The German program is based on the communicative approach, encompassing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills as well as German cultural information and appreciation. Students have the opportunity to participate in German Exchange and the European Study Tour.
Students who have taken German at Westgate in grades 7 and 8 are in the regular stream. Students new to the German language may enter beginner German.
In grade 9 students are divided into beginner, regular and advanced groups. We usually create 2 classes. Numbers and needs determine which groups are in which class. Those coming to Westgate from the German Bilingual Program or from a family whose home language is German will be placed in the advanced group. Students in the advanced grade 9 group have the opportunity of completing their A2 level, a certification by the international school board in German (ZfA).
Languages and Band Programs:
Many gr 9 students take both languages, but they must take at least one. Band is optional in grade 9.