German A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

The studying of Modern languages at A Level will develop your linguistic skills far beyond GCSE. The focus will move away from transactional language such as ordering, shopping and talking about your hobbies, routines and lifestyle, towards the analysis and evaluation of current political and social events and trends. In addition, you will look at the artistic impact and legacy of German societies on the modern world through the study of film and literature.

You need to be interested in developing both your linguistic ability and your understanding of the cultures and societies which have given us this language in order to get the most from a Modern Languages A Level.

Why study Modern Languages?

Modern Languages is a “Facilitating Subject”, one of those preferred or even required by many universities, and as such, is a well-respected option to take up.

Whilst the lingua franca for such diverse career paths as Finance, Law, Science and the Performing Arts is English, the ability to understand and to express yourself in a foreign language, is a distinct advantage, and one held in high regard by prospective employers.

How are Modern Language A Levels Assessed?

You will sit the following three papers at the end of your A Level:

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing – Written paper, 2½ hours, worth 50% of the A Level.

Listening and Reading

• Comprehension texts are drawn from written and spoken passages from different contexts and sources. Material will include complex factual and abstract text and questions will target main points, gist and detail.

• All questions are in the target language and are answered either in the target language or with non-verbal responses.

• Students will have individual control of the recording.

Writing/Translation

• Translation into English and into the target language is assessed in two 100 word passages.

• There will be no access to a dictionary during the assessment.

Paper 2: Writing – Written paper, 2 hours, worth 20% of the A Level.

• You will study one film or two texts from the list in the specification. The paper requires two essays to be written in German in the region of 300 words each in which you must show a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues raised in the film or text.

Paper 3: Speaking – Oral exam 21-23 minutes (including 5-minute preparation time), worth 30% of the A Level.

• Discussion of one of four sub-themes which relate to aspects of culture, society or politics in the target language society, based on a stimulus card which you will be able to prepare beforehand.

• Presentation and discussion of a research project that you will have studied during the course.

As above.

To study this course, you should have at least a Grade 6 in GCSE German. Also, at least Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and English.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses, which could lead onto Higher Education courses in German, other Languages or more general Higher Education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to German or European Languages such as a Teacher, Translator, or you may wish to use your German to study or work over in Germany. This is a recognised qualification that will help you to develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the Travel and Tourism sector.