German in the Sixth Form.

Specification = AQA AS 1661 A level 2661

SPRECHEN SIE DEUTSCH ?

German is spoken by more than 120 million people around the globe and is in the top ten of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Germany is vital to the UK as our largest single trading partner, so wherever you choose to work you are likely to have contact with Germany and need the language. Studying German at A level will equip you with the skills you need for effective written and spoken communication and give you an insight into the culture and literature of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

What can I do with a language qualification?

• Taking an A-level in a foreign language is no longer restricted to people who want to go on to university to study languages or other arts subjects, or who want a career purely in languages.

• Scientists and engineers need languages: they travel and work throughout the world for companies which sell goods abroad, or are themselves multinational.

• Whatever you decide to do as a career, it is highly likely that you will one day find yourself working for a multinational company or for a firm with connections abroad. You will need to be able to communicate with employees at all levels, not only about professional matters, but also on a social level.

• Having knowledge of the foreign country and its culture, understanding how your counterparts in other countries think, will enable you to interact effectively with them. This is a skill that prospective employers are actively looking for.

• Employers say they don't just want specialist linguists, but people with skills such as engineering, law, chemistry etc. who also can speak a foreign language.

• Many firms will give preference to applicants with suitable language skills as indicated by numerous adverts in the national and foreign press, which stipulate a foreign language as an essential requirement.

• Most universities offer combined courses which means you can study two subjects, and many of these combined courses involves studying a foreign language together with another, completely different subject.

Content of Specification

The syllabus is designed to develop students’ knowledge of language, their language skills and their appreciation of cultural aspects of Germany and other countries where the language is used. Topical issues ranging from drug addiction, immigration, unemployment and globalisation to youth culture and modern technology will be covered in some detail. Students are encouraged to understand the political system and democratic processes in the German-speaking countries by studying newspaper articles, television programs - the department has access to German TV channels via satellite link. German websites and first hand experiences through study visits to Germany and Austria complement the course book . Students are expected to develop an understanding of cultural aspects, together with a good level of critical awareness.

AS German

This one-year course builds on the knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE. It is a mid-way stage between GCSE and A-Level. The four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are developed to the required standard through the study of topics in the country of the language studied. These include media, popular culture, healthy living/lifestyle and family/relationships. Students may opt to study German in 6i for an AS award without continuing for a full A level at the end of 6ii.

A2 German

This involves the study of the four linguistic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, based on the study of the world of work and leisure as well as social issues, education, the environment, politics, technological advances, law and order and human interest news items. Part of the oral examination offers an element of choice as students can select subject matters of particular interest to them, including literature, provided these are suitable for development in depth and are related to the country whose language they are studying.

Exchanges and Work Experience

Exchanges with students abroad are encouraged, "total immersion" in the language and culture being an almost irresistible way of improving one's language skills. Work-shadowing placements are available for those students wishing to use their languages and explore possible future careers.

Entry criteria

Students considering this course should normally have acquired the level of understanding and proficiency as specified for GCSE at Higher Tier and would have achieved Grade B or better.

Successful candidates in previous years have gone on to study German at degree level in combination with a main subject. A number of students have been able to put their German language skills into practice by spending a gap year in a German speaking country and several students have found employment in Germany.

Scheme of Assessment

AS Examinations

Unit 1 – GERM1 - Listening, Reading and Writing

70% of AS, 35% of A Level
2 hour written examination
110 marks

Unit 2 – GER2T/V - Speaking Test

30% of AS, 15% of A Level
35 minutes speaking test (including 20 minutes preparation)
50 marks

A2 Examinations

Unit 3 – GERM3 - Listening, Reading and Writing

35% of A Level
2 hours 30 minutes written examination
110 marks

Unit 4 – GER4T/V - Speaking Test

15% of A Level
35 minutes speaking test (including 20 minutes preparation)
50 marks