INDUCTION

The progression from German at GCSE to German at "A" Level is one from basic communicative language for day-to-day purposes, "survival German", to the higher level of language required for entering the world of ideas, learning about and discussing current affairs, and attaining a wider range and deeper level of conversational competence which will enable you to function socially in a German environment. The induction programme will give you an overview of the course and exam requirements, suggest strategies for improving the various skills needed, and make clear to you the level of ability and commitment necessary to be successful.

SYLLABUS

The EDEXCEL syllabus consists of 6 modules, but these will normally be taken as one set of final exams at the end of year 13. There are 2 oral papers (35% of marks), 2 writing papers (also 35%), and 2 listening and reading comprehension papers (the remaining 30%). Much of the oral work is based on topic material which is prepared beforehand, which makes it less daunting. One of the writing papers is general, a letter or a discursive essay perhaps, whilst the second is based on the study of 2 aspects of German cultural life (e.g. literature) or current affairs.

SKILLS REQUIRED

"A" Level German requires a high initial level of linguistic ability, which must be demonstrated by achieving an A or B grade at GCSE. The course also demands that students be prepared to work hard at home and in lessons, be organised enough to meet various deadlines for learning vocabulary and producing written work throughout the 2 years, and be interested in reading independently outside the basic texts. Obviously a desire to visit Germany and use the language in a real-life situation is extremely desirable. There is an annual exchange with a school in Koblenz in which Year 12 pupils are encouraged to participate. Over the 2 years of the course there will be a clear gradient of learning and expectation which will allow you to make steady and manageable progress from GCSE to a much higher level of competence, and with this will come a clear sense of achievement and enhanced confidence.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

There will be a year 12 exam and a year 13 mock to gauge your overall progress.

CAREER IMPLICATIONS

The unification of Europe obviously brings with it many job opportunities where languages can be a very positive asset. A knowledge of German also enables you to absorb Dutch and the Scandinavian languages more speedily. For many people language skills will be a tool for their job, or a key opening the door to wider opportunities; the chance of finding a career which relies purely on language skills is remote. Past pupils include a medical student who spent one year of his training in a German hospital and another who is now a Eurocrat. There are some scientific jobs where industry is in desperate need of qualified technicians who also have language skills. So you do not have to see yourself as a linguist pure and simple to find the study of German useful. Many universities offer German in a variety of options combined with subjects which have a more obviously vocational orientation, like Law, Marketing, Accountancy or Engineering. Others offer it with the more traditional academic subjects like History and Geography.