Why Study German?

The study of German contributes to student personal development in a range of areas including
communication skills, intercultural understanding, cognitive development, literacy and general
knowledge. Learning and using an additional language encourages students to examine the influences  on their perspectives and society, and to consider issues important for effective personal, social  and international communication. It enables students to examine the nature of language, including  their own, and the role of culture in language, communication and identity. By understanding the  process of language learning, students can apply skills and knowledge to other contexts and  languages. Learning a language engages analytical and reflective capabilities and enhances critical  and creative thinking.

The study of German provides students with the ability to understand and use a language that is
spoken across Europe. German is the official language of Germany, Austria, Switzerland,
Liechtenstein, Belgium, Luxembourg and South Tyrol in Italy. It is also one of the official
languages of the European Union.

As well as being used within communities across Europe, Latin America and Africa, there is a
significant German heritage within Australia. Knowledge of the German language provides direct
access to the cultures, traditions, beliefs, attitudes and values of these communities.

The study of German develops students’ ability to understand and use a language which has long been recognised as a world language of culture, music, theology and philosophy, as well as a key
language in the fields of science, medicine, engineering, architecture, economics and technology.
German-speaking countries have emerged as strong international leaders in trade, commerce,
politics, environment and sustainability.

The study of a specific language exposes students to different experiences and perspectives at a
personal level. It encourages students to be open to different ways of thinking, acting and
interacting in the world, even beyond the language being studied and their own language. A broad
range of social, economic and vocational opportunities result from study in a second language.
Students are able to engage with German-speaking communities in Australia
and internationally in a variety of endeavours.

Structure

The study is made up of four units:

Each unit deals with language and specific content contained in the areas of study and is designed to enable students to achieve a set of outcomes for that unit. Each outcome is described in terms of key knowledge and key skills.

Outcomes
Outcomes define what students will know and be able to do as a result of undertaking the study.

Outcomes include a summary statement and the key knowledge and skills that underpin them.

Unit 1

Students demonstrate the achievement of the outcomes based on progressive development of skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing through activities and tasks organised around the areas of study. The areas of study in Units 1–4 focus on the areas of study for language, which are made up of the themes and topics, text types, kinds of writing, vocabulary and grammar. They are common to all four units of the study and are published in the study design. They are tailored to the specific qualities of the language being studied.

In this unit students develop an understanding of the language and culture/s of German-speaking communities through the study of three or more topics from the prescribed themes listed on page 11. Each area of study in the unit must focus on a different subtopic. Students access and share useful information on the topics and subtopics through German and consolidate and extend vocabulary and grammar knowledge and language skills. They focus on analysing cultural products or practices including visual, spoken or written texts.

Cultural products or practices can be drawn from a diverse range of texts, activities and creations. These may include the following: stories, poems, plays, novels, songs, films, photographs, artworks, architecture, technology, food, clothing, sports and festivals. Students apply acquired knowledge of the German culture and language to new contexts.
Students reflect on the interplay between language and culture, and its impact on the individual’s language use in specific contexts and for specific audiences.

Area of Study 1

Interpersonal Communication

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to exchange meaning in a spoken interaction in German.

Area of Study 2

Interpretive Communication

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret information from two texts on the same subtopic presented in German, and respond in writing in German and in English.

Area Of Study 3

Presentational Communication

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to present information, concepts and ideas in writing in German on the selected subtopic and for a specific audience and purpose.

Unit 2

In this unit students develop an understanding of aspects of language and culture through the study of three or more topics from the prescribed themes. Each area of study must focus on a different subtopic. Students analyse visual, spoken and written texts. They access and share useful information on the topics and subtopics through German and consolidate and extend vocabulary, grammar knowledge and language skills.

Cultural products or practices can be used to demonstrate how culture and perspectives may vary between communities. Students reflect on the interplay between language and culture, and its impact on meaning, understanding and the individual’s language use in specific contexts and for specific audiences.

Area of Study 1

Interpersonal communication

Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond in writing in German to spoken, written or visual texts presented in German.

Area of Study 2

Interpretive communication

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse and use information from written, spoken or visual texts to produce an extended written response in German.

Area of Study 3

Presentational Communication

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain information, ideas and concepts orally in German to a specific audience about an aspect of culture within communities where German is spoken.

Unit 3  

In this unit students investigate the way German speakers interpret and express ideas, and negotiate and persuade in German through the study of three or more subtopics from the prescribed themes and topics. Each area of study must cover a different subtopic, though teachers may choose to teach more than one subtopic in an area of study. Students interpret information, inform others, and reflect upon and develop persuasive arguments. They access and share useful information on the subtopics through German, and consolidate and extend vocabulary and grammar knowledge and language skills.

Students consider the influence of language and culture in shaping meaning and reflect on the practices, products and perspectives of the cultures of German-speaking communities. They reflect on how knowledge of German and German-speaking communities can be applied in a range of contexts and endeavours, such as further study, travel, business or community involvement.

Area of Study 1

Interpersonal communication

Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to participate in a spoken exchange in German to resolve a personal issue.

Area of Study 2

Interpretive communication

Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret information from texts and write responses in German.

Area of Study 3

Presentational Communication

Outcome 3
On completion of this unit the student should be able to express ideas in a personal, informative or imaginative piece of writing in German.

Unit 4  

In this unit students investigate aspects of culture through the study of two or more subtopics from the prescribed themes and topics. Area of Study 1 and Area of Study 2 may focus on the same subtopic. Area of Study 3 should cover a different subtopic to the subtopic/s chosen for Areas of Study 1 and 2. Students build on their knowledge of German-speaking communities, considering cultural perspectives and language and explaining personal observations. Students consolidate and extend vocabulary, grammar knowledge and language skills to investigate the topics through German.
Students identify and reflect on cultural products or practices that provide insights into German-speaking communities. Cultural products or practices can be drawn from a diverse range of texts, activities and creations. Students reflect on the ways culture, place and time influence values, attitudes and behaviours. They consider how knowledge of more than one culture can influence the ways individuals relate to each other and function in the world.

Area of Study 1

Interpersonal communication

Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to share information, ideas and opinions in a spoken exchange in German.

Area of Study 2

Interpretive communication

Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse information from written, spoken and viewed texts for use in a written response in German.

Area of Study 3

Presentational Communication

Outcome 3
On completion of this unit the student should be able to present information, concepts and ideas in evaluative or persuasive writing on an issue in German.

Assessment

Satisfactory Completion
Demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit.

Levels of Achievement

Units 1 and 2
Emmaus College students complete graded Assessment Tasks and Semester Examinations as part of the Assessment process for Units 1 and 2.

Units 3 and 4
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority will supervise the assessment of all students undertaking Units 3 and 4.

School-assessed coursework and end-of-year examinations:

Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework	25%
Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework	25%
Examinations*: Oral Component 12.5%, Written Component 37.5%	50%
*A single grade is awarded