GERMAN

LEVEL 3: A LEVEL
EXAMINING BOARD: AQA

This course is about more than just learning the language, alongside developing your linguistic skills you will gain an insight into contemporary issues in German-speaking societies. You study a range of topics through the practice of the four skills; listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Your time will be split between the classroom and the Language Lab and you will benefit from an individual 20 minutes oral session with a native speaker every week.

Among the first topics to be studied is technological and social change. You will discuss the dangers of the internet, its impact on society and the use of technology by young people. Other topics include looking at festivals and traditions, art and architecture, and the multicultural nature of German-speaking societies.

You will learn about historical events, such as reunification, and Germany’s changing political landscape and evaluate the influence the past has had on present-day German-speaking communities.  

AS Level German is available as an additional qualification to a Study Programme
 

You will study the following topics:

  • Familie im Wandel
  • Die digitale Welt
  • Jugendkultur: Mode, Musik und Fernsehen
  • Feste und Traditionen
  • Kunst und Architektur
  • Das Berliner Kulturleben damals und heute
  • Einwanderung
  • Integration
  • Rassismus
  • Deutschland und die EU
  • Politik und die Jugend
  • Die Wiedervereinigung und ihre Folgen.

There is also an in-depth study of one book and one film and you will carry out an individual research project on a topic of your choice.

As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4
  • GCSE English Language grade 4
  • GCSE German grade 5*
  • plus two more GCSEs at grade 4

*If you have not studied GCSE German you will need to be a competent speaker and must have five GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade 4.

There are three exams:

  • Paper 1 – Listening, reading and writing
  • Paper 2 – Writing
  • Paper 3 – Oral exam.

Many students go on to study Language at university, often combined with another course e.g. Law, Business, Economics, Natural Sciences, International Relations or International Management.

With a language A Level, you have the choice to study any other language degree and your course will usually involve time abroad

 Before starting a university course, you may consider a gap year, travelling in German-speaking countries, or working abroad in German summer camps.

Popular career fields include Marketing, Journalism, Tourism, Airline Crew, Interpreting, Intelligence Agencies and International Aid.

Whatever you decide to do, your language skills will be an invaluable asset to you.

You will have critical thinking and problem-solving skills alongside the ability to build relationships across borders, a global outlook and intercultural confidence.

Businesses and organisations not only want to recruit multi-linguists they want people who have an understanding of foreign environments and practices, and who are first-class communicators.

 

 

Does Huish have any specialised resources?

The department and Learning Centre are well stocked with specialised resources, DVDs, books and magazines plus a digital Language Lab to help you succeed.