GCSE German

This qualification counts towards the English Bacc

Be sure of success with our updated GCSE German specification

Benefits of our spec

Continuity with outgoing specification – tiers retained in two units
Two un-tiered units allow all students to do their best
More choice, student input, and variety of contexts and purposes in speaking and writing tests
Controlled assessment, and your own Controlled Assessment Adviser
Less stressful speaking assessments with new subject criteria
Short courses, equivalent to half a GCSE
Logical progression from Key Stage 3 to AS-level German

All about our GCSE German spec

Scheme of work

Resources list

Controlled assessment guide

Full specification

Course structures and assessments

You can currently choose to stagger assessments in June of Years 10 and 11 – at least 40% must be taken at the end of the course – or to take them all at the end. However, for two-year course starting in September 2012 listening and reading exams must be sat at the end of the course and speaking and writing assessments must be submitted at the end of the course.

Full course

Unit 1: Listening

External exam, 20% of total mark
Range of question types based on pre-recorded spoken material in German
Student may enter either:
- Foundation Tier (C–G) 30 min (+ 5 min reading time) 35 marks
- Higher Tier (A*–D) 40 min (+ 5 min reading time) 40 marks
- Available – January and June (in 2013); June only 2014 onwards

Unit 2: Reading

External exam, 20% of total mark
Range of question types based on written material in German
Student may enter either:
- Foundation Tier (C–G) 30 min, 35 marks
- Higher Tier (A*–D) 50 min, 45 marks
- Available – January and June (in 2013); June only 2014 onwards

Unit 3: Speaking

Controlled assessment
60 marks: 30% of total mark
Marks for two tasks submitted for moderation (recording for one task submitted for moderation)
Last stage of each task lasts 4–6 min
Available – June only

Unit 4: Writing