Overview
If you study German, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the culture and society of the German-speaking world, through studying films, music, media, politics and more.
You will develop skills in communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as translation into and out of the language. You will also develop your language skills to be able to read and analyse a book and film in German, which is both challenging and fun. German will test your analytical skills and ability to express yourself clearly. Studying German will broaden your job prospects.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the general criteria that the college requires, you will need a minimum of:
- Grade 6 in GCSE German, including the Higher Writing Paper
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
Course Details
In the first year you will study topics focusing on The Environment, Education, the Workplace, Music, Media, Festivals and Traditions. You will be given a wide variety of authentic materials including film, music, interactive online activities, language laboratory activities and the opportunity to participate in a cultural visit. You will also have a weekly session with our language assistant to help prepare you for your oral exam.
In the second year you will consolidate and extend the first year’s topics. Additionally, you will study Immigration and Multiculturalism, and German Reunification. As with the first year, you will have weekly sessions with our language assistant in preparation for your oral exam.
Assessment
Assessment is by two written exam papers (70%) and one oral exam (30%).
Subject Combinations
Whatever subject you combine German with, a language A Level is very much a facilitating subject for any Russell Group or High Tariff university. Facilitating subjects are regarded as a great way of keeping your options open and most commonly required, or preferred by universities to get on to a range of degree courses.
A German A Level combines well with all other subjects and is an excellent way to enhance your transferable skills and your global awareness and mobility.
University Destinations
German A Level is a highly respected qualification, with 90% of our students progressing onto University.
Here are some typical University Destinations that our German A Level students go on to. Click on a destination to see some examples of courses they have taken;
Careers
It is well documented that language graduates have one of the highest employment rates and that employers value the transferable skills which study of a language provides. Language graduates are often employed in international banks, journalism, law, marketing, tourism, industry and a variety of other professions. Being proficient in a language gives you broader career options.
According to the Confederation of British Industry, the UK’s education system is failing to produce enough people with foreign-language skills to meet a growing need from business. Some 41% of businesses said knowledge of a foreign language was beneficial with German identified as one of the most useful languages.
FAQs
What extra support/enrichment activities are on offer?
The department usually offers a German exchange, as well as opportunities for work experience and to attend other cultural events. We also invite guest speakers in during the year. We are privileged to have a language assistant who can give tutorial support on a weekly basis.
The department also provides excellent materials on the College Portal, including Grammarblasts, booklets, links and copies of the PowerPoints in class, to help you revise.
What skills will I need and develop on this course?
This course is designed to build directly on skills learned at GCSE. You will also develop your analytical and creative skills, communication skills, presentation skills, interpersonal skills and cultural awareness.
How will I study at Esher?
You will get four lessons per week plus a speaking session in small groups with a native speaking assistant .
- Lesson 1: Listening skills: on a computer in the languages computer room
- Lesson 2: Grammar and translation skills
- Lesson 3: Cultural Topics
- Lesson 4: Topics about Germany.
Homework: we expect you to spend an additional 5-6 hours a week, this can be in college or at home and could be translation work, an essay plan, a reading comprehension or grammar work.