The Lessons
We currently teach approximately 40 children between the ages of 3.5 and 11 years in four classes. The lessons take place every Saturday from 10 am to noon in the rooms of Hildenborough CoE Primary School.
Class 1
This is our pre-prep group of children aged 3.5 to 4.5 years. Through play, arts and crafts, singing and storytelling, these very young children develop confidence in the active use of first German words and sentences. Along the way they also learn that other children speak and understand this language, too. More than in any other age group, this is where long-lasting friendships are formed.
Class 2
The 4 1/2 to 6 year olds in this class also learn through play, arts and crafts and reading, though the focus now is more and more on correct speech and sentence structure. These children already attend British schools (Reception) and are therefore introduced to reading and writing in German – still with the emphasis on fun, of course.
Class 3
The children in this class are aged from 6 to 10 years and attend Years 2 to 5 in the English school system. In addition to singing, conversation and arts and crafts, these children also practice writing and simple grammar excercises in German.
Children beyond the age of 10 have the option of joining a small group of pupils who are preparing for their German GCSE with the help of an experienced private tutor. The German School is providing the room and facilities for the lessons free of charge, whilst the pareents share the cost of the private tutor among themselves.
All classes are taught by trained teachers or parents with other relevant qualifications.