German is seen as a language worth learning for real purposes. The Department seeks to promote German as a vibrant language and the methodology of the Department revolves around communication in all forms for realistic purposes; this fosters a purposeful, relaxed and friendly classroom environment. Our pupils learning German hear the language used between teachers and around school. The Department follows the Edexcel A Level specification. This consists of two externally-examined papers assessing listening, reading and writing and a speaking assessment. The course builds on IGCSE skills and encourages pupils to engage in more complex issues and develops their skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. The topics covered are more sophisticated, but the fundamental principle remains the same – language for communication. The A Level course has a strong focus on the contemporary cultural, political and historical context of all German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe, whilst always keeping the interests of the young learner in mind. Using a wide range of materials (newspaper and magazine articles, video and audio media, posters, advertisements, internet) pupils discuss and write about topics such as leisure activities, cinema and film, contemporary politics, the environment, education, travel and other related issues. Formal homework is set, focusing heavily on preparation for the examination, but pupils are expected to complete their additional self-study in their own time. The Department has successfully run trips to the German-speaking world, most recently Vienna (2012) and Berlin (2014 and 2017). These trips are essential for the pupils to truly experience another culture – an essential aspect of both departmental and school-wide educational aims. German alumni have gone on to study single honours degrees in German and joint honours degrees combining German with another Language, Law, International Relations, Music at the following universities; Oxford, Exeter, Reading, Manchester, UCL and Warwick.
A Minimum of 6 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above to include English and Mathematics. At least a Grade 6 is obtained in the subjects the student would like to study in the Sixth Form. International students will be asked to sit a test in English and Mathematics.
The course is assessed through external assessment. The pupils complete one oral examination at the end of the course and then sit one paper assessing their Listening, Reading and Writing skills. Both of these examinations are prepared for throughout the two-year course.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Plymouth |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £16,824 - £19,929; Boarding £27,531 - £39,330 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | Ford Park, Plymouth, PL4 6RN |
German is seen as a language worth learning for real purposes. The Department seeks to promote German as a vibrant language and the methodology of the Department revolves around communication in all forms for realistic purposes; this fosters a purposeful, relaxed and friendly classroom environment. Our pupils learning German hear the language used between teachers and around school. The Department follows the Edexcel A Level specification. This consists of two externally-examined papers assessing listening, reading and writing and a speaking assessment. The course builds on IGCSE skills and encourages pupils to engage in more complex issues and develops their skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. The topics covered are more sophisticated, but the fundamental principle remains the same – language for communication. The A Level course has a strong focus on the contemporary cultural, political and historical context of all German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe, whilst always keeping the interests of the young learner in mind. Using a wide range of materials (newspaper and magazine articles, video and audio media, posters, advertisements, internet) pupils discuss and write about topics such as leisure activities, cinema and film, contemporary politics, the environment, education, travel and other related issues. Formal homework is set, focusing heavily on preparation for the examination, but pupils are expected to complete their additional self-study in their own time. The Department has successfully run trips to the German-speaking world, most recently Vienna (2012) and Berlin (2014 and 2017). These trips are essential for the pupils to truly experience another culture – an essential aspect of both departmental and school-wide educational aims. German alumni have gone on to study single honours degrees in German and joint honours degrees combining German with another Language, Law, International Relations, Music at the following universities; Oxford, Exeter, Reading, Manchester, UCL and Warwick.
A Minimum of 6 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above to include English and Mathematics. At least a Grade 6 is obtained in the subjects the student would like to study in the Sixth Form. International students will be asked to sit a test in English and Mathematics.
The course is assessed through external assessment. The pupils complete one oral examination at the end of the course and then sit one paper assessing their Listening, Reading and Writing skills. Both of these examinations are prepared for throughout the two-year course.