A Level German

Gain in-depth knowledge of German culture and learn to speak the language fluently.

Would you like to speak a foreign language fluently? Perhaps work abroad? Studying German could help make this a reality and equip you with invaluable skills for the future.

About the Course

Germany’s society and culture form a core part of the course, from contemporary youth culture and Germany’s role in the EU, to architecture and Epic Theatre.

Through discussions and debates in the classroom, small group work with our native speaker Language Assistant, partner and group work, you will develop your fluency and become better informed on a wide range of issues and topics. There are workshops for individual and group support and extension classes in Year 13 to prepare for university language courses. We have a student-led German Society which arranges lunchtime cultural events, film showings and visiting speakers.

Opportunities unique to this course

Hamburg work experience exchange: stay with a student at our partner school in Hamburg and do a seven-day work placement. Placements range from schools and nurseries to research centres and pharmacies, a GP’s and solicitor offices. Weekly speaking class with a native speaker: all students have a weekly small group 30-minute class with our German assistant.

Topics

Aspects of German-speaking society

• Family
• the Digital World
• Youth Culture

Artistic culture in the German-speaking world

• Festivals and Traditions
• Art and Architecture
• the cultural life of Berlin

Multiculturalism in German–speaking society

• Immigration
• Integration
• Racism

Aspects of political life in the German-speaking world

• Germany and the EU
• Young people and Politics
• Re-unification and its consequences)

Works

• A film in Year 12 (Good Bye, Lenin!)
• literary text in Year 13 (Dürrenmatt’s der Besuch der alten Dame)

50% listening, reading and translation

20% writing, based on the film and book studied

30% speaking

You need to be qualified by both the relevant Admissions Score AND the predicted GCSE grade for each A level you apply for.

Please go to the College website to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for each A level that we offer: https://www.hillsroad.ac.uk/study-with-us/a-level-subjects

You can also visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply to find out more about making your application.

You will be able to work or study abroad and have the skills and confidence to learn new languages. You can progress to a wide range of degree courses. Career options include interpreting, business, teaching or the diplomatic service.

For more information and to read the FAQs for this subject visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/german