German - A Level

German is a living and evolving language. During the A Level course you will study a variety of topics through the medium of the language and have the opportunity to gain a greater awareness of the concerns and interests of Germany and its people. You will develop the ability to speak and understand German fluently in a variety of social contexts, and will equally have been exposed to a number of aspects of Germany’s historical and contemporary culture that have produced and developed the language.

As a wide variety of social issues are addressed during the study of German A Level, you will have the opportunity to learn about and debate current political, demographic and socio-cultural concerns. You will also gain a broad understanding of German history and conduct in depth analyses of examples of German literature and Arts.

What will I study in German?

AS Unit 1 & 2
Spoken Expressions & Responses in German: This unit is designed to build on your ability to manipulate and comprehend the spoken language. You will develop knowledge of vocabulary and grammar that will help you to respond to questions in a confident, efficient manner. You will engage in discussions in German on topics such as youth culture and concerns; lifestyle, health and fitness; education, and training and employment.

Understanding & Written Responses in German: You will now learn language skills that will build your confidence and ability in communicating in written German. This unit focuses on the relationship between listening, reading and writing. You will be required to work on retrieving and conveying information on the basis of printed and recorded material in German.

A2 Units 3 & 4
Understanding & Spoken Responses in German: By engaging in debates where you will have to present your views on issues and develop convincing arguments to support your opinion, you will develop more sophisticated, fluent spoken skills. You will also deal with unseen spoken material in spontaneous discussions using the knowledge of German culture and society acquired during the AS Level.

Understanding & Written Responses in German: In addition to the general knowledge of German culture covered in the AS, you will now study German customs, traditions and religious beliefs and literature and the arts. For the research-based essay you will be encouraged to show personal initiative and creativity in constructing a project on a relevant topic of your own choice.

How will I be assessed?

The AS course is examined via 2 exams – a 2 hour listening, reading and writing section and an oral exam involving 20 minutes preparation and 15 minutes examination. The A2 course has a 2 hour 30 minute listening, reading and writing exam and the same pattern for the oral as the AS.

Do I need to have studied German before?

Ideally, you should have achieved a B or above at GCSE Level. However, students may transfer to German A Level if they have been successful at GCSE in other foreign languages.

Who will teach me?

Gabriella Demko MA is a highly enthusiastic, dedicated language teacher whose courses are successful because they are embedded in rigorous grammar, expanding vocabulary, and the nuances of written and spoken idiom, as required by the exam board.

Which subjects complement German?

Other modern or historical languages, History and English Literature are well suited to German. However, languages generally combine well with all A Levels

Which careers can follow a study of German?

All professions like to have recruits with a language. The nature of the modern world makes languages particularly suited to those working in transnational industries and financial institutions. Lawyers, bankers and a variety of business executives value this qualification.