Why study German?


As British students are frequently in competition with applicants from Europe, most of whom have a sound command of several languages, the advantages of an AS/A Level language course are clear. A German A Level course lays sound foundations for students who wish to continue studying German in Higher Education. It also opens up a range of career prospects as it demonstrates valuable transferable skills, such as the ability to communicate confidently, to gather and interpret information and to work well with others. The course equips students with a firm grasp of the language and an understanding of German culture and socio-political issues. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.


Background needed


Students opting for German at AS/A Level should be linguistically able, eager to deepen their knowledge of the language and interested in the cultural and socio-political issues of Germany. Students should have gained a minimum grade B in the Higher GCSE papers.


Course content AS Level


In Unit 1, Spoken Expression and Response in German AS 30%, A2 15%, students choose a general topic area from one of the following: Youth culture and concerns, lifestyle (health and fitness), the world around us (travel, tourism, environmental issues and the German-speaking world) and education and employment. During the 8-10 minute assessment candidates must discuss, in German, their chosen issue and related subtopics chosen by the examiner.


In Unit 2, Understanding and Written Response in German AS 70%, A2 35%., students must show they understand a range of texts and recordings by responding to them in different ways. The 2 hour 30 minute assessment requires candidates to complete one listening and one reading comprehension


Opportunities for enrichment


Weekly meetings with the Language Assistant are a timetabled part of the course. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussion and to undertake personal research. A work experience exchange or cultural study visit is arranged each year. A trip to the Goethe Institute is organised as part of Curriculum Enrichment Week.


What the students say


“German is a great subject to take, especially at A Level. The lessons are challenging but very rewarding, and there are lots of exciting opportunities, such as the exchange.”


“I am really looking forward to the work experience exchange.”


‘Teaching and learning are outstanding. Teachers encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and promote their independent research skills well. The much improved facilities in the new Sixth Form centre, of which the students are justly proud, have increased the opportunities for this type of learning’. OFSTED 2007


exercise, and to write 200-220 words in German in the form of a letter, report or article in response to a short German-language text.


Course content A2 Level


In Unit 3, Understanding and Spoken Response in German A2 17.5%, students must demonstrate their spoken language skills by presenting a topic of their choice. During the 1 1-13 minute assessment, students will be expected to communicate and justify their opinions, and to defend their point of view effectively.


In Unit 4, Research, Understanding and Written Response in German A2 32.5%, students must show their skills in German writing and translation from English into German. Candidates will also be required to undertake independent German- language reading and research of a text, play, film or topic area linked to the following: Youth culture and concerns, lifestyle (health and fitness), the world around us (travel, tourism and environmental issues), education and employment, customs, traditions, beliefs and religions, national and international events (past, present and future), and literature and the arts. Assessment takes the form of a 2 hour 30 minute paper in three sections.


Contact for further information: Mrs Peduru, Head of Department


Maiden Erlegh Sixth Form 21


German


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