German

German is the principal foreign language to be taught as it supports our musical education directly. Pupils who choose to continue their studies in a German-speaking college, conservatoire or university are required to have a B1 or B2 certificate of proficiency. The School has therefore decided to implement the Goethe Institut curriculum and it is our objective to teach pupils up to this level, thus widening their options when they move on to tertiary education.

Consequently, most pupils learn German and we offer beginner classes for new pupils who have no prior knowledge of German. Junior groups follow initiation classes, while more senior groups prepare for iGCSE German. All pupils have the choice to continue studying German at A level.

Although Goethe Institut examinations have a slightly different scope compared to GCSE or A level examinations, it is always possible for pupils to combine both.

Success rates for public exams as well as Goethe Institut exams in German are high.

German is taught by Christiane Wagner-Tree BA (Hons) QTLS and Dr. Robin Harskin.

Other Languages

In addition to German a number of other modern foreign languages are taught. This enhances the international nature of the school and can provide linguistic and cultural support in their own first language to pupils far from home.

At present we have lessons in French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Turkish and recently we taught lessons in Spanish and Italian. This may be for just one hour per week or more, but GCSEs and A levels may be taken.