GCSE German

Brief summary of the syllabus:

All pupils studying German follow the GCSE AQA syllabus which consists of a final examination in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The writing element can be replaced by coursework if the department decides to do so. All four skills are equally weighted (25% for each skill). The teaching in Year 10 builds on the groundwork for GCSE undertaken in Year 9. The lessons are based on a variety of materials, but mainly on the textbook Na klar! 3, which covers most of the core topics found in the syllabus. However, the course book will be supplemented by the use of other supplementary material to cover all relevant vocabulary and linguistic structures. The syllabus is delivered through a variety of different teaching styles with the emphasis on extending knowledge in all four language skills through various topics and on perfecting examination techniques for GCSE. The aim is to develop the ability to use German effectively for the purposes of practical communication, both within and outside the classroom, and to prepare to meet the requirements of GCSE in Year 11. To achieve a high grade, boys must show ability in all four language skills, show commitment and work hard with a very high level of consistency.

What skills and attributes are being developed and examined?

• Listening (25%): The listening skills require pupils to have a high degree of understanding to be able to respond to authentic spoken German in different contexts. Most responses will be in German but there are also questions and answers in English. The sources of spoken German will be taken from recorded news items, telephone messages, announcements, tasks and discussions. The ability to identify attitudes, opinions and emotions is important.

• Speaking (25%): Pupils are expected to communicate their own opinions on a variety of topics. There is emphasis on fluent, accurate, well-pronounced German, showing a good range of vocabulary and structure. The speaking test consists of rôle plays, a presentation and general conversation. The examination lasts for approximately 10 minutes.

• Reading (25%): Pupils are expected to understand texts of different lengths and complexity, and respond to questions of comprehension. Practice is given at reading for gist and deducing meaning from unfamiliar contexts. A knowledge of vocabulary is essential in order to do well in this skill.

• Writing (25%): A wide range of vocabulary and a knowledge of grammar points as well as more complex linguistic structures are required to achieve a higher GCSE grade in this section of the course. During Year 10 pupils are expected to use these skills in a variety of written tasks and apply their knowledge creatively and accurately in the end-of-year examination and in the production of coursework in Year 11.

What can parents expect to see in class work and homework specifically?

Homework is set every lesson and takes the form of a learning task such as vocabulary or grammar items for a test and/or a written homework based on the current topic of study. As written homework, grammar exercises, essays and creative writing tasks can be expected. Files are kept to collect grammar notes, rôle-plays, model letters, phrases of general conversation for the speaking examination and vocabulary lists.

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What can parents do to help in this subject at this stage?

• Encourage your son by showing an interest in the language and by emphasising the value of language-learning
• Creative a suitable environment for homework
• Check in the organiser that homework is being done and to an acceptable standard
• Support your son by purchasing additional materials such as a dictionary (Collins Easy Learning German Dictionary), language-specific computer software and magazines
• Encourage your son to take part in the study trips to Germany, or you might like to choose a country where German is spoken for your holiday
• Keep a watchful eye out for language-learning television programmes and borrow German films from your local library

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Setting and Course Schedule

Setting takes place three times a year, after each end-of-term examination. Setting is based on the half-term test scores averaged out. In borderline cases the following are taken into account:

• Oral performance
• The ability to recognise and apply grammatical concepts
• The ability to deal with the unpredictable
• Standards of homework and class work
• Vocabulary test scores Overall effort and commitment

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Tests

There will be five half-term tests in German, and the results from these tests will determine the setting arrangements for the year. Half-term tests include past GCSE papers (Foundation & Higher Tier) for listening and reading and creative writing tasks based on the topic studied.

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Pupil Target-setting

Subject teachers provide oral and written feedback on both homework and class work, and boys must look over their work carefully to see how they can improve. Action points will be outlined in exercise books and boys must incorporate these into their target-setting for the subject. In order to increase vocabulary, pupils should aim to learn a few words every night and keep a record of them.

It is important to remember that vocabulary cannot be learnt at the last moment, but that it is a continual process from day one of the course. Pupils should aim to use structures of a more complex nature and apply grammar rules with consistency particularly in their writing and speaking.

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Revision

It is important to revise regularly and to follow a routine! Revise a little at a time and often. You cannot cram languages for an examination.

In a skill-based subject like German, where your performance is measured, you will improve your performance by practice. The regular learning of vocabulary is paramount and pupils will be tested on new words once a week. Regular lesson review will increase the chances of doing well in examinations.

ÜBUNG MACHT DEN MEISTER = PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

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Upper band grade descriptor

To achieve a Grade A, candidates must demonstrate the following:

Candidates understand gist and identify main points and detail in a variety of types of authentic spoken language. They recognise points of view, attitudes and emotions, and are able to draw conclusions.

Candidates initiate and carry through transactions, take part in conversations and narrate events. They express and justify ideas and points of view, and produce longer sequences of speech using a variety of vocabulary, structures and time references. They speak confidently, with good pronunciation and intonation. The message is clear although there may still be some errors, especially when candidates use more complex structures.

Candidates understand gist and identify main points and detail in a variety of types of authentic texts. They recognise points of view, attitudes and emotions and are able to draw conclusions. They show an ability to understand unfamiliar language and to extract meaning from more complex language.

Candidates produce longer sequences using a range of vocabulary, structures and verb tenses. Their spelling and grammar are generally accurate, and the style is appropriate to the purpose.

To achieve a Grade A*, candidates must show flair, exceptional skill and a feel for accuracy in grammar and language usage. There is a stronger sense of individuality in the organisation and expression of the subject matter. There are very few conspicuous grammatical or lexical inaccuracies. Where inaccuracies do occur, they may result from the candidate's use of an extended range of language to elaborate on given points.

Boys thinking of taking German in the Sixth Form must ensure that they work consistently throughout Years 10 and 11, as AS and A2 candidates are expected to combine linguistic ability with dedication and hard work. Recommendations for the Sixth Form are based not on GCSE predictions but on the teacher's assessment of the students' abilities, and depend not so much on GCSE performance as on the belief that you have developed the necessary skills for Advanced German.

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PROGRESION BEYOND GCSE

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