German

Why study German?

Our answer would be very simple: ‘Why not?’

If you have proven your ability in GCSE languages, it would be a logical step to take it further - you enjoyed it, it was challenging in a ‘different’ kind of way and a language qualification definitely makes you stand out in the crowd!

There are, however, some other very important reasons which you may not yet have considered: the further you take your language qualification, the more attractive you become to employers. Statistically, one in five British companies is aware that they are losing trade through lack of language skills within their workforce. The internet has increasingly brought custom from all over the world – language qualifications increase your employability! The Russell Group universities regard the study of languages at 16+ to be part of a very solid preparation for study at degree level. In a nutshell - as one of their recommended ‘facilitating subjects’ - an A level language qualification will enhance your chances of entry into a high quality university. And finally, as linguists we are natural communicators! In a Europe where cohesion is ever-more important, we will need our coming generations to have an insight, an openness to and an appreciation of other cultures like never before.  Being fluent in another language is a life skill that is the envy of many who have missed out.
 

Exam Board

AQA: www.aqa.org.uk

Course Outline:

Aspects of German-speaking society

  1. The changing nature of family life
  2. The digital world
  3. Youth culture: Fashion, Music, TV

Artistic culture in the German-speaking world

  1. Festivals and traditions
  2. Art and architecture
  3. The cultural life of Berlin – past and present

Multiculturalism in German-speaking society

  1. Immigration
  2. Integration
  3. Racism

Aspects of political life in the German-speaking world

  1. Germany and the European Union
  2. Youth politics
  3. Reunification and its consequences

For the cultural and literary paper, we will also study:

Mutter Courage und ihre Kinder – an anti-war play by Bert Brecht

Das Leben der Anderen – a film by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck about the life and love of a writer in the repressive regime of the old East Germany.

How you are assessed:

Paper 1 – Listening, reading, translation (50%)

Paper 2 – Essay paper on text and film studied (20%)

Paper 3 – Speaking test based on the discussion of a stimulus card and a brief presentation of an independent research topic followed by discussion on its content. (30%)

Studying this subject could lead to a career as:

Accountant, Advertising Account Manager, Business Consultant, Communications Coordinator, Digital Capability Manager, Event Manager, Graduate Hotel Management Trainee, HR Administrator, Interpreter, Investment Banking Analyst, International Sales Coordinator, Bi-lingual IT Analyst, IT User Support, Language Teacher (non-UK), M & A Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Marketing Manager, Publishing Editor, Recruitment Consultant, Retail Banking Management Trainee, Sales Co-ordinator, Starting own Business, Assistant Teacher, Technology Risk Consultant, Transport Manager.

Subject requirements:

Grade 6 in German is required.

Useful web links:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/german-7662/specification-at-a-glance

https://www.goethe.de/ins/gb/en/sta/lon.html

https://www.vistawide.com/german/why_german.htm

 

 

Sixth Form

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