A LEVEL GERMAN
2024/25
Course Outline
Pupils study four broad topics that comprise the evolution of modern multicultural German society, the political and artistic culture of the German-speaking world, immigration and the reunification of Germany. In addition, pupils will undertake a study of one work of literature and one film, both in the target language. Ahead of the oral exam, pupils complete an independent research project on a topic of their choice, relating to the German- speaking world.
A Level External Assessment
Pupils take the AQA A-Level Examination. This consists of 3 papers: Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation (50%); Paper 2 – Written response to works and translation (20%); Paper 3 – Speaking (30%)
Entry Requirements
Ideally you should gain at least a Grade 7, or equivalent, at GCSE, and you should be keen to communicate in German and want to learn more about the culture of Germany and German speaking countries. Pupils who gain a Grade 6 are also able to study German successfully, although a programme of additional support may be provided in the early weeks of the course.
Skills Required and Developed
During the two-year course you will further develop your language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will be able to read increasingly longer texts and will be encouraged to read for pleasure in German. By the end of the course, you will be able to hold a conversation at normal pace, be able write analytical essays in German and have sound translation skills. You can expect to be taught in small groups and your relationship with your teachers – two teachers will normally be allocated to each group – should be quite different from your previous experience. You will have much more opportunity to contribute to lessons and you will play a more active role in discussion. We aim to use German in class as much as practicable and you have a session in the language laboratory for independent listening. In addition to lessons with your teachers (11 per fortnight in Year 12, 12 per fortnight in Year 13), you will have a weekly period one-to-one with our German Assistant.
Beyond the Classroom
Sixth Form pupils are regularly invited to take part in study trips to Berlin or Munich. There are opportunities to publish work in Portsmouth Point and compete in national essay competitions. Pupils are also encouraged to apply for courses and bursaries to travel to Germany through the UK-German Connection and Goethe Institut. There are also several enrichment opportunities throughout the two years, including an Able Linguists Day at the University of Southampton and the Linguistics Olympiad.