Introduction
Studying a modern language at GCSE is a life-long skill for education, employment or even travel purposes. GCSE German at XIC places the emphasis on communication through both written and oral exchanges.
The course develops the four skill areas of speaking, reading, listening and writing using a wide variety of materials and teaching techniques to interest the students. Language classes are small which is advantageous as each student has the opportunity to communicate in the target language with both the teacher and fellow class-mates. Small class sizes give maximum attention and equals maximum progress for those who want to immerse themselves in this wonderful language.
Teaching
XIC German students are encouraged from the very start to immerse themselves in the language to build their confidence and fluency. The subject is taught by a native German speaker who brings great expertise, passion for his language and an excellent range of original learning resources are tailored toward students’ needs and interests to help them explore the major themes of the course.
Regular class activities include; working with a partner or in a small group on speaking tasks; listening to a range of German, for both gist and detail;reading a range of different types of texts; discovering more about German-speaking people, how they live and about their interests and concerns; practising expressing your own ideas and opinions using German.
Assessment comprises three single-tier papers, Paper 1 is the Listening assessment and Paper 2 is the Reading, Writing one. Paper 3 is the Speaking component each accounting for respectively 25%, 50% and 25% of the full IGCSE.
The five topic areas at IGCSE include:
- Home and Abroad
- Education and Employment
- House, Home and Daily Routine
- The Modern World and the Environment
- Social Activities, Fitness and Health
Why study German at XIC
German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe, and over 200 million people worldwide speak it. Germany itself is the fourth largest economy in the world as well as being the second largest exporter in the world. It is always at the forefront of innovation and will be a key player in the world economy of the 21st century. Germany itself is also historically one of the most important countries in Europe, and its language, culture and society has influenced the development of other societies around the world.
Learning a language develops your communication skills, vital for success in the world of work and gives you a broader outlook on life. Having a GCSE in German is also increasingly seen as an important entry qualification for university.