German AS and A Level at Shenley Brook End School
Course description
The course is for students who are interested in languages and communication and enjoy learning about other cultures and ways of life. Similarly, students who are interested in the business world, in travel and tourism or in journalism and the media, are also likely to find the course appropriate. It will enable students to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding for practical use, further study and/ or employment.
Course content
The general topic areas for the courses are:
• Youth culture and concerns
• Health and fitness
• The world around us
• Education and employment
• Customs, traditions, beliefs and religions
• National and international events, past, present and future
• Literature and the arts
The German course should encourage students to:
• develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning
• develop their understanding of the language in a variety of contexts and genres
• communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in the language for a range of
purposes
• develop awareness and understanding of the contemporary society, cultural
background and heritage of countries or communities where the language is
spoken
• consider their study of the language in a broader context
Entry requirements
Students choosing to continue with German:
• need to have gained at least a grade B in the German GCSE examination, or show evidence of being a native speaker, in order to cope with the demands of this
course.
• need to feel confident at this level in the four language skills of listening, reading,
writing and speaking.
• are expected to have some knowledge and understanding of the culture and way
of life in German speaking countries.
• need to be interested in developing this understanding and in exploring in more
depth the topic areas covered at GCSE.
• need to undertake individual research and reading around the subject to enhance
understanding.
Assessment
The course is assessed through two units at the end of the two year course.
Unit 1 – 11-13 minute assessment – free choice of topic (35% of A level)
Unit 2 – examination in 3 sections – written translation / German language discursive or creative essay linked to topics above / research based essay in German 240-270 words based on last 3 topics above (65% of A level)
How to apply
If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Shenley Brook End School directly.
