German

Course details

Initially, more formal grammar work is done to reinforce the basics already learned. A wide range of topics is covered such as media, popular culture, healthy living, family and relationships and you will do reading comprehension, listening comprehension and essay writing tasks in connection with these. The A2 course will cover the environment, the multi-cultural society, contemporary social issues and a cultural topic. One conversation lesson per week with a native speaker helps to improve your oral skills. You are also expected to do extra listening comprehension work at home to supplement what is done at school.

Examination structure:
There is an integrated approach to the testing of language skills.
At the end of the Lower Sixth you may achieve the Advanced Subsidiary Award by taking two assessment units:
(i) Listening, Reading and Writing - integrated skills paper
(ii) Speaking Test.

You may then take A2 at the end of the Upper Sixth to achieve the full Advanced Award. This involves three further assessment units.
(i) Listening, Reading and Writing - integrated skills paper
(ii) Speaking Test

Skills gained:
Advanced oral and written communication together with listening and reading comprehension. An understanding of the use of language and an ability to analyse and comment on texts.

Visit opportunities:
There is the possibility of a German exchange to Mossingen, near Stuttgart, (Lower Sixth), and a travel bursary to support individual visits to Germany. Conferences and day courses at universities.

Connections with other subjects:
Obvious links with French and Spanish, also English, History and Business Studies.

Post A Level

Many recent students have combined German with management/business studies and law, others opting for the traditional one or two language courses. It is possible also to combine the language with science or engineering courses and to study abroad through the European community's ERASMUS scheme. Languages are useful for teaching, translation, interpreting and as support for many careers where broadening markets make language skills especially useful.