German AS/A Level

Knowledge of a foreign language has become more and more important and with continuing European integration and co-operation will be a most relevant skill for the future.

Studying German at a higher level means developing your language skills and building upon the knowledge you have gained during the GCSE course (or a course of similar level). In certain circumstances students could do AS German from Beginners Level.  Besides consolidating what you know of the language already you will learn how to express yourself orally and in writing on a wide range of topics. The aim is that at the end of the course you will be able to contribute to the discussion of current affairs and issues in a semi-formal setting. You will learn more about contemporary Germany and German speaking countries in a topic based course, using a variety of materials: texts, tapes, videos, Internet.

You will have lessons in the multi-media language laboratory and will have the opportunity to attend workshop sessions. German classes are taught by native speakers and students in Year 2 usually have individual appointments with the Language Assistant. The German Department also offers subject specific Learning Support for all who need this. There is also an annual exchange with Rietberg (Nordrhein-Westfalen) which offers further opportunities of using German for real.

The topics to be covered will be drawn from the following broad subject areas and will be firmly rooted in the culture of Germany and German speaking countries:

AS Level - Daily Life; Food and Drink; Sport and Pastimes; Travel, Transport and Holidays; Media; Advertising; The Arts; Education and Work.

A2 Level – Society; The Environment; Science and Technology; Culture (including history and policies).