The Cambridge International A Level German (9717)

The Cambridge International A Level German (9717) course is designed to help students achieve a high level of proficiency in the German language. It builds on the foundations laid at the AS Level, further developing skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while deepening cultural awareness of German-speaking countries. This course encourages students to communicate confidently and effectively in German and is ideal for those aiming to use the language in academic, professional, or everyday contexts.

Key Areas of Study:

1. Advanced Language Proficiency:

  • Listening and Comprehension: The course enhances students' ability to understand spoken German in various forms, such as conversations, formal speeches, media reports, and interviews.
  • Reading and Interpretation: Students engage with a wide range of German-language texts, including articles, literature, and opinion pieces, to develop strong reading comprehension and interpretive skills.
  • Writing Skills: The course emphasizes writing sophisticated and coherent texts in German, including essays, reports, and creative writing. Students learn to express complex ideas clearly and persuasively, while focusing on grammatical accuracy.
  • Speaking Skills: Students develop their spoken German through discussions, debates, and presentations, focusing on fluency, pronunciation, and the ability to present reasoned arguments in conversations.

2. Advanced Grammar and Syntax:

  • Tenses and Moods: Mastery of more advanced tenses (past perfect, future perfect) and the subjunctive mood for hypothetical or polite speech.
  • Complex Sentence Structure: Emphasis on advanced sentence structures, including the use of relative clauses, passive voice, and indirect speech.
  • Word Order: Understanding and applying correct word order in complex sentences, especially with modal verbs, separable verbs, and conjunctions.

3. Cultural and Social Contexts:

  • Cultural Exploration: Students explore aspects of the history, culture, and society of German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
  • Contemporary Issues: The course encourages discussions on current events and social issues affecting German-speaking countries, such as immigration, environmental concerns, and education systems.
  • Literature and Media: Students engage with German literature, films, and other media to enhance both language skills and cultural understanding.

Assessment:

The A Level German (9717) syllabus is assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, designed to test students' abilities in all four language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Paper 1: Essay (25%):

  • Writing Skills: Students write one essay from a choice of questions. Topics may range from cultural, societal, or personal subjects, and the essay is expected to showcase advanced language skills, clear organization, and grammatical accuracy.

Paper 2: Reading and Listening (25%):

  • Reading Comprehension: Students are given a variety of texts in German to read, with questions that test their understanding and ability to extract detailed information.
  • Listening Comprehension: Students listen to audio recordings in German, which could include dialogues, speeches, or reports, and answer questions based on their comprehension.

Paper 3: Essay and Conversation (30%):

  • Oral Examination: This part of the assessment tests students' spoken German in a structured conversation. The topics usually revolve around contemporary issues or personal experiences, and students are assessed on fluency, pronunciation, and the ability to sustain conversation.
  • Extended Writing: In addition to the oral exam, students write a second essay, showcasing their ability to develop and support complex arguments in written German.

Paper 4: Texts (20%):

  • Literary Analysis: Students are required to read and analyze two set texts from German literature. This paper assesses their understanding of themes, characters, and narrative techniques, as well as their ability to discuss the texts in German.

Skills Developed:

  • Advanced Communication: The course helps students achieve fluency and precision in German, allowing them to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms.
  • Critical Analysis: Students develop analytical skills through the study of texts, contemporary issues, and cultural topics.
  • Cultural Literacy: By exploring the literature, history, and society of German-speaking countries, students gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of these cultures.
  • Research and Argumentation: The ability to research, structure, and present arguments is cultivated through the essay and discussion components.

Career Pathways:

The skills gained through A Level German are valuable in various fields, including:

  • Translation and Interpretation: Working as a translator or interpreter for businesses, governments, or international organizations.
  • International Business and Trade: Using German in multinational companies or engaging in global commerce where German is a key language.
  • Journalism and Media: Working in media, communications, or as a foreign correspondent with a focus on German-speaking countries.
  • Education: Teaching German as a second language or working in international education.
  • Diplomacy and International Relations: Engaging in diplomatic services or international organizations, where fluency in multiple languages, including German, is essential.

Course Benefits:

  • High-Level Proficiency: Students achieve a high degree of fluency and grammatical accuracy, preparing them for university study, international careers, or living in German-speaking countries.
  • Critical Thinking: The study of contemporary issues and literature helps students develop critical thinking and argumentation skills.
  • Cultural Immersion: Exposure to the culture, literature, and history of German-speaking countries fosters global awareness and intercultural competence.

Conclusion:

The Cambridge A Level German (9717) course is ideal for students aiming to achieve advanced proficiency in German while gaining a deep understanding of the culture and issues of German-speaking countries. It prepares students for further academic study and a wide range of careers that value multilingualism and global awareness.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Improve your video exercise experience

 The rising availability of video exercises has been one  positive  aspect of the pandemic. Even after two years, a lot of fitness centers still regularly broadcast live courses, and it's easier to get online video workouts. According to Dr. Edward Phillips, an assistant  professor  of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, "online workouts are ideal because you can do them at your leisure and stop and repeat as needed." "They also are a great option if you aren’t ready to return to the gym, or want a new way to exercise." To make the most of your online experience, if you  choose  to log on, remember these simple guidelines. 1. Select the appropriate exercise.  You may probably discover a variety of  exercises  on the internet that suit your goals, hobbies, and degree of fitness. Certain exercises, such as body-weight training, resistance band exercises, low-impact aerobics, and balance training (yoga and tai chi), have a particular emp
Read more

Advice on selecting walking shoes

 Walking is a popular and useful low-impact workout that you can do practically anyplace. An additional benefit of walking that is frequently noted is that all you actually need is a good pair of shoes. However, if you're walking everywhere you go in  comfortable  but well-worn sneakers, it might be time to get a new pair of walking shoes. As a matter of fact, after 300 to 500 miles, some experts  advise replacing  your walking shoes. Walking vigorously for thirty minutes every day, five days a week, means you'll need a new pair of shoes every six to twelve months. Additionally, wearing brand-new, properly fitting walking shoes might make you go a little farther and with a little more bounce in your stride. Keeping your feet content Wearing the proper shoes can help you prevent common foot and ankle ailments including Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the  tendon  that connects the calf muscle to the heel) and plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue on
Read more

Work balance drills into your hectic schedule

Incorporating balance exercises into an  already  busy schedule may seem like too much work. When you're already working, running errands, and exercising every day, how are you going to fit in another 30-minute routine? The solution is to gradually increase your balance exercise. "Even a little balance practice every now and then adds up. It becomes simpler to perform daily tasks as your balance grows better, according to Kristina Dunlea, a physical therapist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, which is connected with Harvard. To securely carry out upright tasks,  including  walking, rising and falling from a chair or bed, climbing stairs, or reaching up to retrieve a dish from a cupboard, we need to have good balance. Regretfully, as we age, our ability to balance decreases, raising the possibility of falls. locating the necessary time Dunlea suggests fitting a  balancing  exercise into a spare moment that's already scheduled into your day, as it just takes a minute. &qu
Read more