The A level course in German focuses on language, culture and society and builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at the previously completed GCSE course. Alongside the topic-specific and general vocabulary and grammar, the A level course teaches the pupils about German-speaking society, how it has been shaped socially and culturally and how it continues to change.

As listed in the topic overview below, pupils initially learn about society in German-speaking Europe, as well as the artistic life of these countries. In the second year, further aspects of the social background are covered alongside the political landscape in Germany, both in relation to Germany itself and its place in Europe.

Pupils are taught about reunification and its consequences as an example of how Germany’s past influenced its present state. A film and a book are discussed and analysed to complement the topic areas. A Level German combines the learning of a language and societies in those European countries where German is spoken with the acquisition of important transferable skills, i.e. communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity.

Course Outline

Topic 1: Aspects of German-speaking society
Topic 2: Artistic culture in the German-speaking world
Topic 3: Multiculturalism in German-speaking society
Topic 4: Aspects of political life in the German-speaking world

Assessment:

Paper 1:

Listening, Reading and Writing.
Listening and Reading tasks based on the four topic areas.
Translation into English.
Translation into German.

Paper 2:

Writing – Essay questions based on the book and the film.

Paper 3:

Speaking – One of the four topic areas will be discussed based on a stimulus card, along with discussion on the Individual Research Project.

Examination Board: AQA
Specification: 7662

Frau H. Gibson – Head of German