German
One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.
Frank Smith
Our Curriculum
A level German both extends knowledge learnt at GCSE, such as vocabulary and grammar, and introduces students to new concepts and skills and cultural views, such as writing summaries and analysing a film and a book in a foreign language.
Content
The German curriculum at A level consists of 4 different themes and subthemes.
Year 1
Theme 1: social issues and trends
Theme 2: artistic culture
Study of a film ( Das Leben der Anderen Florian Henkel von Donnersmark))
Year 2
Theme 3: multiculturalism in the German speaking world
Theme 4: political aspects of political life
Study of one more book ( Dürrenmatt “ Der Besuch der alten Dame”)
Grammar and Individual research project
A level German themes and sub-themes
Aspect of German speaking society
The changing state of family
The digital world
Youth culture: fashion and trends, music, television
Multiculturalism in the German speaking society
Immigration
Integration
Racism
Artistic culture in the German speaking world
Festivals and traditions
Art and architecture
Cultural life in Berlin, past and present
Aspects of political life in the German-speaking world
Germany and the European Union
Politics and youth
Entry Requirements
Please see the entry requirements document here
Is This Course Right For Me?
The course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE.
It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills, including communication, critical thinking and creativity, which are valuable to the Individual society. The content is relevant to students of all disciplines, whether they want to progress to A level or not.
You will develop understanding of themes to the society and culture of the countries where German is spoken. You will be using authentic spoken and written sources in German.
We will be looking on how German speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change. You will study aspects of the social context together with aspects of artistic life of German- speaking countries.
If you like to find out more about Germany and its language and you like learning vocabulary, grammar and about Germany’s culture, history and people this A level course is right for you,
Please watch our short video to see what studying German at Guilsborough Sixth Form is like.
The small group size in sixth form has a really positive atmosphere and I really enjoy the discussions we have talking about history and culture
Jonah, Year 12 student
German is fun not just because you learn the language itself, but because you also learn about the culture of Germany for example: architecture, Berlin and the film study.
Loki, Year 12 student
I enjoy the different style of learning and being in a smaller group you get lots of feedback.
Chloe, Year 12 student
Where will A Level German take me past Sixth Form?
CAREERS
Whatever plans you may have for the future, knowledge of German will increase your options. When you learn German you acquire a range of skills which can improve the quality of both your work and private life in Business, Tourism, Hospitality, Science, Research, Communication, cultural understanding, enjoyment of literature, music, art and philosophy and opportunities to study or work in Germany. The transferable skills gained on the course will be ideal for learning future languages and for higher education.
Please visit out Careers Guidance page for more information
UNIVERSITY
Some examples of universities and their entry requirements to study German and other related degrees are;
University of Birmingham International relation with German requires ABB
University of Birmingham Law with German law requires AAA
Sheffield University Politics and German requires ABB
Liverpool University International Tourism Management requires ABB
Nottingham University Modern languages with Business BA requires ABB
The 'Why Study Languages' website here also has useful information of studying languages further.