Why study A-level German?
The A-level German course sets out to facilitate a deeper understanding of the language and culture at the heart of three leading European nations: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. By studying German at A-level, not only are you opting to develop the four key skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in another language, but also the skills of communication, discussion, debate, presentation and summary writing. By Year 13, you will feel confident in communicating effectively, with a level of fluency that will enable you to feel immersed in the German speaking world. If you are interested in broadening your horizons and rising to the exciting challenges of tackling the German language head-on, A-level German is the right choice for you.
Languages greatly complement many other subjects that you may be choosing at A level. For example, for students interested in science or technology, Germany has the third largest number of researchers in the world, with many working around the globe, and highly valuing an ability to speak the language. For those interested in business, marketing or law, Germany is home to a large number of global corporations that require competent German speaking representatives in the UK and beyond. These businesses require German-speaking marketers, researchers, engineers, programmers, lawyers and more to continue to be the world’s largest importer and exporter. For anyone interested in politics, economics or journalism, Germany is an important player on the world stage and plays an integral role in the EU and European relations, for which proficient German speakers are a must. For anyone interesting in history, geography or sociology, having knowledge of another culture, specifically one so steeped in interesting history and still discovering its identity and working through the past after the tumultuous twentieth century, makes German the subject for you. For students interested in English language or literature, the study of a second language is the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and broaden your knowledge.
What are the opportunities for further education and careers?
Employers and universities place great value on A-level language qualifications. Many pupils go on to study German at university, often alongside another language (which they may learn ab initio) or alongside another subject (Economics, Business, History, Politics, Sciences, Journalism, Geography to name a few). Studying a Language as part of a Dual Honours programme or as an elective module offers great variety and the chance to study or work abroad for a year. For example, many students will find themselves working for a law firm, a laboratory, a newspaper, a school or a multinational company during this year. As part of an apprenticeship or post-university work, applicants with a qualification in a language are in demand for a huge number of businesses, with German being the most desired language (CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey 2019). This is because employees with an A-level in a language are known to have developed a range of skills that are transferable to many work places.Key Information Summary:
Course Title | German |
Examination Board | AQA |
Linear Qualification? | Yes |
Course Webpage | http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/german-7662 |
Entry Requirements | Grade 6 in GCSE German and Grade 5 in English language or English literature |
Contact Teachers | Mr B Hollis: bhollis@wilmslowhigh.com Mr M Hulse: mhulse@wilmslowhigh.com |
Course Details:
The AQA specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills you will have acquired whilst studying GCSE German. It includes a range of topics related to the German speaking world, including social issues and trends, political and artistic culture and grammar. It provides a balanced, well-rounded study of German, in which language and grammar are developed, revisited and reinforced throughout the course through the cultural elements. The subject content is relevant to the modern day German speaking world and interesting to learn. There are many opportunities to develop practical communication skills which will benefit you throughout your future career.
AQA German is a linear course with terminal examinations at the end of the A-level year.
Subject Content:
Social issues and trends
Year 12: Aspects of German speaking society:
- The changing state of the family
- The digital world
- Youth culture
Year 13: Multiculturalism in German speaking society:
- Immigration
- Integration
- Racism
Political and Artistic Culture
Year 12: Artistic culture in the German speaking world:
- Festivals and traditions
- Art and architecture
- Cultural life in Berlin, past and present
Year 13: Aspects of political life in the German speaking world:
- Germany and the European Union
- Politics and youth
- German re-unification and its consequences
Works: Goodbye, Lenin! (Wolfgang Becker, 2003), and Der Vorleser (Berhard Schlink, 1995)
Individual Research Project: Students choose a topic relating to the German speaking world that interests them and learn about it in depth for their speaking exam.
Grammar: Grammatical structures and rules are studied as an integral part of all of the above throughout the course.
Assessment details:
A-level – 2 Year Course |
Paper 1 (50% of A-level) Paper 2 (20% of A-level) Paper 3 (30% of A-level) |