German in the Sixth Form follows on naturally from GCSE topic areas, involving the study of the language at a more sophisticated level than previously, and with the possibility of studying the culture of the country, including literature, for the A level course.  It can be studied in conjunction with most other Humanities subjects; it can be combined with the study of other languages such as French or Latin for the language specialist; it makes a good complement to English, History or Geography, since the ideas studied in these subjects can be of great assistance in learning to appreciate German culture and its contribution to the development of modern Europe.  For those considering a career in Business, Marketing etc. its value as an ancillary subject, given Germany’s important role in Europe, hardly needs emphasising – in fact, German is the most sought after second language qualification within the Eu.  And finally, a Science student who has already taken German to GCSE level and has been successful, could also find a more advanced knowledge of the language useful later on.  In fact it is becoming increasingly popular for undergraduates, in a wide range of courses including Law, Business Studies, Engineering and even Medicine, to spend some time in a German university during a degree course at a British university.  The ability to communicate in German is, of course, vital if this sort of opportunity arises even though the lectures themselves are delivered in English!      

In the Lower Sixth, all students, whether they wish to take A level or AS level, will follow the same course, with the three AS modules being taken at the end of the year.  In the Upper Sixth year, three further Units are taken by A level students.

The AS ‘core’ Units will cover three General Topic areas:

• Day-to-day matters (food, diet, health; transport, travel, tourism; current affairs and the media)
• Society (relationships, family, youth concerns; social issues; leisure and the arts)
• The working world (education, training and employment; business and industry, information technology)

In the Upper Sixth year A level students will also study:

• The environment and citizenship (energy and pollution; politics and citizenship; campaigning organisations and charities)
• The international context (customs, traditions, beliefs; the European Union; world-wide problems)

As far as the examination goes, the AS level examination Units consist of

• a one-hour Listening and Writing paper, with candidates having an individual tape which they have control of.
• a two-hour Reading and Writing paper, consisting mainly of comprehension-type questions, but also including some continuous writing in German
• an oral test lasting 10 – 12 minutes, on a prepared topic.

The A level Units are:

• a further oral test lasting 15 minutes, discussing contemporary issues.
• a choice between a two-hour examination on topics and texts, or a coursework element.
• a final Unit which combines Reading, Writing and Listening skills.

The full-time linguist is obviously, according to his or her ability and qualifications, able to train and work as a teacher in schools or universities, or as a translator or interpreter. But language qualifications also help open the door to a career in the Diplomatic Service, and into many jobs in business, industry or European Union administration, as working life becomes increasingly internationally based. Modern linguists often end up in careers not directly associated with their degrees: for instance, a large proportion of those employed in advertising are linguists.

Anyone taking and A level course would be expected to spend as much time as possible in Germany during the course. Exchanges are recommended, possibly a continuation of our exchange programme with the Suitbertus Gymnasium in Düsseldorf. A vital element for success at both AS and A level is a genuine interest in the language and culture of Germany, and a willingness to read and listen to German as a leisure activity.

R.S.

English Literature

History

Geography

Economics

Business Studies

Mathematics

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Latin

Classics

French

German

Art and Design

Design and Technology

Music and Music Technology

I.C.T.

PE and Sports Studies

Back to the Introduction