German

Why Choose German A-Level?

There are over 100 million native speakers of German around the world and countless German firms in the UK seeking German-speaking staff. As a Germanic language like English, it can enhance your English language skills. Not only does it help in your other studies, it can enhance your employability and enable you to converse with people all around the world.

The German A-Level Course

We currently follow the AQA A-Level syllabus in our Sixth Form. Students develop their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where German is spoken, as well as developing their language skills over the 2-year course. 

They will do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in German. They will also have individual time with the German assistant and will develop their communication and translation skills. 

Topics

The topics covered include German speaking society, multiculturalism in German society, political issues, and festivals and traditions. Students will also study a piece of literature and film in German. There are opportunities for students to also take on an independent research project about a topic which interests them about the German language and culture. 

Year 13

In Year 13, students study immigration, integration and multiculturalism within Germany and the German-speaking world. They also study the history of Germany and analyse a film.

Assessment

 At the end of the course, students are assessed on their listening, speaking, reading, writing, translating and research abilities. Again, the German assistant plays a vital role in Sixth Form lessons as the students prepare for their oral examination, helping with pronunciation, vocabulary and much more. 

Study Visits Abroad

For Sixth Form A-Level students, we offer a visit to Berlin where students are able to experience the recent history and changes in Germany at first hand. 

Berlin is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is modern, historical and vibrant. More than 20 years after reunification, it is still changing.

Berlin is full of history and museums as well as art, culture, shopping and greenery to explore. The study abroad tips include 4 days in which students can explore Berlin and enhance their German. The sites we visit include the Reichstag Dome (planned by Sir Norman Foster), remains of the Berlin Wall (known as the “Eastside Gallery”), the Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish Museum as well as a boat tour of the River Spree.

How is it taught?

We use a variety of teaching methods to ensure that lessons are always extremely engaging, relevant and interesting. We firmly believe that learning any language should be extremely rewarding and fun, which is why we work hard to make lessons dynamic.

You could be enacting a roleplay, studying a recent newspaper, conducting independent or group research or studying one-on-one with our German assistant.

Our German assistant comes from a German-speaking country and helps students to develop accurate pronunciation and vocabulary through one-on-one sessions. We’ve found that this extra attention for each student ensures she can perform her best when it comes to final examinations and taking German out into the real world.

Any questions? Please contact Mrs Barker, Head of Languages, on k.barker@she.gdst.net