German A Level

This course builds on the knowledge and skills you have acquired at GCSE, to help you express yourself more spontaneously in the language, while learning more about the German speaking world. Assessment includes an oral examination and two written tasks, including listening, reading, writing and translation.

  • Course Type School Leaver
  • Subject Area Languages
  • Qualification A Level 🧩
  • Study Mode: Full Time Only
  • Course Level Level 3
  • Course Length 2 years
Overview

By the end of the A Level course in German, you will be able to have a conversation with a German speaker about a wide range of subjects. You will also be able to understand “authentic” German that is written for native speakers. At the same time, you will learn a lot about the culture and society of the German-speaking world.

The course is ideal if you enjoy learning about the cultures and societies of the German speaking world, if you like learning by doing and don’t mind giving things a go and taking risks.

Lessons will feel very practical and interactive. The teacher will speak mainly in German in class, and you will quickly get used to talking in German. You will be assessed in listening, reading, speaking and writing, at the end of the second year.

What topics will I study?

You will learn German while learning about the culture and societies of the German-speaking world. We will look at current trends in German society, such as the changing attitudes towards the family, the impact of technology and multiculturalism in the German-speaking world.

The culture of Germany, Austria and Switzerland is another area of study. This involves learning about, for example festivals and traditions, German speaking music artists or architects. We will look at politics, as well as historical events such the Second World War and the fall of Berlin Wall.

We also study a film and a novel in detail. You will write essays about these, so you will learn about how to analyse camera angles or a character, for example, and express this in German.

In the second year, you will choose an aspect of the German-speaking world that you find interesting, and research this in preparation for your oral exam.

You will:

  • Study highlights of German artistic culture
  • Study a German film and a novel
  • Work with authentic source material, including on line media, films and television programmes
  • Explore an area of particular interest in the German speaking world in an individual research project
  • Have the opportunity to take part in a cultural trip to Berlin

Assessment includes an oral examination and two written papers, including listening, reading, writing and translation.

What can I study alongside this course?

This course can be combined with others and goes particularly well with English Language, Business, Music, Art and Design, Film and Video, English Literature, Maths and all Sciences, Economics, Geography, Geology and, if you are a linguist, another language A Level.

Next steps: You could progress to study at university or find a job where you can use your language skills, which are in great demand. Languages are valued in many careers such as business, tourism, teaching, banking, politics, translation and interpreting, broadcasting and journalism.

Entry Requirements

You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths).

You will also need a grade 6 or above in GCSE German. Other experience in German may be taken into account.

Facilities

We normally offer practice with a German Language Assistant alongside class work. In our weekly IT suite session, we focus mainly on listening and research skills. A wide range of electronic and paper-based resources enable students to work independently. You will also have access to several Learning Resource Centres (LRCs), and there is a refectory in the Hele Building and in other areas of the College.

Additional Costs

There are some costs of materials and resources.

 

  • Have a question?

    If you have questions or would like to speak to someone, our team of Customer Service Advisers can help answer your questions or direct your enquiry to the correct team.
    Speak to us today on 01392 400500 or send us a message using our contact form: www.exe-coll.ac.uk/contact.

  • Ready to find out more?

    Why not come along to one of our open events, a chance to explore our facilities, ask questions about our courses and find out more about being a student at Exeter College. Visit our open events page to find out more today.

You may also like View all Level 3 Courses View all Languages Courses