VCE Languages

Languages - German

Units 1 - 2    2019 - 2027     Units 3 -4   2018 - 2027

The Language

The language to be studied and assessed is modern standard German. The German language is a pluricentric language with different national standards in Austria, Germany and Switzerland and with regional varieties across Europe. Students are required to know that different standard versions exist in written and spoken German, but they are not required to study them.

Study

VCE German focuses on student participation in interpersonal communication, interpreting the language of other speakers, and presenting information and ideas in German on a range of themes and topics. Students develop and extend skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and viewing in German in a range of contexts and develop cultural understanding in interpreting and creating language.

Students develop their understanding of the relationships between language and culture in new contexts and consider how these relationships shape communities. Throughout the study students are given opportunities to make connections and comparisons based on personal reflections about the role of language and culture in communication and in personal identity.

Rationale

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.

Unit 1

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 prescribed themes. Each area of study in the unit focuses 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.

Unit 2

In this unit students develop an understanding of aspects of language and culture through the study of three or more topics. 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.

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.

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.

Levels of Achievement 

Unit 1 and 2

Procedures for the assessment of levels of achievement in Units 1 and 2 are a matter for school decision.

Units 3 and 4

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority will supervise the assessment of all students undertaking Units 3 and 4 in School-assessed Coursework and an end of year exam.

Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 25 %

Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 25 %

Examinations: oral  & written component 50%