Choosing S3 German is a powerful way to build the transferable skills that employers and universities value most. Over two years, you’ve already built a strong foundation in languages by learning French —this course lets you take that further by specialising in one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe.
While strengthening your skills in communication, problem-solving, creative thinking and analysis, you’ll develop confidence in listening, talking, reading and writing and quickly learn to use the language flexibly and effectively across different contexts.
Germany is a global leader in engineering, science, renewable energy, technology, music and the arts, so understanding the language provides real advantages for future study, travel and employment. It also deepens cultural awareness, helping learners appreciate different perspectives and develop as active, confident global citizens. Through exploring real-world topics, you’ll become a more reflective, curious learner who can connect language to the wider world.
We seek to enhance our pupils literacy skills and the confidence gained from solving problems and developing understanding in a foreign language adds confidence in other areas of learning. Many concepts introduced in a modern language are often completely new and have no equivalent in English, which encourages the brain to create new learning capacity and new thinking skills.
Most importantly, the course prepares you thoroughly for National 5 German, giving you the skills, strategies and independence needed to succeed in the Senior Phase.
If you want a subject that opens doors, develops your thinking and connects you to the wider world, choose German!
Our S3 course is set up to take learners quickly through all the basic elements of the German language whilst preparing them thoroughly for study at National 5 level.
The course is made up of six units:
Hallo - Basic Greetings & Introductions
Schule - School
Familie - Family
Freizeit - Freetime & Hobbies
Wo ich wohne - Where I live
Die Stadt - The City
The structure and grammar of the foreign language will be covered in detail and pupils will have lots of opportunities to develop their ability to understand and produce language containing increasing levels of detail & complexity whilst developing their ability to use different tenses.
Pupils will develop the ability to think like a linguist by making links to other languages and their prior learning and applying their knowledge of structure and pattern to manipulate and create their own texts.
By the end of the course, pupils will feel equipped to hold basic conversations in German by sharing their opinions and taking part in short real-world exchanges such as ordering in a café, asking for directions and getting to know people. They will also have a sound knowledge of the grammatical structures required for success at National 5 level such as different tenses and correct word order.
Pupils will be encouraged to work individually, in pairs and in groups at various points to practice all aspects of the language in different contexts.
Teachers frequently use games and interactive resources to encourage competitive spirit and to provide enjoyable experiences that help learners develop confidence using key vocabulary and structures.
Digital Technology is also used regularly throughout the course, both to access foreign language websites and to help pupils present their work.
Most lessons are delivered through Microsoft Teams and ClassNotebook meaning that pupils have access to their learning wherever they are. This allows pupils to revisit work they have done in class at home to support revision and consolidation of their learning.
With teacher guidance, pupils will be involved in setting targets and evaluating their progress. They will learn how to analyse their own work and that of others, correct errors and improve their confidence in the language.
Ultimately, pupils will learn to become independent learners whilst developing their ability to think like a linguist and communicate effectively in French in a comfortable, supportive and enjoyable environment.
Everything you need to know before selecting this course.
It would be beneficial for pupils studying a language in S3 to purchase their own bi-lingual dictionary for use at home when practising reading.
It would also be helpful for pupils to find an old set of plug-in earphones (3mm jack) for use when doing individual listening tasks in class.
These are not essential and advice can be given on this by their class teacher.
Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, usually with a week to prepare. This will generally involve practising and learning new vocabulary or preparing for speaking tests or oral presentations.
Written work tends to be done in class time, however, typing up final versions of essays or any good pieces of work is often set as homework.
This is carried out in a number of ways, from more formal class tests and assessments to paired or peer assessment in talking, listening, reading and writing.
Pupil progress is monitored and reported on throughout the school year and pupils are given opportunities to assess and discuss their own performance with staff and their peers to evaluate their performance whilst giving their voice to support course planning and teaching.
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
S4 – National 4 or 5 German
S5 – National 5 or Higher
S6 – National 5 or Higher
Note: Once you have a strong pass (grade A-B) in any language we'll allow you to do a different language at the same level or lower.
e.g.
S4 - N5 German
S5/6 - Higher German and N5 French.
In the global economy, one of the most valuable traits an employee can possess is the ability to speak a second or multiple languages. Knowing an additional language illustrates to an employer the value you bring as an employee and a person. It shows that you are adaptable, open-minded and communicative.
These videos explain how languages can be useful in a wide variety of job sectors:
Languages in creative industries.
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