A level German

What do I need to know or to be able to do before taking this course?

Most students will normally have achieved at least the equivalent of GCSE Grade B in German before taking this course. You will need to feel confident at this level in the four language skills of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You should also be interested in developing your knowledge and understanding of the culture and way of life of German-speaking countries as well as exploring in much more depth the topic areas that you will have covered at GCSE.

This course is suitable for those who are interested in languages and communication, and learning about other cultures and ways of life. Those who are interested in the business world, in travel or tourism, in literature, or in journalism and the media will also find the course appropriate, particularly as there are a number of options in the course where you can choose a topic or question to suit your interests.

What will I learn on the AS-level course?

In the Lower Sixth, the lessons concentrate mainly on the ‘General Topic Areas’ concerning German-speaking countries.  These are: Day-to Day matters, Society and the Working World.  Much of the time will be spent acquiring information on these areas from a variety of sources (Text Books, Magazines, Literature, Videos, Television, Internet and ICT) and learning to discuss, and report in German.  As well as dealing with the topic areas, much time is also spent learning the structure of the language in order to improve linguistic competence.  AS students learn to:

• Explore and develop understanding of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of German-speaking countries.
• Listen and respond to a variety of authentic spoken sources.
• Read and respond to a variety of written texts from authentic sources.
• Manipulate the foreign language accurately to organise facts and ideas, present explanations, opinions and information in both speech and writing.
• Understand and apply linguistic structures at AS-level
• Transfer meaning from the foreign language into English

The AS examination consists of 3 units:

• Unit 1 Listening and Writing
  You will have to answer questions on recorded material. This material will relate to the contemporary society or culture of German-speaking countries.
• Unit 2 Reading and Writing
  You will be expected to read about 5 passages in German, which will again relate to the contemporary society or culture of German-speaking countries. You will have to answer questions on the passages and use one of the passages as a stimulus for writing a short letter, report or article.
• Unit 3 Prepared Oral Topic
  You will be expected to prepare a topic of your choice, which deals with an aspect of culture or society in a German-speaking country. You will have to present the topic for 1-2 minutes and then hold a conversation about it for 9-10 minutes.

What will I learn on the A2-level course?

Further topic areas are introduced. These are: Environment and Citizenship and International Context. Time is also spent preparing the 2 pieces of coursework and improving your knowledge of the linguistic structures necessary for A2-level. In addition to AS requirements, A2 students learn to:

• Understand and study in greater depth aspects of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of one or more of German-speaking countries, demonstrating a higher level of critical awareness.
• Use German to analyse, hypothesise, evaluate, argue a case, justify, persuade, rebut, develop arguments and present viewpoints, in speech and in writing.
• Demonstrate their capacity for critical thinking, to see relationships between different aspects of the subject and to perceive their field of study in a broader context.
• Understand and apply the linguistic structures at A2-level and use a wider range of vocabulary.
  Transfer meaning from English into German.

The full A-level qualification consists of the AS units plus three more units:

• Unit 4 Oral discussion of Issues
  You will be asked to prepare an issue that relates to a German-speaking country. You will have to outline the issue to the examiner and take a definite stance on it. You will then have to hold a discussion on two further issues. The whole unit lasts 14-15 minutes.
• Unit 5 Coursework
  You choose and research 2 topics of your choice related to a German-speaking country. You are required to read extensively in German and write about each topic.
• Unit 6 Listening, Reading and Writing
  You will be required to:
  1. Listen and respond to two passages of recorded material.
  2. Read a passage in German and answer questions. There will also be a short translation exercise into German.
  3. Write either a creative text or a discursive essay.

Where might this subject take me?

There will be a range of opportunities open to you, where you can continue to use and further develop your language skills and knowledge of contemporary society.  Some students choose to do degree courses in languages; others choose to pursue a Higher Education course in another subject, but choose a language option alongside it.  Having a language at AS or A2-level will certainly improve your employability, in particular with companies, which have international branches.  Whether you are interested in continuing your studies or working at home or abroad, a language course at AS or A2-level is an excellent step towards achieving your goals.