German Department
Curriculum
GCSE
We follow the OCR syllabus for our GCSE course. The examination comprises four papers which test the following skills : Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Speaking is tested internally but marked externally. There is no coursework. Further details can be found on the OCR website.
AS/A2
We will be following the AQA syllabus for Sixth Form study from September 2008. The new Specification for AS will consist of two Units which will be examined in June 2009. Girls who continue to A2 will be examined in two further Units in June 2010.
The topics studies for AS Level are Media, Popular Culture, Healthy Living and Lifestyle and Family and Relationships. These topics have been chosen since it is thought that they will be of interest to LVI pupils. Candidates will take two papers at the end of the course, one for Listening, Reading and Writing and one for Speaking.
The topics for A2 are more demanding in content. They are the Environment, The Multicultural Society, Contemporary Social Issues and the study of some of the work of one of France’s great authors or dramatists. Candidates will take two papers at the end of the course, one for Listening, Reading and Writing and one for Speaking.
There is no coursework.
BEYOND THE SIXTH FORM
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.
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, bi-lingual or tri-lingual 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.
