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German

Head of German: Mrs S Bryan
Miss C Benfield
Foreign Language Assistant: Mrs H Harris 


The aim of German lessons is to bring the country alive for girls, making learning German meaningful and fun. We endeavour to impart the excitement of language learning and instil the confidence to communicate effectively in German in any situation in which a girl may find herself during a visit to a German-speaking country. All lessons are conducted in German as far as possible and we encourage girls to respond in the Target Language.

Lower School

Year 7

We follow the Gute Reise course, Book 1. There are four skills in the mastering of a modern foreign language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Gute Reise provides ample authentic listening and reading materials derived from a variety of sources. Girls develop speaking and writing skills steadily and confidently as their knowledge of spoken and written German increases.

Year 8

In Year 8, girls continue with the Gute Reise course.

Year 9

If girls choose to continue German in Year 9 they will begin the Gute Reise course, Book 2. The course builds upon and extends the work covered in Years 7 and 8, as well as providing greater access to detailed grammar notes.

Upper School

Girls follow the Logo course in Years 10 and 11, which provides them with all the requirements for the GCSE course in a way that is both challenging and stimulating. The German Assistant gives weekly conversation lessons to all girls in Years 10 and 11.

Sixth Form - AS/A2 level

A level German builds on the development of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Lessons are conducted in German and cover a variety of topics such as education, the environment, current affairs, travel, the fall of the Wall and reunification. Girls are expected to discuss issues and form their own opinions in class and in their weekly lesson with the German Assistant where they are in small groups of 2-3. They will also have the opportunity to read magazine articles, short stories and literary texts.

The German Exchange

We have run an exchange with the Kaiserin-Auguste-Viktoria-Gymnasium in Celle for over 50 years. In 2001, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the exchange with concerts in Bedford and Celle.  Girls in all years have the opportunity of going to Celle for eight days, staying in their partner's home and hosting their German partner for eight days in return.