6th Form Prospectus

German What’s it all about? Why study German? By studying German, you’ll stand out from the crowd: 61% of the UK population don’t speak a foreign language! A language opens opportunities and widens career choices as well as employment prospects. Almost 300 of Britain’s top employers believe an additional language boosts employability and German is first of the top four languages rated by employers as useful to their organisation. Universities look favourably at language qualifications - some courses even require a language. Many scientists believe that knowledge of another language can boost your brainpower! There are four main topic areas Social issues and trends Political and artistic culture Grammar Works : literary texts and/or film “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” Rita Mae Brown To get started: GCSE grade 6 in German is required. The emphasis is on the culture and society of Germany. Students must study either one text and one filmor two texts (froma set list provided byAQA) to encourage critical thinking skills. An independent research project (IRP) will be assessed through the speaking test and an oral presentation. Grammar is key throughout and there are translations into English and German. Students are expected to read and listen to German outside lessons on an independent basis. Furthermore, students are encouraged to take part in the exchange to Bebra, which has been running for more than 40 years. What next? Possible careers: international law, journalism, travel & tourism, teaching, working in the highly globalisded industries of finance, design, fashion and engineering. Famous German linguists: Roger Federer, Paula Radcliffe, Hugh Laurie, Eddie Izzard, Jodie Foster and Sandra Bullock. Exam and Assessment Information: AQA - 7662 This qualification is linear and students will sit all their exams at the end of the two years. There are three papers: Paper 1 – Listening, reading and writing Written exam – 2 hours 30 mins 100 marks – 50% of A Level Paper 2 – Writing Written exam – 2 hours 80 marks – 20% of A Level Paper 3 – Speaking Oral exam – 21-23 mins 60 marks – 30% of A Level Our students say … “What I like most about German is that it opens up new cultures; you can enjoy new music, literature and films which you would have been unable to understand before. As well as this, it helps you in your other subjects as you learn how to understand language as a whole. It particularly helps with the quality and structure of your writing which is incredibly useful across all subjects.” “Languages are fun to learn, and can open doors for you. The small class sizes ensure you receive the help you may need.” Entry Requirements Five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above including English and Maths AND Grade 6 in German 31