German Continuers

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC

NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study German Continuers?

Students who have studied German in Years 7 to 10 or who have a sound knowledge of the language equivalent to 200 to 300 hours of study. For more information, please ask the German teachers.

Why study German Continuers?

• German-speaking countries have emerged as strong international leaders in trade, commerce and politics. Germany is one of Australia’s largest single trading partners, and German is a very important language both internationally and within Australia. It has long been recognised as a ‘world’ language of music, culture, theology and philosophy as well as a key language in the fields of science, medicine, economics and technology.

• The study of German contributes to the overall education of students, particularly in the areas of communication, inter-cultural understanding, literacy and general knowledge.

• Language learning interacts well with other subjects requiring more research tasks and/or essay writing. It works well with Visual Arts, History, Geography, Music and even Science and Mathematics.

• Learning German may, in conjunction with other skills, provide students with enhanced vocational opportunities in areas such as the arts, banking and international finance, commerce, catering and cuisine, diplomacy, education and research, fashion, government, law, media, science and technology tourism, translation and interpreting.

Course description:

The aim of the course is to foster within students the ability to:

• exchange information, opinions and experiences in German (speaking)

• understand, analyse, process and respond to texts that are in German (listening/reading)

• express ideas through the production of original written texts in German (writing)

• understand aspects of the language and culture of German-speaking communities.

Students who enjoyed the challenge of learning German from Years 7 to 10 to the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) level will derive further satisfaction from developing their language skills to a higher level. Senior programs provide students with access to a wide range of texts such as: short stories, newspaper articles, reviews and magazines, recorded conversations, films, emails, letters. The study of these texts will provide students with an insight into the culture and language of German-speaking communities. The students’ skills and knowledge will be developed through tasks treating prescribed themes and topics.

Main topics covered:

These are related to the three main themes: the individual, the German-speaking communities and the changing world, prescribed by the new HSC syllabus. Students will explore a variety of topics relating directly to their interests such as:

• Relationships, family, friends and home life

• Leisure, interests

• Daily life and lifestyles

• Arts and entertainment

• School life and future aspirations

• Travel and tourism

• Youth culture, fashion and technology

• Current issues, careers and occupations

The HSC Language Examination tests students on their knowledge in those areas. It is therefore fundamental to cover topics early in Year 11. In fact, preparation for the HSC Examination in Languages takes place over two years, not just Year 12, and students are requested to keep all Year 11 material for revision in Year 12. Our lessons are based on a communicative functional/situational approach reflecting modern language teaching/learning practices. The use of German in the classroom is therefore a priority.

Learning strategies:

• Students build on the basic tools for communication acquired in Years 7 to 10 through the use of known and new language structures.

• Regular memorisation of German structures and reinforcement exercises in the four skills are paramount for steady progress to occur. Regular homework after each new unit is best e.g. workbook exercises, worksheets, speaking and writing tasks.

• Frequent revision and completion of shorter tasks in small spurts is recommended.

• Seek further experience in German language beyond the classroom walls such as GoetheInstitut, German magazines, German websites and German films.

What other opportunities does German Continuers offer me?

• Hosting overseas students through our student-exchange program.

• Taking part in a student-exchange program, AFS, AGSES and Southern Cross. Information is available from the German Teachers.

• Going on exchange to our sister school in Münster, Germany. Enjoy a homestay with a German family and make life-long friends.

• Joining in conversation classes at school and at the Goethe-Institut.