GCSE German

OVERVIEW

This course develops a student's knowledge about how language works and an awareness and greater understanding of the culture and identity of many countries and communities where the language is spoken.

Examination board: Edexcel
Course title: GCSE German
Three written examinations and one oral assessment
Papers are tiered: Higher (grades 9-3) and Foundation (grades 5-1)

THE DETAILS

Students develop their skills in four broad areas:

- - Reading
  - Writing
  - Speaking
  - Listening

The GCSE German course comprises of 5 main themes:

- - Identity and culture
  - Local area, holiday and travel
  - School
  - Future aspirations, study and work
  - International and global dimension

THE EXAMINATIONS

READING (25% of total grade)

Students are assessed on their understanding of written German across a range of different types of texts including advertisements, emails, letters, articles and literary texts.
Students will be expected to translate from German in to English.

WRITING (25% of total grade)

Students are assessed on their ability to communicate effectively through writing in German for different purposes and audiences.
Students are required to produce responses of varying lengths and types to express ideas and opinions in German.
Students will be expected to translate from English in to German.

SPEAKING (25% of total grade)

Students are assessed on their ability to communicate and interact effectively through speaking in German for different purposes and in different settings: a role-play, a picture-based task, and general conversation.

LISTENING (25% of total grade)

Students are assessed on their understanding of standard spoken German by one or more speakers in a range of public and social settings.

WHERE CAN IT TAKE ME?

Too few employees have the required language skills to be able to engage fully in the global business world an learning German can provide you with a competitive edge when it comes to further education and employment prospects.
Recent media reports suggest that German is the most sought-after foreign language with UK employers.
Language graduates, including those who study German alongside other degree subjects, have a higher earning potential and lower unemployment rates across a range of employment sectors.
Career options do include translation and interpreting work. However, many German language graduates find employment in:
- Business
- Law
- Property
- Journalism
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medicine
- Travel/Tourism
- Plus MANY more!