German

Course summary

The A-level course offers an enjoyable, lively and varied programme. You will continue with the familiar skills learnt at GCSE, that is to say speaking, reading, listening and writing, but the topics covered are aimed to stimulate and educate, and to add to your understanding of the language and country: Evolving Society in Germany; Political and Artistic Culture in German-speaking countries; Immigration and Multiculturalism in Germany; the German Reunification. You will be given an introduction to various aspects of German culture, including books, short stories, films and aspects of civilization and history. A solid grounding in grammar will ensure that you feel comfortable and confident through to A-level and university language courses. You will have one individual session per week with a native speaker discussing a broad range of current issues to develop your confidence and fluency. The many multi-media resources available offer exciting support material and you will spend regular lessons in the digital language laboratory. It is a course requirement that you participate in the biennial German language trip (an exchange with a Swiss school or a study trip to Munich – around £350) in order to develop oral confidence and to experience German-speaking culture and life at first hand.