Students can opt for German in Year 8 or Year 9. Both courses prepare the students for the IGCSE German exam in Year 11. The CIE IGCSE course is a good preparation for Standard or Higher Level German at IB. Native speakers are taught either outside the timetable or within it, depending on numbers and personal preference.

All students studying German at beginner level in Years 8 and 9 have the opportunity to join the popular Christmas Market Trip. Middle School pupils are encouraged to take part in the exchange programme with our partner school in Ibbenbüren, near Münster. In the Lower Sixth an exciting study trip to Berlin is offered, which combines a language course with a diverse and interesting cultural programme.

In recent years the German department has organised several cultural events, such as the Oktoberfest. In lessons students not only learn the language but also find out about German traditions and culture. The positive and supportive learning environment has led to high student satisfaction as well as very good exam results. German has been dubbed 'the smart choice' by representatives of British industry.

Declining numbers in German students across the UK has improved job prospects for those with a knowledge of the language. German is one of the world's largest economies and remains one of the UK's leading trading partners. A report published by the Confederation of British Industry ranked German as the most important language for UK businesses. German is also the second most commonly used scientific language.