German is the mother tongue of more Europeans than any other language. It is the first language of some 90 million people in Germant, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and N. Italy, and is spoken in many other countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Culturally and commercially it is one of the world's most important languages. Who can imagine physics without Einstein or music without Bach?

Germany is a major trading partner of the UK and Ireland. Frankfurt and London are the EU's leading finacial centres. GErman is a valuable asset for careers in science, fashion, communications, business and tourism.

Curriculum

Pupils in Forms 3-5 use Na Klar, a new, interactive language course which makes excellent use of the latest technology (CDs, CD-Roms) to teach German. The course is supplemented with lively language learning videos such as Hennings Haus, Hall aus Berlin, Deutsch Plus, Extra and Susanne.

Sixth form students use Brennpunkt, a text book which builds progressively on the language acquired for GCSE, enabling students to express their views on topics ranging from holidays and tourism to environment and the media. In the second half of the course, we read two works of fiction, usually a play and a novel. All pupils in 6th form also have a timetabled period with the German Assistant.

Pupils are encouraged to develop their ICT skills alongside their German, through email, internet and online discussions. All pupils have access to the MCB German website (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/al.mccullough) which provides links to language activities and where examples of pupils' work are posted.

Trips

Munich
The German exchange takes place every 2 years and is open to pupils studying German in 3rd and 4th form. Our partner school, Gymnasium Vaterstetten, is just outside Munich and previous excursions have included climbing an Alp, going down a salt mine, visiting a royal castle and seeing the stunt show at the Bavaria film studios.

"I went on a German exchange in third year and that really helped improve my German. I would like one day to speak fluent German - the people there are really friendly!"
- MCB student

Stuttgart
An exchange link also exists with St Agnes Gymnasium in Stuttgart for pupils in the senior school.

Extra-Curricular

The German Club organises events on a monthly basis. Increasingly events have been organised in association with other clubs. Recent activities have included a balloon debate in the Junior Debating Society and a quiz in conjunction with the College Library. Pupils have also challenged staff to "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" in German!

"We learn the language, try the food and learn about the different towns, cities and holidays. Deutsch ist sehr interessant!"
- MCB student

Cinema trips are organised for the senior school when an appropriatefilm is shown at the QFT and MCB students are regular participants in the NICILT Post 16 German Debating Competitions. The school has an impressive record in the competition as well as being current holders of the trophy.