A Level German
Did you know that Germany is the UK’s second largest trading partner after the USA? In fact, approximately 75% of UK international trade is with non-English speaking countries. It is therefore not surprising that British businesses are looking for linguists, and in particular for people, who can speak German. That makes learning German an excellent choice for young people wanting to maximise their employment chances.
Key information
English & Languages / Full Time / A Levels and Equivalent
Why choose this course?
The course at Callywith College will give you the opportunity to build on your knowledge of German that you have acquired at GCSE. One aspect of the course will be to improve your language skills, which means that you will learn vocabulary based on a variety of topic areas as well as grammar rules, which will enable you to make sense of the language and to use the language accurately.
What will I learn?
You will develop all four language skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing. And you will do this by using a wide range of materials, both in and outside the classroom. Once a week, you will have a conversation session to help you improve your confidence in speaking the language. And you will also have the opportunity to take part in our Exchange to Göttingen, which includes 5 days’ work experience.
The second aspect of your course will be to develop your knowledge of German-speaking countries and their culture. You will do this by studying various topics as part of your course, as well as a German film and a German book.
Year 1
Being a young person in German-speaking society
Families and citizenship
Youth trends and personal identity
Education and employment opportunities
Understanding the German-speaking world
Regional culture and heritage in Germany, German-speaking countries and communities
Media, art, film and music in the German-speaking world
A German Film (currently ‘Die fetten Jahre sind vorbei’)
Year 2
Diversity and Difference
Migration and integration
Cultural identity and marginalisation
Cultural enrichment and selebrating difference
Discrimination and diversity
The making of modern Germany: 1989 onwards
Initial and subsequent process of reunification
Social cohesion in present-day Germany
The economic impact of a united Germany
A German book (currently ‘Der Vorleser’ by Bernhard Schlink)
Assessment Arrangements
Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, and your progress will be monitored and assessed regularly by your lecturer.
You will have regular tests on vocabulary and grammar, as these form the basis for all your studies on this course.
A variety of homework tasks will be set and assessed in line with the exam mark schemes. These will include written work, reading and listening tasks, translations, oral presentations and preparation for discussions.
You will review your own performance in termly 1:1 sessions with your lecturer.
You will undertake mock examinations and a rigorous internal examination at the end of the first year.
You will be externally assessed at the end of the second year. There will be a two written exams and a speaking exam. The exams will test your knowledge of all topics covered during the two years.
Information & Support
We encourage all students to expose themselves to the German language and culture as much as possible. We provide various materials for this in our Learning Centre as well as on Sharepoint.
What will I need?
The basic requirement is five GCSEs at grade 4 with a grade 6 at GCSE for German and grade 5 for English. An interest in German language and culture is also essential.
Where will it take me?
A qualification in German is highly valued by universities and employers alike. At university, German can be studied alone or combined with almost any other subject. Employment prospects are very good for graduates with a language qualification.
Additional Information
Awarding Body:
Eduqas
To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk