Written by German National Language Advisor, Alexandra Töniges
Participants from various schools doing the interactive scavenger hunt.
That is the title of our recent workshop that took place in May 25th, 2024, in Christchurch. The mission for all present “Mauerdetektive” was to peek behind the scenes of the story of how two pieces of the Berlin Wall ended up in Christchurch. Via an interactive scavenger hunt the story was successfully unpacked by its story hunters. 🕵🏼♂️
The importance of EOTC in the foreign language classroom became obvious. Their different missions included: attendees interviewing eyewitnesses, walking across the virtual Berlin Wall in the middle of Christchurch with the help of an augmented reality app and dancing with their team mates to 99 Luftballons at the Dance-O Mat. The scavenger hunt ended with the grand finalè of a picnic in front of the pieces of the Berlin Wall.
This agile project consists of a range of different modules. It can also be accessed by learners from within the classroom as a digital tool. We are excited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the “Mauerfall” with our teachers and learners of German in a creative and interactive way, implementing the concept of EOTC, localised curriculum, enhancing media literacy and intercultural learning.
Special thanks to Alexandra Falk who is the research brain behind all this and Mareike Schmidt who shared her story as an eyewitness with us.
Behind The Scenes of Two German Language Immersion Camps
Written by German National Language Advisor, Alexandra Töniges
Goethe-Institut Scholarship Programm: German Immersion in Wellington
Described by an insider..
In May we were transported from Wellington to the heart of Germany without ever leaving Aotearoa. As we stood outside the German Embassy in Wellington, the air tingled with excitement, marking the beginning of our immersive journey: a three-day German Immersion weekend for twelve high school students hosted by Goethe-Institut Neuseeland.
Our schedule was packed with activities that brought German culture to life in unexpected ways. From hearing about German-New Zealand trade relations from Julia Mannion from the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Inc. (GNZCC) to Dr Anita Perkins’ workshop about the bilateral relationship between our two countries, each experience deepened our appreciation for the nuances of language and tradition. But beyond the planned activities, it was the spontaneous conversations and connections that left the deepest impression. Over Würstchen und Kartoffelsalat and late-night German dances, we discovered shared passions and dreams.
We reminded ourselves of the importance of fostering multilingualism, even in places far removed from the target language country. It's about more than just words; it's about building bridges, fostering understanding, and celebrating community in all its forms.
Talkfest Dunedin – Going Green
This past month, four high schools in Dunedin brought their learners of German together to experience an unforgettable German Immersion School Camp! Organised by dedicated teachers who went above and beyond, the camp provided students with a unique opportunity to dive deep into the language and culture. A special shoutout to the amazing PAD language assistant Joschka, whose native speaker input and dedication was an invaluable asset to the experience.
Learning outside the classroom in a bicultural context not only enhances language proficiency but also fosters a profound appreciation for cultural nuances. Connecting with other learners in such an immersive environment builds a supportive and motivating community. Here's to more such enriching adventures in language learning!
This song is written and composed by Grace, one of the German learners from Bayfield High School. Listen for yourself. We love it and think it has got quite a catchy tune:
Written by German National Language Advisor, Alexandra Töniges
Schools across the country celebrated German Language Week 2024. The Goethe-Institut had set up a little competition to share their activities via social media. Here are our two winners: Selina Striebich and her students from ANI (Auckland Normal Intermediate School) celebrated the occasion with a German assembly organised by the ANI German Club and set up a German Handball tournament, which got the whole school active and engaged. Sandra Renner had an amazing time with her John McGlashan College students in Dunedin, having organised various activities for the entire week.
But read for yourself how our guest editors from ANI describe their experiences of German Week at ANI 2024:
Celebrating German Week: Embracing the Richness of German Language, Culture, and Traditions
Written by William Fang (Year 8, Room 4) and edited by Ayesha Syed (Year 8, Room 16), pictures by Leo Swash (Year 7, Room 28)
German Week was underway at ANI, uniting students and faculty in celebration of the diverse and vibrant facets of the German language, culture and way of life. From language workshops to cultural exhibitions, this week-long event provided a comprehensive exploration of Germany’s rich heritage.
The primary objective of German Week was to foster awareness and appreciation of the German language and culture among students. Throughout the week, a variety of activities and events were organised to engage students and deepen their understanding of German traditions, customs and values.
One of the highlights of German Week was the EP Language Learning Competition, where students had the opportunity to showcase their German language skills.
Furthermore, an exciting German handball tournament captivated participants and spectators alike, highlighting the exhilarating nature of this dynamic team sport.
In conclusion, German Week at ANI was a celebration of the richness and diversity of the German language, culture, and way of life. Through a series of engaging activities, workshops, and events, students were encouraged to embrace and appreciate the multifaceted aspects of German heritage and identity. As we came together to celebrate German Week, we seized the opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with the vibrant world of German language and culture. “Prost” to a week filled with learning, fun, and celebration!
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2024 - German - Term 2 Newsletter Articles
Kia Ora Berlin Wall - 35 Jahre Mauerfall
Written by German National Language Advisor, Alexandra Töniges
Participants from various schools doing the interactive scavenger hunt.
That is the title of our recent workshop that took place in May 25th, 2024, in Christchurch. The mission for all present “Mauerdetektive” was to peek behind the scenes of the story of how two pieces of the Berlin Wall ended up in Christchurch. Via an interactive scavenger hunt the story was successfully unpacked by its story hunters. 🕵🏼♂️
The importance of EOTC in the foreign language classroom became obvious. Their different missions included: attendees interviewing eyewitnesses, walking across the virtual Berlin Wall in the middle of Christchurch with the help of an augmented reality app and dancing with their team mates to 99 Luftballons at the Dance-O Mat. The scavenger hunt ended with the grand finalè of a picnic in front of the pieces of the Berlin Wall.
This agile project consists of a range of different modules. It can also be accessed by learners from within the classroom as a digital tool. We are excited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the “Mauerfall” with our teachers and learners of German in a creative and interactive way, implementing the concept of EOTC, localised curriculum, enhancing media literacy and intercultural learning.
Special thanks to Alexandra Falk who is the research brain behind all this and Mareike Schmidt who shared her story as an eyewitness with us.
Behind The Scenes of Two German Language Immersion Camps
Written by German National Language Advisor, Alexandra Töniges
Goethe-Institut Scholarship Programm: German Immersion in Wellington
Described by an insider..
In May we were transported from Wellington to the heart of Germany without ever leaving Aotearoa. As we stood outside the German Embassy in Wellington, the air tingled with excitement, marking the beginning of our immersive journey: a three-day German Immersion weekend for twelve high school students hosted by Goethe-Institut Neuseeland.
Our schedule was packed with activities that brought German culture to life in unexpected ways. From hearing about German-New Zealand trade relations from Julia Mannion from the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Inc. (GNZCC) to Dr Anita Perkins’ workshop about the bilateral relationship between our two countries, each experience deepened our appreciation for the nuances of language and tradition. But beyond the planned activities, it was the spontaneous conversations and connections that left the deepest impression. Over Würstchen und Kartoffelsalat and late-night German dances, we discovered shared passions and dreams.
We reminded ourselves of the importance of fostering multilingualism, even in places far removed from the target language country. It's about more than just words; it's about building bridges, fostering understanding, and celebrating community in all its forms.
Talkfest Dunedin – Going Green
This past month, four high schools in Dunedin brought their learners of German together to experience an unforgettable German Immersion School Camp! Organised by dedicated teachers who went above and beyond, the camp provided students with a unique opportunity to dive deep into the language and culture. A special shoutout to the amazing PAD language assistant Joschka, whose native speaker input and dedication was an invaluable asset to the experience.
Learning outside the classroom in a bicultural context not only enhances language proficiency but also fosters a profound appreciation for cultural nuances. Connecting with other learners in such an immersive environment builds a supportive and motivating community. Here's to more such enriching adventures in language learning!
This song is written and composed by Grace, one of the German learners from Bayfield High School. Listen for yourself. We love it and think it has got quite a catchy tune:
Written by German National Language Advisor, Alexandra Töniges
Schools across the country celebrated German Language Week 2024. The Goethe-Institut had set up a little competition to share their activities via social media. Here are our two winners: Selina Striebich and her students from ANI (Auckland Normal Intermediate School) celebrated the occasion with a German assembly organised by the ANI German Club and set up a German Handball tournament, which got the whole school active and engaged. Sandra Renner had an amazing time with her John McGlashan College students in Dunedin, having organised various activities for the entire week.
But read for yourself how our guest editors from ANI describe their experiences of German Week at ANI 2024:
Celebrating German Week: Embracing the Richness of German Language, Culture, and Traditions
Written by William Fang (Year 8, Room 4) and edited by Ayesha Syed (Year 8, Room 16), pictures by Leo Swash (Year 7, Room 28)
German Week was underway at ANI, uniting students and faculty in celebration of the diverse and vibrant facets of the German language, culture and way of life. From language workshops to cultural exhibitions, this week-long event provided a comprehensive exploration of Germany’s rich heritage.
The primary objective of German Week was to foster awareness and appreciation of the German language and culture among students. Throughout the week, a variety of activities and events were organised to engage students and deepen their understanding of German traditions, customs and values.
One of the highlights of German Week was the EP Language Learning Competition, where students had the opportunity to showcase their German language skills.
Furthermore, an exciting German handball tournament captivated participants and spectators alike, highlighting the exhilarating nature of this dynamic team sport.
In conclusion, German Week at ANI was a celebration of the richness and diversity of the German language, culture, and way of life. Through a series of engaging activities, workshops, and events, students were encouraged to embrace and appreciate the multifaceted aspects of German heritage and identity. As we came together to celebrate German Week, we seized the opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with the vibrant world of German language and culture. “Prost” to a week filled with learning, fun, and celebration!
