A child-led introduction to Füssen, Germany, suitable to support study of a European location at KS2.
The video
Video summary
Füssen lies in the Allgäu region of Bavaria in Germany, famous for its mountain lakes, the Alps and castles including Neuschwanstein, which has been featured in a number of films.
Philipp is 12-years-old and is a member of a traditional dancing and cultural group.
He dresses in lederhosen and dances traditional German dances. His family own a concrete factory and their business depends on the mountains for the mined stone.
The area has many lakes and fast running rivers that help power the local hydroelectric plants.
There are about 14 plants in the Füssen area alone, and around 1400 in Bavaria. Lots of tourists come to ski in the winter and paraglide in the summer.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could consider the similarities and differences between their own town and the Allgäu region of Bavaria in Germany by presenting this information in a Venn diagram.
Using the clip as a stimulus, pupils could complete further research on Bavaria - its tourism, hydroelectricity industry and its traditional dress and dance, before writing a report about these.
Pupils could write a 'Day in the Life of…' diary for Philipp, the young presenter of the film - while at home, at his father's concrete factory, fishing by the river and at school. This report or diary could be accompanied by a glossary explaining the key vocabulary.
Pupils can design their own poster or brochure advertising 'Bavaria', using persuasive language and information shown in the clip.
This clip is relevant for teaching Key Stage 2 and 2nd Level (Scotland) students about life in other countries. The National Curriculum for Geography at Key Stage 2 emphasises study of a European location and making comparisons with a location in the United Kingdom.
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