A Level - German

Course Summary

Subject: German

Course Title: A Level - German

Course Types: Sixth Form

Course Level: A-Level

Age Group: 16-18

Course Description

This linear key stage 5 qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and to society.

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing: Written exam (2 hours 30 minutes) and worth 40% of A-level.

Students are assessed on their understanding of aspects of German-speaking society, artistic culture in the German-speaking world, multiculturalism in German-speaking society and aspects of political life in German-speaking society.

They are also assessed on their understanding of German grammar.

Paper 2: Writing: Written exam (2 hours) and worth 30% of A-level.

Students study either one book and one film or two books from the lists in this specification. They must appreciate, analyse and be able to respond critically in writing in German to the work they have studied, as well as evidence a greater understanding of German grammar.

Paper 3: Speaking: Oral exam (21 – 23 minutes) and worth 30% of A-level.

Students are assessed on their understanding of aspects of German-speaking society, artistic culture in the German-speaking world, multiculturalism in German-speaking society and aspects of political life in German-speaking society. They will also present and discuss their chosen research project.

In Year 12

Aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic life of German-speaking countries. This is divided in to 3 phases.

Phase 1: intensive grammar programme linked to thematic content.

Phase 2: development of all skills through theme-linked teaching and learning.

Phase 3: 'top up’ teaching on film or book to meet A-level requirements. Developing skills in speaking, essay writing, listening, reading skills, summary writing and translation into and from target language.

In Year 13

Further aspects of the social background are covered, alongside the German political landscape, both in relation to Germany itself and its place in Europe. The past and its role in shaping the present is viewed through the reunification and its consequences while the focus on young people and politics looks forward to shaping the future of German-speaking countries. This consists of 4 phases.

Phase 1: development of skills in the two theme areas of year 13. Intensive first phase of teaching and learning for the second work.

Phase 2: as for phase 1 with less time spent on the 2nd work and more time spent on social issues.

Phase 3: phase 1 and 2 continued. Content and skills practice with independent research (ie. outcomes are shared with teacher, planning and preparation for speaking).

Phase 4: intensive and comprehensive exam preparation.

Progression Routes

Success in German A Level can lead on to higher education and is essential for degrees in German. There is also a host of degrees which include German; ranging from Law with German, Business Studies with German to Politics or History with German. Linguists have a wide range of career opportunities open to them – in the business world, translating, interpreting, teaching, journalism, any career involving travelling, amongst many others.

Enrichment Opportunities

Enrichment opportunities are provided by way of cinema trips to watch German films and study enhancement days at participating universities and local schools. There may be opportunity to visit a German speaking country or gain work experience in a German speaking country.

Course Entry Guidelines

Pupils will need to have a grade 5 in GCSE German and a grade 5 in English.

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