German

Exam Board

Additional Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in GCSE German and English language, and grade 5 in mathematics

Course Content

Why German?

‘Deutschland – Land der Dichter und Denker.’ Studying German will enable you to appreciate German culture as part of the world heritage. With a good knowledge of German you could also access courses at Germany’s excellent universities, and work for a globally recognised German company like Siemens, Volkswagen or Adidas. Finally, you will develop transferable skills and enhance your language learning strategies.

Some of our students have chosen to study German or a wide range of subjects with German at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, or indeed abroad. Students go on to have successful careers in fields such as banking, accountancy, law, and teaching.

The department is equipped with a modern language laboratory; we also have a native language assistant who conducts speaking practice. Students will have many opportunities to engage with the language, including a study trip to Berlin and theatre and cinema trips in London.

Course content

In year one, aspects of the social context are studied, including the changing nature of the family, and the digital world, together with highlights of artistic culture in the German-speaking world, including festivals, art, and cultural life in Berlin. In the second year, topics include multiculturalism, and aspects of political life, including Germany and the EU, politics and youth, and German reunification. You will also study in depth a literary text and a film. Finally, you will have the opportunity to undertake an individual research project and explore a key question of personal interest.

Mark scheme

Exam - 2 hours 30 mins - 50%

Listening, reading and writing - 100 marks

Listening and reading tasks
2 translations, one into English, and one into German

Exam - 2 hours - 20%

Writing - 80 marks

2 essays, one on the set literary text, and one on the set film

Oral Exam - 21–23 mins - 30%

Speaking - 60 marks

A discussion based on a stimulus card, and a presentation and discussion of the individual research project

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the headings below.

Do you offer languages at GCSE?

No. But we have a languages club which you can attend, where there is an opportunity to learn about different languages.

Do you organise trips and/or exchanges?

We organise regular trips to courses, conferences, plays or films in London. We also can recommend work experience programmes.

We have trips to Berlin which are education trips, some of which include language lessons.

What kind of things do you do in class?

Lessons include a variety of activities, for example listening to material in the laboratory, watching T.V., preparing presentations, setting up e-mail links with schools abroad, reading foreign language newspapers.

Do you do any literature?

We study a little bit of literature in year 1 (short extracts).

In the second year we study a text: ‘der Vorleser’ by Bernhard Schlink in German

How big are the classes?

Average size is between 10 and 15.

Do you have an assistant?

Yes, we have an assistant for each language. All students see the assistant once a week for 30 minutes in small groups.

Are the teachers native-speakers?

Yes, we have a native speaker for each language

Is A level difficult?

It is more difficult than GCSE, because there is more vocabulary, topic specific content, and a greater emphasis on accuracy. But everyone will find the transition challenging and we will help you to settle into the course as quickly as possible.

Do you have a language laboratory?

Yes, we have a dedicated language laboratory which can accommodate 24 students. We use it particularly for speaking and listening practice.

How much homework do you set?

We set homework in most lessons. The tasks vary but can include reading comprehension exercises, film/literature essays, learning vocabulary and grammar. This work may take about 2 hours each week.

We also expect you to do further independent work in order to make more rapid progress.

How often do you have assessments?

You will be given a timetable of assessment for the year. We have assessment every half term, involving different skills. You will also be given weekly vocabulary tests.

How do you support/stretch students in languages?

Your language teacher will get to know your level well as the course progresses.

We offer weekly subject tutorials to provide any help that is required.We recommend resources that can be used for reinforcement and revision, and as part of the weekly independent work.

We are available on Teams to answer any questions.

We also offer Oxbridge support at the end of year 12 and the start of year 13.

We have a mentoring system whereby year 13 students are paired with Year 12 students, and these pairs meet on a weekly basis.

We are always happy to see students on a one to one basis.

HANU

Hendon School

“I think it’s very important to widen your view of different cultures and German is such an important language to learn, especially living in Europe.

A level is more flexible, you can learn in so many different ways. Here it’s about immersion – absorbing the culture, listening to the music and going on the Berlin trip. In class we read German news reports, so if you are into politics or even football you can read about it in the German newspapers.

I want to study corporate law and a language like German will be a bonus in terms of employment.”