German Pages of Bundescup „Spielend Russisch lernen“

FAQs


Organisation


There should be either 4, 8, 16 or 32 participating teams per school. Is it also possible to play with other numbers of teams?
Having 4, 8, 16 or 32 participating teams will leave one winning team using a knockout system. This is the fairest way to play! However, to ensure no students who wish to participate are excluded, it is also possible to play with other numbers of teams. Here are two examples:

  • With 7 teams, you can use a draw system, this is where all teams draw lots. One team will be the lucky team and will skip the first round

  • With 6 teams, there has been success with three teams playing per table, with each table having one winner. Afterwards the winners play each other. In the third round, the teams who were eliminated can play each other to determine third place.
  • These are only two examples of how to play. If you have further suggestions, we would be pleased to hear from you.

    Do the schools, teacher or students incur costs?
    Not ordinarily. We will provide all the materials that you will require. We will bear travel costs to the regional finals and to the finals. Additionally, costs for accommodation and board will be taken care of (claim forms will be available at the regional and final rounds). We are unfortunately unable to cover any costs incurred during the school rounds.

    Is it possible, to amend the number of teams in the school rounds after registration has been completed?
    Yes, if it is agreed in advance with the organisers.

    Is it necessary for all participating teams in the schools rounds to be registered by name?
    No. In the school rounds, only the number ofteams taking part are required. At the end of the school rounds, the names of the winning team should be communicated to the organisers. This is also the registration for the regional rounds.

    Should the teaching staff accompany the students to the regional rounds and to the final?
    This is up to the teaching staff as they have utlimate responsibility for the students. We invite one teacher to accompany the winner of their school round to the regional rounds and to accompany the regional winner to the final respectively. It is your choice whether you accompany the winning team yourself or whether you nominate a colleague to take on this responsibility.

    Do both team members in the mixed two person team need to be from the same year group?
    No.

    On the game cards, there are several questions/answers. Should they all be answered?
    Yes, all questions, should be answered correctly.

    Is it possible for students who have only just started learning Russian to take part, or should they already have more than a basic knowledge?
    Students just starting to learn are welcome to take part. Students who have recently started to learn Russian should play at the middle level (=orange). Non Russian speakers should play at the yellow level. The game is based on repetition. It is therefore very important, that all players pay attention, as the same questions are repeated until they are answered correctly.

    The non Russian speaking player should contribute 3 points to the total score of 5. The Russian speaker can only contribute 2. Should the Russian speaking player, continue to play and collect further points if he has contributed 2 points or should he stop?
    The Russian speaker should carry on playing. It’s also about playing the game. If he doesn’t want to continue playing for tactical or time reasons, he doesn’t have to.

    After the first stage of the game, the language cards are returned to the pack. Does that mean that in the second stage of the game the same questions should be asked from these cards?
    Yes, the same questions are asked. This repetition allows for learning. After replacing the card to the pack, neither play knows who will be asked the question(s) again. It might even be a player from the other team. Listening carefully and memorising pay off!

    Are players who have succesfully finished the first stage of the game able to join in the same play in the second stage?
    If it is their turn, then yes. If it is the opposing team’s turn, this may only take place when their gaming piece has been reversed. The same applies when moving from the second stage into the third stage of the game.

    What happens when a team has reached the third stage but can’t translate the card carried over from the second stage correctly?
    If the cards in the third stage cannot be translated correctly, the players have the opportunity to answer all cards correctly next time it’s their go. This is the learning effect!

    If the second team are still in the second stage and find themselves on the ’steal a card square’, do they then choose a card from the opposing team (who are already in the third stage) and help the other team to win?
    If a team is in the third stage, their cards can no longer be stolen. The player who is in the position to steal, may throw the dice again.