A group of S3 pupils studying German visited the Goethe Institute this week, as part of the Curriculum for Excellence for Modern Languages focus on a broad general education. Accompanied by Miss Dawn Lennox, teacher of French and German, they took part in exhibition on the theme of popular Grimms’ Fairy Tales and they were able to extend their knowledge of German culture through a guided tour of posters and exhibits depicting scenes from and offering information about famous tales such as Rotkappchen (Red Riding Hood). Aschenputtel (Cinderella) and Schneewittchen (Snow White), led by members of the Goethe Institute. A fairytale was narrated to the pupils in German, and they took part in a number of language activities including games and quizzes in the foreign language. The pupils were encouraged to discuss recurring themes in the fairytales, such as the role of animals and the depiction of universal qualities such as jealousy, conceit and greed.

All pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were able to practise their listening, reading and talking skills, as well as learning new German vocabulary and finding out interesting facts pertaining to German folklore.