Thornhill College, Derry    

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German

At present the study of German is a key element of the Modern Language provision at Thornhill College.

German is offered at GCSE and A-level.

To encourage pupils to use the language and to learn about German life and culture, our teaching is supported by a full-time German Language Assistant.

We also invite pupils to visit Germany on our regular school visits which are very enjoyable and a fantastic learning opportunity.

 
GCSE German

GCSE German is an important component of the Modern Language provision at Thornhill College.

Our pupils study the CCEA GCSE German course. It has four assessment components

  • Speaking (25%)

  • Listening (25%)

  • Reading (25%)

  • Writing (25%)

 

Links with Germany

Language Assistant

Every year we benefit from the services of a German-speaking language assistant who is employed to teach most German classes. He/she works in primary schools during the second and third terms.

Links with Schools

We have up pen-pal links with a school in Austria.

 
AS Level German
 
AS Module 1

35 minutes examination

1. Two Role-pay exercises

2. Prepared Presentation

(Topic of own choice)

3. Conversation
AS Module 2

1h 30 minutes examination

1. Listening Test

2. Reading Comprehension

3. Translation

(German into English)
AS  Module 3

1h 20 minutes examination

1. Structured Essay

Section A – Literature

Or

Section B – Civilisation

Visits / Competitions

The German department encourages any experience which will benefit the linguistic and/or cultural awareness of the pupils.

German speaking visitors are always welcome, either as speakers / performers to our pupils or as fellow-students mixing with our pupils in the daily life of the school.

Our A Level pupils have also taken part in a Public Speaking Competition organised by WELB.

Year 13 and 14 pupils participate in the A-Level German Day organised by QUB and NICILT.

 
A2 Level German
  
A2 Module 1

35 minutes examination

1. Discussion of Stimulus

2. Prepared Presentation

(Topic of own choice)

3. Conversation
A2 Module 2

2h 30 minutes examination

1. Listening Test

2. Reading Comprehension

3. Translation

(English into German)
A2 Module 3

2h examination

1. Two Essays from

Section A – Literature

And / Or

Section B – Civilisation

German Trip

St. Columb's College, Derry, St. Mary's College, Derry and Thornhill College participate in a joint trip to Koblenz and the Rhine Valley.

The trip is for pupils in Years 8 and 9 and lasts eight days. The trip includes tuition, sightseeing excursions and a day in Phantasialand.

German Exchange

Every two years pupils in Years 10-12 are invited by St. Columb's College to take part in an exchange with a school in Munich.