Why German?
The course is stimulating and rewarding. It requires commitment, enthusiasm and an interest in the language and the people. We expect each student to aim for the highest possible standard and to seize the many opportunities that arise for visits, periods of study and exchanges in Germany. The unification of Germany and the development of cultural and economic links with the countries of Eastern Europe mean that the ability to communicate in German will become an increasingly important asset in the future. Both the AS and A2 level courses continue the GCSE emphasis on authentic German as currently spoken and written by native speakers, and as presented by the media. Lessons include a weekly conversation class (singly or in pairs), and pupils are encouraged to read German magazines and newspapers, to watch European news broadcasts on television and to listen to German radio. Visits to German plays, films and meetings are, of course, encouraged and organised whenever possible.
Course Overview
The AS Level covers Media, Popular culture, Healthy living/lifestyles and Family/relationships. The A2 course covers the topics of Environment, The multi-cultural society; Contemporary social issues and the study of a novelist/dramatist/poet from a target language-speaking country.
Assessment
Written and oral examinations at both AS and A2 Level assess Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills.
Beyond A Level
German A level can be combined with almost any subject, academic or vocational, for a University Degree. Almost all language courses involve periods of study abroad. Even non-specialists can be funded by the Erasmus scheme to pursue their studies for one year at a European university. There are also many excellent Management and Marketing Training Schemes, bilingual or trilingual Secretarial Courses, Export, Banking and Civil Service opportunities. There is an ever-increasing range of career openings that combine advanced language skills with other areas of expertise. With the development of the European Union and the increasing possibilities of European job mobility, an advanced knowledge of one or more European languages will be an asset to students of all subjects, giving them a clear advantage when seeking employment.