Students will develop their command of the German language with an Advanced Level qualification. They can expect to achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the use of the German language.
Students will develop their command of the German language with an Advanced Level qualification. They can expect to achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the use of the German language.
The Thomas Mills High School and Sixth Form German AS curriculum builds upon GCSE foundations to develop advanced linguistic competence, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. Students engage with authentic materials and complex themes relevant to German-speaking society.
Through the study of vocabulary, grammar, and cultural topics, students deepen their ability to understand and communicate sophisticated ideas in German. They develop independence across the four key skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, alongside analytical skills required for literary and film study.
Assessment is designed around the following objectives:
AO1 – Understanding and interpreting language
Understand main points, detail, and implicit meaning in spoken and written German, including authentic sources.
AO2 – Communicating in German
Express ideas fluently and accurately in speech and writing, using a wide range of vocabulary and complex structures.
AO3 – Language and culture
Demonstrate knowledge of German society, history, and culture, including literature, film, and contemporary issues.
Familie im Wandel
Beziehungen
Ehe und Partnerschaft
Internet
Soziale Netzwerke
Digitalisierung
Musik für Jugendliche
Fernsehen
Mode und Image
Knowledge:
Students explore changing family structures, relationships, and modern social issues. They examine the impact of digital technology and media on society, including music, television, and social media.
Skills:
Students develop the ability to discuss social issues, justify opinions, and use more complex grammatical constructions such as subordinate clauses and varied tenses. Listening and reading focus on authentic texts.
Useful Links
BBC Bitesize
National Oak Academy
Memrise / Quizlet
Assessments:
Students will complete listening, reading, speaking, and writing assessments focusing on discussing family life, relationships, and digital issues, with emphasis on justified opinions and extended responses.
Feste und Traditionen
Herkunft und Bedeutung
Künstler und Architekten
Kunst im Alltag
Geschichte Berlins
Kulturleben (Theater, Musik, Museen)
Knowledge:
Students learn about German cultural identity through traditions, festivals, and artistic expression. They explore Berlin’s historical development and its role as a cultural hub.
Skills:
Students analyse cultural topics, describe historical developments, and develop translation skills. They practise extended writing and improve their ability to interpret authentic materials.
Useful Links
BBC Bitesize
Goethe Institut resources
Oak Academy
Assessments:
Assessments focus on cultural understanding, including written essays, listening tasks, and reading comprehension related to traditions and Berlin culture.
Vielfalt der Bevölkerung
Der Besuch der alten Dame
Der Vorleser
Goodbye Lenin
Das Leben der anderen
Independent research skills
Knowledge:
Students examine multiculturalism and diversity in German society. They study key literary and cinematic works, analysing themes, characters, and context.
Skills:
Students develop critical analysis, essay writing, and discussion skills. They prepare for the Individual Research Project by learning how to research and present in German. Listening skills are refined through complex audio materials.
Useful Links
Film clips/study guides
AQA resources
Online academic sources
Assessments:
Students complete assessments including literary/film analysis, speaking tasks on cultural topics, and preparation for the Individual Research Project.
The Thomas Mills High School and Sixth Form German A Level curriculum deepens students’ linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding, building on the foundations established at AS. Students engage critically with complex social, historical, and political issues in German-speaking countries while refining their analytical and evaluative skills.
Through the study of authentic texts, film, and literature, students develop independence across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They demonstrate increasing fluency, spontaneity, and accuracy, alongside the ability to construct well-argued responses.
A significant focus is placed on exam preparation, essay writing, and the Individual Research Project (IRP), enabling students to communicate sophisticated ideas with confidence.
Musik
Mode und Image
Fernsehen
Wurzeln und Ursprünge
Bedeutung heute
Künstler und Architekten
Kunst im Alltag
Knowledge:
Students explore contemporary German culture through music, fashion, television, and traditions. They develop understanding of the historical roots and modern significance of cultural practices.
Skills:
Students develop analytical writing, extend essays, and improve translation accuracy. They refine their ability to interpret authentic materials and justify viewpoints using complex grammar and vocabulary.
Useful Links
BBC Bitesize
Goethe Institut
Oak National Academy
Assessments:
Students complete listening, reading, writing, and translation tasks. Assessments focus on analytical responses to cultural topics and extended written work.
Gründe für Migration
Vorteile und Nachteile
Integrationsmaßnah men
Rolle Deutschlands in Europa
Vor- und Nachteile der EU
Politisches Engagement
Jugendpolitik
Knowledge:
Students study key political and social issues, including migration, integration, and Germany’s role within Europe. They explore contemporary debates and policy challenges.
Skills:
Students develop argumentative writing, debate skills, and the ability to express complex opinions with nuance. Speaking becomes more spontaneous and discursive.
Useful Links
AQA resources
German news sites (e.g. DW)
Assessments:
Assessments include discursive essays, speaking presentations, and comprehension tasks focusing on political and social issues.
Der Besuch der alten Dame
Der Vorleser
Die Wiedervereinigung
Kultur und Identität
Research and presentation
Paper 1, 2, 3 skills
Mock exams
Knowledge:
Students analyse literary texts and historical developments such as German reunification. They conduct independent research for the IRP on a topic of personal interest related to German- speaking society.
Skills:
Students develop critical analysis, essay-writing, and evaluation skills. They refine exam technique across listening, reading, writing, translation, and speaking, including IRP discussion.
Useful Links
Past papers
Revision guides
Academic research sources
Exam Board:
AQA
Course Code:
7662
