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German

Exam Board: WJEC

Head of Department: Mr A R Carr

Am I suited to this course?

Entry requirements: We normally expect at least a B grade in GCSE German and a willingness to learn more about the German language, the way of life and the culture of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Students who are thinking of choosing German in the Sixth Form must be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities to spend some time in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. This is invariably a valuable and enjoyable experience.

What will we study?

The skills that you met at GCSE, namely listening, speaking, reading and writing are further practised and refined. In the first year of the course we concentrate on topics such as entertainment, leisure, tourism, health and social issues, youth culture, education, sport and the media are covered. In the second year we look at social, political issues and technology, the environment and unemployment.

In the Upper Sixth students also study some German literature and film.

What work will I do?

Although the A level course is seen as a continuation from GCSE, work revolves around a greater integration of the four language skills. Thus the topics above could involve role playing, discussion, listening, reading and some writing in German.

We have a foreign language assistant to help students to practise and refine their language skills particularly their listening and speaking skills. A supply of foreign language newspapers, videos and other materials are also available for students to study including independent study in the Library.

How will my AS and A level grades be assessed?

AS (2 units)

GN120% 12-15 minutes 60 raw marks; 80 UMS marks

Oral Examiner-led discussion of topics General conversation

GN230% 21⁄2 hours 98 raw marks; 120 UMS marks

Listening, Reading and Writing Listening and Responding Reading and Responding Grammar tasks Translation Target Language - English Essay

A Level (the above plus a further 2 units)

GN320% 15-20 minutes 60 raw marks; 80 UMS marks

Oral Structured Discussion Exposé (This is based on a film of the student's choice)

GN430% 3 hours 98 raw marks; 120 UMS marks

Listening Reading and Writing Listening and Responding Reading and Responding Translation English - target language Guided Studies Essay (This is based on the piece of literature studied)