German

Head of Department: Mrs H D Kent – hdk@barneyschool.org.uk
Teacher of MFL: Mr A R Jacobs
Teacher of MFL : Mrs C J Riley
Teacher of MFL : Mr A Still
Teacher of MFL : Mr S J F Tomlinson

Introduction
GCSE German helps students develop their language skills in a variety of contexts and provides a broad understanding of the culture of countries and communities where German is spoken. It encourages enjoyment of language learning and the recognition that language skills enable students to take their place in a multi-lingual, global society.
All students in Years 10 and 11 are required to learn at least one Modern Foreign Language. If they choose to continue with German, they can learn it on its own, although the possibility exists of combining it with French. Students are encouraged throughout to speak the language and talk about everyday experiences and express personal opinions on a range of topics, as well as dealing with the type of situation and language they may encounter in a foreign country. The teaching of important grammatical material, however, is not overlooked.

Course/Exam board: GCSE AQA 8668

Specification at a glance
Unit 1 – German Listening
Unit 2 – German Reading
Unit 3 – German Speaking
Unit 4 – German Writing

Your route through the syllabus and assessment
There are four examined skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. All are assessed by exam at the end of Year 11. The four skills are available at Foundation Tier and Higher Tier, with students opting for the same tier across all four skills. Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based:
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

What German can do for you
It is a sad fact that fewer English pupils are studying German despite living in a world where a good knowledge of languages is becoming more important. Germany lies at the heart of Europe and is arguably its most important commercial country. GCSE German is just the first step along a road which, if continued, could very likely see pupils with a command of the language becoming a most valuable asset within any organisation. Combining German with French adds to pupils’ marketability within the the jobs market. Learning German increases self-confidence and broadens horizons.