In Year 9, students will begin studying for the GCSE, looking at the German language and culture in much more detail and depth than in Key Stage 3. There is the opportunity for a residential to Germany at the end of the year, in order to practice the skills they have been working on throughout the year.

The specification covers three distinct themes. These themes apply to all four question papers.Students are expected to understand and provide information and opinions about these themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries/communities where German is spoken.

Theme 1: Identity and culture:

Topic 1: Me, my family and friends

1. Relationships with family and friends
2. Marriage/partnership

Topic 2: Technology in everyday life

1. Social media
2. Mobile technology

Topic 3: Free-time activities

1. Music
2. Cinema and TV
3. Food and eating out
4. Sport

Topic 4: Customs and festivals in German-speaking countries/communities

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest :

Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region

Topic 2: Social issues

1. Charity/voluntary work
2. Healthy/unhealthy living

Topic 3: Global issues

1. The environment
2. Poverty/homelessness

Topic 4: Travel and tourism

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment:

Topic 1: My studies

Topic 2: Life at school/college

Topic 3: Education post-16

Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions

Talk about your family. Include...

How many people?

Who are they?

Brothers and sisters?

Pets?

Details!

Environmental issues

What are they?

What causes them?

Do they have a solution?

Social problems

Charity work

Technology

My mobile phone

Advantages and disadvantages

·         Usage of mobile phones

·         Advantages/Danger