German will still be offered at both AS and A2 Levels until 2013-14.
Who should study German at AS and/or Advanced Level?
Anyone considering German at Advanced Level should have a good GCSE grade and enthusiasm for the subject. There are many good reasons for studying German.
- Modern languages are vocationally valuable, as they open the door to a variety of university courses and a wide choice of careers in the expanding European market and the world of international organizations.
- Modern languages are an excellent choice not only for the keen linguist but also for those interested in law, business studies, commerce, the media, the Civil Service and the Arts.
- The choice of contrasting or complementary AS Levels can be of particular value in broadening studies and ‘standing out’ from other applicants when it comes to university application. A flexible combination of subjects has given past students exciting opportunities such as training abroad whilst reading science or humanities subjects at university.
- Modern languages provide the challenge of thinking, understanding, analyzing, and also the challenge of accuracy and clarity in translation work.
You will find personal satisfaction and reward in studying German, providing you have enough interest and curiosity of mind to gain a broad knowledge of the culture of other countries – and to travel there to see for yourself! – together with the self-discipline required to meet the demands of a difficult course.
What does the Advanced Level German Course comprise?
The courses extend the four GCSE disciplines of listening, speaking, reading and writing, with the aim of increasing vocabulary and improving accuracy of language, so that you can express yourself on a variety of topical issues including current affairs, the economy, politics and history, the environment, education, young people, leisure, the media, employment, Europe and immigration.
AS level students will be expected to understand and respond in the foreign language to contemporary spoken and written language in two of the four main topic areas and are required to demonstrate a good command of the grammatical features and idiomatic structures of the language.
Year 13 students will cover all four topic areas and they will also pursue a guided studies option concerning the following:
- The world of cinema: Die weisse Rose, or own choice
- The world of literature: Der Besuch der alten Dame.
How are Advanced Level German Courses examined?
All AS and A2 Level students have oral, listening and reading comprehension examinations. Written response in the foreign language is expected in both listening and reading work, the longest formal written task amounting to 400 words. The breakdown of examination marks is as follows:
| AS GN1 | AS GN2 | A GN3 | A GN4 |
| Oral | Listening, Reading and Writing | Oral | Listening, Reading and Writing |
| 20% | 30% | 20% | 30% |
SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT
This specification is divided into a total of 4 units, 2 AS units and 2 A2 units. Weightings noted below are expressed in terms of the full A level qualification.
AS (2 units)
GN1 20% 12-15 minutes Oral
Examiner-led discussion of topics
General conversation
GN2 30% 2½ hours 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)
GN3 20% 15-20 minutes Oral
Structured Discussion
Exposé
GN4 30% 3 hours Listening Reading and Writing
Listening and Responding
Reading and Responding
Translation English – target language
Guided Studies Essay
Topics
The following topics will be studied with reference to target language countries as well as in a wider, global context as appropriate.
AS
(a) Leisure and Lifestyles, including travel and tourism, sport, hobbies,
entertainment, customs, traditions, healthy living – health and nutrition, diet and exercise; unhealthy living - drugs, aids, smoking, alcohol, etc
(b) The Individual and Society, including relationships and responsibilities, gender issues, youth culture (values, peer groups, fashions and trends etc.), education, vocational training and future careers.
A Level
(c) Environmental Issues, including technology, pollution, global warming, transport, energy, nuclear energy, renewable energies, conservation, recycling, sustainability.
(d) Social and Political Issues, including the role of the media, racism,
immigration social exclusion and integration, terrorism, world of work
(employment, commerce, globalization, etc.)
