The study of German and the cultures of German speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland gives students an insight into the lifestyles of some of our most important partners in Europe. Students develop not only higher speaking, listening, reading and writing skills but also a chance to develop translation techniques and understand the reasons behind, as well as the rules of, German grammar. Students will find the topics similar to those studied at GCSE but looked at in a more mature fashion. In addition, students will acquire knowledge about the contemporary culture and society of Germany, such as environmental issues and problems arising from reunification. In studying leisure we will look at the‘Club 18-30’culture (towels on sunloungers?!). When looking at the family we discuss how hard it is for young Germans to buy their first independent accommodation away from home, we look at the school system from Kindergarten to Oberstufe and judge how job prospects have been affected by the reunification of the East and West. Course topics include ‘Die digitale Welt’ (the digital world), ‘Das Berliner Kulturleben damals und heute’ (Cultural life in Berlin, past and present), ‘Feste und Traditionen’ (festivals and traditions) and ‘Die Wiedervereinigung und ihre Folgen’ (German reunification and its consequences). Students will study one German book in depth and one German film. In addition, an independent research project is undertaken and forms the main part of the speaking test. An additional half hour per week is spent with the German assistant working on speaking skills and wider aspects of the course.