Leaving Cert German:Students of Leaving Certificate German yesterday grappled with the complex subject of multiculturalism, in a higher paper that was "tough going at times". The mood was tempered by some lighter topics in the themes section, that included organising a debs and the hot topic of this year's Leaving Cert, reality TV.
The number of students taking German for the Leaving Cert has dropped by almost 1,000 in the last five years. Although German is still the second most popular modern language on the curriculum, more than three times as many students take French. Leaving Cert foreign languages have all lost numbers in recent years.
The current syllabus, which is 10 years old, emphasises communication. Twenty-five per cent of the marks are awarded for the oral examination, which is held after Easter. A further 20 per cent of the overall mark is awarded for the aural examination, held before the written paper.
Yesterday's aural was considered "clear" and "well paced" by students and teachers. The written paper, however, was regarded as difficult in places.
"The second reading comprehension on the higher-level paper was more challenging than the first, dealing with the subject of the environment," said Eimear O'Meara, TUI subject convenor for German. The first comprehension question, which explored the theme of music as language, was "enjoyable".
"The essay question, on the subject of equal opportunities in a multicultural society, was also quite hard. Overall the students found the written production part of the paper difficult at times."
Ordinary-level students were reportedly delighted with their paper, which began with a comprehension piece on summer holidays and continued the holiday theme into the written section. "This was a nice approach for the ordinary level paper as the comprehension gave them plenty of inspiration for the written component," said Ms O'Meara, who teaches at Coláiste Phobail Roscrea.
More than 2,300 students take Leaving Cert German at ordinary level, compared with 5,329 at higher level. The majority of these students are girls.
