Modern languages

At BBS, the following languages are taught: German for native or near-native speakers; German as a foreign language; French and Spanish as foreign languages.

Primary School and Early Years

German and German as a foreign language are compulsory subjects for all pupils from Reception to Year 6. German is taught on two levels- for native/ near–native speakers (German) and non-native speakers (German as a foreign language). Each pupil must do German, or German as a foreign language. In Year 6, the pupils are offered a preview of French and Spanish to facilitate their choice in Year 7. In this year, the pupils receive half a year’s tuition in the basics of both languages.

Secondary School

As is the care in the Primary School and Early Years, German is taught on two levels. German, or German as a Foreign Language, is compulsory from Years 7- 11. From Year 7, we offer two additional languages: French as a Foreign Language and Spanish as a Foreign Language. The pupils choose one of the two languages. At the end of Year 11, pupils sit the IGCSE (The International General Certificate in Secondary Education) examination. The native and near-native speakers sit the First Language German exam and the non-native speakers sit the German as a Foreign Language exam. The IB diploma students study their native language as well as a foreign language. At this stage at BBS German is taught on three levels: German A-Language and Literature, which is designed for the native and near native German speakers; German B, for pupils who have reached IGCSE level; and the Ab Initio course for pupils with no previous experience in German. French and Spanish are offered only as B and Ab Initio courses.

Extracurricular Activities

Within school a wide range of activities in German, French and Spanish is offered, e.g. conversation clubs, homework clubs, reading clubs, drama clubs, exam revision clubs, literature clubs and booster clubs. In addition, an extensive extracurricular programme is provided, including residential trips to France and Spain where – respectively – pupils participate in workshops at the Maison de France and Instituto Cervantes. Here, German, French and Spanish native speakers are invited to hold workshops for students. Visits to theatre performances, films, museums, current trade fairs and exhibitions are also undertaken.