Students continue to develop more advanced language competency within the context of culturally rich thematic units based on the six AP themes. Performance-based activities allow students to speak and write independently in unfamiliar situations. Listening and reading skills are further developed through the use of authentic materials and focus on literal comprehension and inferential interpretation. Students continue to explore the German speaking culture(s) in new contexts, as well as make comparisons and connections to their own experiences. Classroom communication requires a higher level of language proficiency and takes place exclusively in German.