Bishopbriggs Academy

Since June 2008 Bishopbriggs Academy has been the German Partnerschool in Scotland as part of the German government initiative “Schulen: Partner der Zukunft”. Bishopbriggs is a comprehensive secondary school near Glasgow. The school has 1.200 pupils and has moved in 2010 to a modern well equipped and spacious new building. More information on the school’s website:

Bishopbriggs Academy

Over the last three years a great number of projects as well as educational and cultural events have made Bishopbriggs Academy a nationally acclaimed example of excellence (i.e.: Modern Languages Excellence Report 2011). This partnership project has had a significant impact with teaching colleagues, education authorities and elected political members at both a local and national level with responsibility for education. It has aided and positively influenced promoting the teaching and learning of German in Scottish education and increased the interest in German society.

In 2011 both partners are looking forward with much enthusiasm to new highlights and exciting and challenging projects to further improve the quality of this international partnership:

4th March – Visit to ‘Musik X’ exhibition and German school in London
Ten pupils had a fantastic day in London packed with exciting impressions of German traces in the capital city. Meeting pupils from the German school was an interesting experience with lots of chat and information. The day’s highlight however was being part of the launch celebration for ‘Musik X’ - an exhibition on modern German music trends. To find out more click here to look at or download pupil’s presentation on their special day:
Powerpoint Presentation (, 4 MB)

7th June – Bishopbriggs welcomes actor Atta Yaqub
(‘Ae Fond Kiss’) ‘Learning German for me’ is the heading Atta Yaqub chose to talk about learning German, his career and his first hand insights into German life and culture. Pupils from S 3 are looking forward to their ‘Superstar’.

24th July– 13th August - International summer course in St. Peter Ording
Another year of fantastic opportunities lies ahead for three lucky pupils from Bishopbriggs Academy. In St. Peter Ording they will meet Pasch-pupils from other countries, improve their German, get insights into German life and culture and will have lots of fun. We look forward to hearing all about it.

26th of August – Course for pupils: How to set up an online school magazine
A group of about 15 pupils will take part in this exciting and challenging project. They will learn how to create and run an online school magazine. The aim is to create a platform to exchange ideas, opinions and information. Pupils from 8 Pasch schools in NorthWestEurope are taking part in this project.

6th October:
Pupils from Bishopbriggs introduce their exchange partners from Alexander von Humboldt Gymnasium in Konstanz to the Goethe-Institut Glasgow. An exciting discussion about cultural stereotypes and prejudices, treasure hunt - to get to know the Goethe Institut - and lunch came to be a successful programme as part of the 8 day visit in Scotland.

14th November: German Immersion day for Higher candidates
Highers pupils in Bishopbriggs Academy are inviting pupils in neighbouring schools to a day packed with information, discussion and fun – all this in German of course. Several workshops will introduce topical themes, youth trends and music, opinions and opportunities for young people in Germany.

5th December – Seminar: Film in the German Classroom
A CPD event for teachers of German. Participants will be introduced to modern German films suitable for the classroom. The seminar will focus on methods and ideas how to integrate film into the lesson plan and enhance motivation and cultural awareness. To be held at the Goethe-Institut Glasgow.

You can find an overview of projects and programmes 2008-2010 here:

Overview of events and projects organised through the Partnerschool Initiative

For further information about the “PASCH” initiative in Scotland, please contact:

Lilo Börgmann
Head of Teachers’ Services
Goethe-Institut Glasgow
Tel: +44 141 3322555
boergmann@glasgow.goethe.org