AS A2 German at Priestley College

AS / A2 German

WHY TAKE GERMAN?
Have you enjoyed learning German at GCSE? Are you interested in learning how to discuss, in German, the world we live in today? If you have answered yes to both these questions, then you will find this a useful and fascinating subject to study. Languages combine well with any other subject. You may want to specialise and go on to do a languages degree. Many of our students do. Language graduates are in demand and not just for translating and interpreting. Studying a foreign language prepares you for any career needing good communication and analytical skills. Did you know that language graduates have the lowest unemployment rates in the country, after medical and teaching graduates?

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
For AS you will look at two topic areas: Leisure and lifestyles and The individual and society. The A2 course also deals with 2 topics areas: Environmental issues and Social and political issues. You will also study two German films. You will talk about one in your oral exam and write about the other in your final A2 exam.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
You will continue to improve the four communication skills you practised for GCSE: listening, speaking, reading and writing, but gradually at a higher level, using more adult language and dealing with more adult topics. To help you to understand and use more sophisticated language, there will be a greater emphasis on German grammar.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS I NEED?
You should have at least a GCSE pass of grade C in both German and English Language and a minimum average GCSE pass of C.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
The AS course is assessed by two exams, one oral and one written. The A2 course is assessed by two exams, one oral and one written.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
You will have the opportunity to take part in cinema trips, University conferences and open days and a work experience placement in Germany.

STUDENT IN PROFILE - JONATHAN HUGHES
Former High School - Woolston
Jonathan chose German to add balance to his programme of study at Priestley. It was the ideal subject for him when looking at future career progression. Jonathan found working with the Languages Assistant a great help and went onto study a Maths degree at Manchester University with a view to becoming a Chartered Accountant. He obtained B grades in the subject at both AS and A Level.

STUDENT IN PROFILE - JOE WHITTINGTON
Former High School - Birchwood
Joe took his interest from high school in German into his studies at Priestley. He found that through the subject he was able to learn about cultural identity and get a firmer grasp that there is a big world to explore. He found his studies fun, interesting and varied with the added benefit of completing overseas work experience. After leaving Priestley, Joe went onto study German at Exeter University.