German

German

Exam board: Edexcel
Course code:
9GN0

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/german-2016.html

Entry requirement: Grade 6 in German

 

The ability to speak another language and to understand and empathise with other cultures is a key skill in a modern, globalised society. The new A Levels in Modern Foreign Languages focus on developing students’ ability to communicate and comprehend the foreign language at a high level. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the culture of the language that they are studying and be able to engage with a range of authentic resources, including literature and films.

Subject Content

Theme 1: Changes in German society
Theme 2: The political and artistic culture of German speaking countries
Theme 3: Immigration and multiculturalism in Germany
Theme 4: The Reunification of Germany

In addition to the four themes, students study both a novel and a film in the target language.  The film is ‘Das Leben der Anderen’ by Flonan Henckel von Donnersmarck.  The novel is ‘Der Vorleser’, which is a parable dealing with the difficulties in post-war Germany.

Course Assessment

The A Level qualification is examined across 4 skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) all of which are examined by means of a terminal exam in Year 13.

  • Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation (40% of qualification)
  • Paper 2 – Written response to works (novel and film) and translation (30% of qualification)
  • Paper 3 – Speaking (30% of qualification)

Higher Education and Careers

Students who choose this course will be suitably prepared for further study of a language at university and they will achieve a good level of fluency.  They will be able to use the language that they have learnt spontaneously, in a variety of practical situations.  They will have an excellent grounding in an academic discipline which is highly regarded by the very best universities.

Possible careers for linguists include:  translation/interpreting, the Diplomatic Service/the Foreign Office, journalism, marketing/sales, teaching.