This course aims to develop high levels of competence in understanding, speaking and writing German and a deeper knowledge of German culture and civilisation.
Learning German develops communication and problem solving skills. It also helps to improve your social skills, confidence and European awareness.
German makes you think. It encourages you to question your own ideas and express your point of view. It is a challenging, but highly rewarding subject.
Over the two years you will study:
The work is presented in context through newspaper and magazine articles, radio and television programmes, film, video and the internet.
You are expected to go over material covered in class every day to build your knowledge of the language and vocabulary. It is essential to maintain detailed vocabulary and grammar notes and you will write short essays on the topics you study.
There are weekly tests, comprehension and grammar exercises, translations and the preparation of texts for classroom study or oral presentation.
Paper1: Listening, reading and writing (40% of A level).
Paper 2: One text and one film essay (30% of A level).
Paper 3: Oral (30% of A level).
It is important to read widely and the Library has an excellent range of magazines and books in German. There is also an extensive collection of German films available for you to borrow.
You are encouraged to take part in the week long study visit to Augsburg, where you will be taught by native speakers.
The knowledge of a European language increases your career prospects, whatever you choose to specialise in. Recent data from Oxford University shows that 93% of modern language graduates go straight into employment or further study.
German is an important language in the fields of technology and business. It can also help you gain access to top jobs in banking, finance, journalism, law, public relations and the civil service. There are opportunities in tourism, the media, the diplomatic service, translation and interpreting.
German is spoken by 89 million people across Europe.