Louise is an enthusiastic tutor and uses German as much as possible in class as she feels it is important for students to develop their confidence in spoken communication in a foreign language . The skills of Listening, Writing and Reading will benefit. Reading aloud is encouraged too and relating learning German to other languages they may speak. During the course the emphasis is on giving each student individual choices in topics studied wherever possible. These can relate to Germany, Switzerland, Austria and other German-speaking communities around the world. During the year there is at least one accompanied visit to the nearby Goethe Institute and a German play at London University , a film, exhibition or museum visit (and she hopes to organise a short trip to Germany this year 2010 – 2011.)

Why Study German?

German is an important language with many speakers world-wide : it is important in business and has a wealth of interesting literature, philosophy, history and so on. The study of languages opens up opportunities to study, work and travel abroad. It encourages students to develop confidence and learn to appreciate a culture other than their own. A greater understanding of grammar often improves competence in English.

Which syllabus do we follow?

We follow Edexcel specification for German

How many units are there?

There are four units in total: two at AS and two at A2
  
What is each unit about?
Unit 1
AS unit 1 is called ‘Spoken Expression and Response in German’. 
Students are required to show their ability to converse on a topic that they have chosen from one of four general topic areas, each of which includes subtopics.  They are:
Education and employment (education policy & student issues/higher education/ world of work)
Lifestyle, health and fitness (sport & exercise/food & diet/ health issues)
The world around us (tourism & travel/transport/weather/pollution/recycling)
Youth culture and concerns (music & fashion/ technology /relationships / drink / drugs/sex).  

Unit 2  
AS unit 2 is called Understanding and Written Response in German’.
This unit requires students to understand German and convey their understanding of it. In addition, they have to produce an essay to demonstrate an ability to manipulate German in continuous writing.
The unit draws upon the four general topic areas aforementioned.

Unit 3 
A2 unit 3 is called ‘Understanding and Spoken Response in German’.  Students should undertake research into a completely free choice of issue, which does not need to relate to German culture, society or general topic areas. They will develop language skills that enable them to communicate effectively, accurately and confidently in spoken German.
  
Unit 4 
A2 unit 4 is called ‘Research, Understanding and Written Response in German’.
This unit requires students to demonstrate advanced skills in German.  It includes writing, translation from English into German and knowledge of a
topic area that links to the culture and society of a German-speaking country.

The topic areas are the same as in AS plus three more which
are:
Customs, traditions, beliefs and religions.
National and international events – past, present and future.
Literature and the arts.

How is each unit examined?

Unit 1
Section A: At the exam, students will be given a stimulus connected with their chosen topic area .They will study it for 15 minutes and then, will be asked four Edexcel-set questions on that stimulus, expressing an opinion or a reaction to it.

Section B: The teacher then engages the student in a discussion that, though still relating to the same general topic area and its linked subtopics, moves away from the main focus of the stimulus.

Unit 2
Students sit a two hour 30 minute examination.   Section A is a Listening comprehension
Students will have individual control of a recording of extracts in German and will answer questions, some in German, some in English. Section B is reading
comprehension.  The questions are linked to a range of exercises including some that require responses in German and some in English.   Section C is an essay.

Unit 3
Unit 3 is an oral examination which takes place with the teacher.  It is based on the research work students have done for unit 3

Unit 4
Unit 4 is a 2 hour 30 minute examination.

How is the course structured?

Students study for AS during the first year and for A2 during the second year of A level.  There is no subdivision in either course into sections or parts of the exam as the whole of each course aims at the same objective which is to express oneself in the foreign language in writing and orally and understand it in writing and orally - via texts, newspapers, recordings and films, connected with the set topic areas.

When do I sit my exams?

AS and A2 orals are sat in early May.
The written papers will be sat in the May/June examination period.  There may be opportunities to resit written papers in January. 
 
Which Ashbourne teachers teach this course?

Louise Forster
Louise is half-German and read German and Italian at Reading University. She also speaks French. She joined Ashbourne ten years ago as a German tutor and now teaches Italian and EFL in addition. She has lived in Berlin, studied at Munich and Bologna as part of her degree and often visits friends and relatives in Bavaria. She is also a member of the Goethe Institut. Louise enjoys opera, Art History and working creatively with textiles.

Beyond A Level for German Students

German A Level is suitable if not essential for those going on to study Modern Languages or European Studies.  It could lead to a combined degree alongside, for example, Business, Management, Law or Linguistics.  Languages are important in many careers and walks of life.