German A Level
Examining Board: AQA
Overview
This course is about so much more than just developing your linguistic skills. Whilst you will undoubtedly flourish as a linguist and master an impressive range of vocabulary and grammar, A-Level German also gives you an insight into contemporary issues in German-speaking societies.
The fascinating topics include examining social changes, music and the arts, architecture, politics and immigration, as well as the traditions and history of German-speaking countries – and we will discuss all of this in German! You will learn about the reunification of Germany and the ever-changing political landscape of contemporary Germany.
Course Content
A Level German has the following topics:
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Familie im Wandel
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Die digitale Welt
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Jugendkultur: Mode, Musik und Fernsehen
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Feste und Traditionen
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Kunst und Architektur
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Das Berliner Kulturleben damals und heute
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Einwanderung
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Integration
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Rassismus
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Deutschland und die EU
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Politik und die Jugend
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Die Wiedervereinigung und ihre Folgen
There is also an in-depth study of one book Der Vorleser (The Reader) and one film (Goodbye, Lenin!) and you will carry out an individual research project (IRP) on a topic of your choice.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language, and GCSE German grade 6 – although in exceptional cases a grade 5 may be considered.
How is it Assessed?
Paper 1 - Listening, reading and writing (50%)
Paper 2 – Writing (20%)
Paper 3 – Speaking exam, including IRP discussion (30%)
Future Pathways with German
Being a proficient German-speaker is a sought after skill and A-Level German opens up many doors. Many students go on to study German at university, often in combination with another subject such as Business, Economics or Law. In terms of careers, German is useful for careers in business and finance, engineering, translation and interpreting, journalism, travel and tourism, diplomacy and civil service, and the education sector.
