COURSES

German
Overview
German is the language of logic, music, philosophy
and business. Its grammatical structure appeals to
those with a mathematical mind, those with a
strong sense of order. Many pupils in the past have
successfully combined German with Mathematics,
Physics, Music and Philosophy but there is also
another great advantage in choosing German.
Germany lies at the heart of Europe and is the
financial powerhouse of the European Union. It is a
major player in world-wide business and knowledge
of its language will give any job applicant the edge!
Germany’s cultural influences stretch far back and
Germany has been the birthplace of major writers,
poets, artists, musicians, thinkers, scientists and
innovators. Today it is a vibrant, fun-loving country,
rich in modern culture and fashion, at the cutting
edge of technology with a diverse landscape and
fascinating cities. Studying its language will open
career possibilities as well as an exciting world to
discover through language exchanges.
If you were to choose to study German at university
either as a single subject or combined with Law,
Business, Finance, History, Philosophy, Music, (the list
of possibilities is almost endless), then the privilege
of spending your third year in Germany either
studying or working can’t be rivalled for what it will
bring in self-confidence, maturity and transferable
skills quite apart from being a unique opportunity
to experience the country.
If you enjoy German, are successful at GCSE, like
travelling and have a sense of adventure as well as
a keen eye to developing your future career, then
German A level could well be the right choice for
you. Past pupils have not regretted choosing German.
“The six months I spent in Berlin were the best –
I have made so many friends over there and I can’t
wait until I have finished my degree and can return
to live and work there.”
Christina, former German pupil
“Having German made me more employable –
I am now working for Deutsche Bank in London
and use my German on business trips.”
Matt, former German pupil
Approach
The standard required at AS and A2 is a great deal
more rigorous than at GCSE; it requires a sound
understanding of grammar and the vocabulary areas
become more complex. Good listening and speaking
skills are necessary, as is a logical mind which copes
well with learning grammar and vocabulary. At A2,
the ability to write well-structured essays and an
enjoyment of culture is an advantage.
You will be expected to take a lot more responsibility
for your progress, particularly through regular
listening and reading in German outside lessons.
The learning of languages is best done little and
often, hence the need for independent work to build
your vocabulary as well as your listening and reading
skills. However, there is a great deal of support
available: small classes (typically fewer than eight
pupils per group), a German assistant who delivers
weekly oral lessons on a one-to-one basis, a
computer-based language laboratory for listening
and speaking practice during and outside lessons,
an annual German exchange, cinema trips and many
opportunities to mix socially with native German
pupils in the school.
Assessment is by terminal exam with two units at
AS and two at A2 level. At both levels, there is a
combined listening, reading and writing paper and a
separate speaking exam. For AS, the speaking exam
accounts for 30% of the overall mark, while the
combined paper accounts for 70%. For A2, the two
AS marks are taken into account but are worth 15
and 35% respectively and the two A2 units have the
same weighting.
44
Millfield Sixth Form Courses 2014-2015