By the end of the GCSE course pupils should be able to talk and write about themselves and family, their interests, hopes and aspirations. They should be able to go to Germany, Austria or Switzerland and be able to cope quite well with most everyday situations. The GCSE exam will test equally the ability to read, write, speak and listen to German. The initial studies of German, undertaken in the Lower school will have allowed pupils to reach some conclusions of their own and they will probably know by this stage whether they find the nature of the subject interesting and reasonably digestible. Clearly it is important to feel relatively at ease in the subject or pupils will not be willing to put in the necessary amount of work required for success and real enjoyment.
Nothing can replace one's own motivation, willingness to work and aptitude for the subject.
Besides offering sound career opportunities, learning German and all Modern Languages helps to develop practical confidence, it provides opportunity for valuable academic and intellectual skills and offers insights into another country, thus helping to break down intolerance and cultural prejudice. We try to encourage pupils strongly to take part in our exchange visit with our partner school in Hamburg. Such opportunities provide the proof that learning German is a meaningful and worthwhile experience. Ultimately we want pupils to enjoy it and experience a sense of worthwhile achievement. In school German can be treated both practically and academically.