.aqa.co.uk
 
The German department is not only studying hard, but offers students the possibility to learn some crafts at the German Craft-club after school.  Last Christmas participating students created some very beautiful paper stars for decoration purposes.
 
In September, Year 10 and Year 11 students will participate in an Exchange with a German school in Rheine. Students are contacting each other via the internet and are all looking forward to this excursion.

 The German Craft Club

AQA GCSE
The course is made up of four themes which cover a broad range of topics: My World, Holiday Time and Travel, Work and Lifestyle and The Young Person in Society. Pupils are expected to develop an understanding of German in spoken and written form and communicate effectively in German, they will have to understand and apply grammar and foremost, to have an understanding of German speaking countries.
 
The examination is made up of four sections, each worth 25% - reading, speaking, listening and writing or coursework. At present, St. James’ has chosen the coursework option.
 
AQA AS/A LEVEL
AS level German is made up of three units covering the four skills (speaking, reading, listening and writing) and also covering topics, such as The Young Person in Today’s Society, Multiculturalism, Environment, etc.  Students learn a wider aspect of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with the ability to converse in greater depth.
 
A level German gives students a chance to study some of the literature of German speaking countries. Students can choose from a great choice of literature and even some films.