Course overview
View or print a German language brochure (PDF 12.5 MB)
Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10)
In keeping with latest methodologies in modern teaching practices, the Year 9 and 10 courses have been developed to assist students to achieve the syllabus aims and course outcomes using innovative programs delivered in the e-learning class. The courses are structured to meet the needs of every student in a blended learning environment.
Each student will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of diverse activities and interactive tasks. These self-directed learning practices are aimed at fostering an environment in which students can work at a pace best suited to individual learning needs in developing their language skills. The self-correcting grammar exercises are designed to enhance the acquisition of language structures by providing ample practice and on-going self-evaluation. The exercises in the Canvas online learning platform, allow students to measure success and target areas of weakness.
German 200-hour course (2-year course delivered over Years 9 & 10)
This course is designed for students who wish to study German in Years 9 and 10 as an elective subject. Students with no knowledge, some prior knowledge or background knowledge of German are eligible to study this course.
The course contains a variety of interactive learning activities which cater for all levels of knowledge. There are online tasks and worksheets which students need to submit weekly for marking. Regular weekly speaking lessons are also an integral part of the course. During these online lessons, students will develop their speaking skills and can discuss any queries about the coursework with their teacher. Face-to-face lesson days are organised each term so that students can meet their classmates and participate in active language learning activities at NSW School of Languages (NSL).
All learning materials are available in the e-learning class. It is not necessary to purchase additional resources. In each year there are 32 modules to complete, ranging in topics from hobbies and interests, celebrations, food, school, let’s party, holidays, careers etcetera.
German 100-hour course (1 year course for Year 10 students)
The 100-hour course is for Year 10 students who have not previously studied German. Students will gain an elementary knowledge of German through their work with the course materials and regular weekly lessons for speaking practice. Students will develop insights into the culture of German speaking countries through their coursework. Face-to-face lessons days are also organised for students to meet and interact with their peers at NSL. Students who complete the 100-hour course remain eligible for the Stage 6 Beginners course as long as other NESA criteria are met. This course is excellent preparation for the Stage 6 Beginners course.
Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12)
German Beginners
This course is designed for students with very little or no knowledge of German. In the Year 11 Preliminary Course there are 23 Modules that guide and support students in their studies. All the materials for learning are available in the e-Learning class. Each module consists of a variety of interactive learning activities and clearly states what work the students are required to submit to their teacher for marking. Weekly online speaking lessons with their teacher allow for speaking practice as well as opportunities to further discuss the coursework. Face-to-face lesson days are also organised for students to meet and interact with their peers at NSL.
The Year 12 HSC Course contains 32 units to complete over the four terms. Additional enrichment and extension materials as well as links to German language learning sites are also available for all students in the e-learning class. This course focuses not only on the HSC syllabus topics but also heavily on HSC examination skills and techniques.
German Continuers
This course is designed for students who wish to continue with their German studies after having completed German in Years 9 and 10. The course aims to further develop students’ language skills with a mixture of self-directed learning materials in the e-learning class. In the Year 11 Preliminary Course there are 23 Modules that guide and support students in their studies. In the Year 12 HSC Course students complete a total of 23 modules. Students in the Preliminary and HSC courses are expected to complete a variety of interactive learning activities and submit written work to their teacher on a regular basis for feedback. Weekly online speaking lessons with the teacher are also a compulsory part of both courses where students can develop their German speaking skills. Face-to-face lesson days are organised each term for students to meet and interact with their peers at NSL.
German Extension
Our brand-new German course is designed to explore the film `Amelie rennt`. Students will engage in diverse activities, including interactive canvas exercises, class discussions, in-depth writing tasks, and personalised online speaking lessons, all aimed at exploring contemporary issues and preparing students for HSC assessments. Through this course, students will not only deepen their enjoyment of language learning but also gain valuable insights into German-speaking communities.
Course materials
All learning materials are provided by NSL via Canvas.
Dictionaries
All students should have a comprehensive language print dictionary. We recommend these dictionaries for the following courses:
Years 9 - 10 German & Years 11 - 12 German Beginners
Oxford Essential German Dictionary or
Langenscheidt German English / English German Dictionary
Year 11 & Year 12 German Continuers
Langenscheidt German English / English German Dictionary
Other resources
Some other useful resources which students may like to purchase include:
German Grammar 6th edition Schaums Outlines
German Grammar 11-14 by Olivier Grey & Trevor Stevens
Collins easy learning - German grammar
Collins easy learning - Complete German grammar and verbs and vocabulary
Syllabuses (from NESA)
Go to the NESA syllabus downloads page for more information on the syllabus.