I'm at Intercockpit, and as mentioned above they do use the Bristol GS notes, which are mostly very good.
Generally at Intercockpit we have 4-5 weeks 'self study phase', followed by an internal test, then 2 weeks fulltime lectures 'classroom phase'. The cycle repeats itself over the 9 month 'Theory Phase' after which you should be ready to take the German LBA (JAA) exams.
I find the theory/classroom mix to be adequate as most of the material needs to be learned off by heart. From my point of view, the understanding part is more than adequately covered in the lectures.
Hope this answers the question, if not PM me...