German
The principal aim of this course is for you to be able to communicate fluently in Europe’s most widely spoken language. Knowledge of German can be vital to international work in the areas of science, engineering, business and the humanities. German holds the key to a deeper understanding of where our modern world has come from and where it might be going.
Through its authors, philosophers, composers, painters and scientists, German-speaking Europe has not only been at the crossroads of history for the past 800 years but promises to remain one of the most important world cultures for the foreseeable future.
Our Approach
We will be building on your linguistic knowledge as well as the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing you have gained during your GCSE studies. Some of the themes taught at AS may indeed be familiar to you and will reappear as we study various topics such as the changing state of the family (relationships and
family), the digital world and youth culture (music and fashion). Coupled with advanced grammar, we will also study German festivals and traditions, art and architecture as well as Berlin’s cultural life past and present. New to this specification is the study of a German novel, play or a film at AS Level.
Our travels to date took us to Germany (2014) and Austria (2016) where we discovered much of Berlin’s and Vienna’s history, particularly the cities’ Jewish history. We followed the trails of Vienna’s most famous residents, Sigmund Freud, Gustav Klimt and Gustav Mahler whose life and works may form part of the
independent research project undertaken at A2. The examinations follow a familiar pattern of listening and reading comprehension exercises followed by a translation part in which you can show off your grammatical skills. In your writing examination, you will be asked to discuss the film, play or novel we have studied. An oral
exam completes the assessment process.
Course Level
A-Level
Entry Requirements
The Academy’s general entry criteria of a minimum of five 4s at GCSE apply. Students need to have a 5 grade in German at GCSE, although this really is an absolute minimum. A grade 5 in English Language is also needed to study German at A Level.
now.
Additional Course Information
Contact the course leader:
Louise Reid
and visit the AQA course page here.
Apply for This Course
Use our online application form available here.