Course Overview

Languages are a good foundation subject for many degree courses across a wide range of subjects including Law, Business Studies, Economics, Social Policy, Philosophy, Social Sciences and Educational Studies. A languages degree is good preparation for a wide range of occupations; for example, journalism, marketing, personnel, public service, law, advertising, insurance or teaching.

All languages offer a work experience visit in both Y12 and Y13, a weekly appointment with the foreign language assistant, opportunities to support younger students through in class support, a cinema club, a book club and access to authentic materials.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Grade 6 in German.

Qualities Required

A genuine love of languages, an enquiring mind, good time management, hard work and resilience.

Links with Other Subjects

Languages combine well with any subject, but especially English, Economics, Geography, Politics, Sociology and History. They also make an excellent contrast with Mathematics and Science based subjects.

Exam Board

AQA

Method of Assessment

	Objective	Weighting (A Level)	Weighting (AS)
A01	Understand and respond: in speech to spoken language including face-to-face interaction and in writing to spoken language drawn from a variety of sources.	20%	20%
A02	Understand and respond: in speech to written language drawn from a variety of sources and in writing to written language drawn from a variety of sources.	30%	30%
A03	Manipulate the language accurately, in spoken and written forms, using a range of structure.	30%	30%
A04	Show knowledge and understanding of, and respond critically to, different aspects of the culture and society of countries/communities where the language is spoken.	N/A	20%
A04 (A Level)	Show knowledge and understanding of, and respond critically and analytically to, different aspects of the culture and society of countries/communities where the language is spoken.	20%	N/A

What will I Study?

Grammar:

• Key verb tenses
• Nouns and determiners
• Adjectives and adverbs
• Prepositions
• Negation
• Model particles and discourse markers
• Clause structure and word order.

Aspects of German-speaking society:

• The changing state of the family
• The digital world
• Youth culture: Fashion and trends, music and television.

Political and artistic culture:

• Festivals and traditions
• Art and architecture
• Cultural life in Berlin past and present.

Works: Literary texts and films:

• Böll Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina
• Blum
• Brecht Mutter Courage und ihre Kinder
• Dürrenmatt Der Besuch der alten Dame
• Good bye Lenin!

Aspects of Political Life in the German Speaking World:

• Germany and the European Union
• Politics and Youth
• German reunification and its consequences.

Multiculturalism in German Speaking Society:

• Immigration
• Integration
• Racism.