AS GERMAN AT CRICKHOWELL HIGH SCHOOL

Why continue to learn German?

 The course is both stimulating and challenging and you will gain a great deal linguistically whilst learning about the contemporary society of Germany and German speaking countries. It is extremely useful to study a language to this level. Top companies and many sectors of industry demand a working knowledge of a European language these days.

The course picks up where you left off at GCSE level and during the first term you will be immersed in the language and will work on fine-tuning your grammatical skills. You will concentrate on three main topics- Leisure and Freetime, Education and Training and Youth Culture.

You are actively encouraged to use German as the main form of communication in the classroom. This will be difficult at first, but it will soon become second nature as your confidence in your abilities grows. In the first term you are also encouraged to keep a diary of your weekend activities in German. The purpose?- to liven up Monday mornings and get everyone chatting!!

As you learn more about the culture and society of Germany and other German speaking countries, there will be plenty of opportunity to undertake independent research and to develop and extend your understanding. You will be encouraged to use the internet and to read about current affairs and the latest developments. Each student will have access to their own computer in the languages department.

The AS course is an excellent stand-alone qualification. Your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills will improve dramatically and you will feel confident enough to sustain an intelligent conversation with a native speaker. It is hard work, but we do have fun too!

At the end of Year 12, there is an opportunity to do a work experience placement in Germany. The department can provide further details if you are interested.

If you wish you can continue your studies and work towards the A2 qualification. The learning curve is rather steep but it is a really interesting course which further develops your linguistic prowess. Topics include- The Environment, Politics, History, Unemployment and The Media.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Grade B at GCSE

A motivated approach

Good organisational skills

Preparedness to work your socks off!

Good sense of humour

HOW GERMAN FITS IN TO YOUR CURRICULUM

Small groups are the norm, which is good news. As a group we timetable our own lessons (5 hours per week). One of these lessons will be supported self-study- you will work as a group on a set task and prepare a presentation/ complete a written assignment/ record an interview/ complete a listening comprehension, etc.