How Parents Can Help Their Child Succeed in A-Level German (Even If They Don’t Speak It)
- Jens Olesen
- Jul 24
- 23 min read
Transitioning from GCSE to A-level German is a bigger leap than many expect – and it can feel daunting for both students and their parents. In fact, research shows over three-quarters of students notice a significant jump in difficulty when moving up to A-level German. Suddenly, teens face advanced grammar, literature analysis, and longer exams – a far cry from the basic vocab and short phrases of GCSE. If your child is in Year 11, 12 or 13, you might be worried about how to support them through this challenge, especially if you don’t speak German yourself.
The good news is you don’t need to be fluent to help. Studies have found that children learn better when they get plenty of encouragement and chances to practise at home, regardless of a parent’s own language ability. Whether your teen is learning German at school or as a private/external candidate, your involvement can boost their confidence and progress. Here are practical, parent-friendly tips to help your child succeed in A-level German, from building vocabulary and mastering grammar to acing the speaking exam and Independent Research Project. Warm, consistent support at home can make all the difference – ohne Deutsch zu sprechen (even without speaking German)!
Understand the Leap from GCSE to A-Level German
First, it’s important to recognise how much harder A-level German is compared to GCSE. Many families assume a strong GCSE grade means A-level will be straightforward, but the gap is much wider than anticipated. A-level German demands far more depth: students tackle complex grammar and abstract topics, study literature or films, and must discuss and write in German at a much more advanced level. For example, a GCSE pupil might learn to describe their holiday plans, while an A-level student might debate environmental policy or analyse a novel in German. The exams are tougher too – instead of short controlled tasks, they’ll face long essays, translations, and a 15-minute speaking exam (including defending an Independent Research Project, or IRP).
No wonder A-level German is often seen as one of the toughest A-levels. Being aware of this leap will help you empathise with your teen’s challenges. It also explains why they might need more support and study time than at GCSE. The adjustment can be jarring for students who breezed through GCSE with minimal revision. Let your child know you understand that A-level is a big step up, not just “the same subject continued”. This insight alone can relieve pressure – they aren’t “failing” if they find it hard; the course is genuinely demanding. With that in mind, you can help them bridge the gap by ensuring they have the right strategies and support (which we’ll cover below). And if your child’s school doesn’t offer German or they’re retaking as an external candidate, don’t panic – it’s still possible to succeed with independent study. Many students self-study A-level German with the help of tutors and resources, and private candidates can excel given structured teaching, practice with past papers, and guidance on exam requirements. Whatever your teen’s situation, understanding the challenge is step one; next, let’s look at how you can help them overcome it.
Help Them Build a Powerful German Vocabulary
A broad vocabulary is the foundation of success in any language, and at A-level, the expected lexicon “explodes in size and complexity” compared to GCSE. Don’t worry, you can assist with vocabulary building even if you don’t speak German. Here are some parent-friendly approaches:
Little and often: Encourage daily vocab practice rather than cramming. Ten minutes a day reviewing new words beats an hour once in a blue moon. Help your child make a habit of it – perhaps reviewing flashcards over breakfast or using a vocab app each evening. There are many flashcard apps (like Anki or Quizlet) that use spaced repetition to drill words at optimal intervals. You might not know the words, but you can remind them: “Have you done your 10 minutes of German words today?” Consistency is key for moving vocabulary into long-term memory.
Label the world: Make vocabulary learning interactive at home. Try the classic trick of labelling household items with German names. Grab some sticky notes together – write the German word for common objects and stick them on (your child can supply the words). For example, label the mirror as “der Spiegel”, the door as “die Tür”, the kettle as “der Wasserkocher”. Every time your teen uses that item, they’ll see and say the German word. This simple exercise turns your home into a mini-immersion environment. It’s surprisingly effective for cementing everyday vocabulary (and you might pick up a few fun words too!).
Use media and subtitles: Consuming German media is a fantastic way to absorb new words in context. Watch German films or TV shows together – you can absolutely enjoy them as a family by using subtitles. If your child is a beginner, use English subtitles so everyone follows the story, but encourage them to listen out for familiar words. For more advanced students, switch on German subtitles; seeing the written words as they’re spoken helps link spelling to sound and reinforces understanding. For instance, try an episode of Easy German on YouTube, which has both German and English subtitles. Or watch a popular film like Good Bye, Lenin! with subtitles – afterwards, ask your teen to teach you a couple of slang words or phrases they learned. This not only builds vocabulary, it shows them that you’re interested and engaged (even if you’re reading the subtitles for yourself!).
Family quizzes and flashcards: Even without speaking German, you can still quiz your child on vocabulary. Get them to make a list of new words with English meanings. Then play quizmaster: you say the English word, they have to say the German. Or vice versa, you attempt the German word and let them correct your pronunciation – turning the tables can boost their confidence. Make it a game with points or small rewards for getting, say, 10 words in a row. Your willingness to participate (and even make mistakes) shows them it’s okay not to be perfect and that practice can be fun.
Remember that building vocabulary is a continuous process – even native speakers keep learning new words in their own language. By making vocab practice a regular, low-stress part of daily life, you help your child steadily expand the range of words and phrases they can confidently use. Over time, those little sticky-note moments and Netflix nights add up!
Support Their German Grammar Practice (Without Knowing Grammar Yourself)
Grammar is the backbone of the language, and at A-level, German grammar gets considerably more complex than at GCSE. From four different case endings to Konjunktiv subjunctives and split word order, there’s a lot for students to master. As a parent, you might feel you can’t help here if you don’t know the rules yourself. But you can still provide meaningful support:
Ensure regular revision of fundamentals: Encourage your child to focus on the key grammar topics that examiners expect A-level students to know inside-out – things like verb tenses (past, present, future), correct word order, noun genders and cases, adjective endings, and subjunctive form. They’ll likely have a list of “must-know” grammar points from school or a textbook. Ask them about what grammar they’re learning – even if you don’t understand the details, letting them explain a concept to you can reinforce their knowledge. For instance, “We did the passive voice in German today”. You might respond, “How do you say ‘it was done’ in German?” If they can teach you the rule, that’s a great sign they grasp it. (And if they struggle to explain it simply, that’s a cue they might need to review that topic more.)
Provide resources: Make sure your teen has access to good grammar references or study guides. This could be an A-level German grammar workbook, online exercises, or even the free guides on Olesen Tuition’s German blog (which offers clear explanations of complex points). While you may not tutor them yourself, you can help by finding the right tools. For example, print out a summary of German verb conjugations or buy a set of grammar flashcards. Then encourage them to use these – perhaps set a goal like “practice one tricky grammar exercise each evening.” Celebrate when they finish a chapter or improve on a practice quiz. Your role is a bit like a coach or facilitator: you’re making sure they have what they need to practice effectively.
Practice by writing and checking: Another way to support grammar is through writing practice. Ask your child to write a short paragraph in German every so often – maybe a diary entry about their day or a mini-review of a show they watched. They’ll need to think through grammar when forming sentences. Now, you likely can’t mark it for accuracy, but you can offer to look at it together using tools: for example, run it through a translation tool or a grammar checker (there are German grammar check websites) with them, and see if anything was misunderstood. This process can catch errors and teach them to self-correct. It’s important that this comes across as cooperative rather than punitive – you’re learning alongside them. Maybe say, “Shall we see what this sentence means in English to check it?” If something odd comes out, encourage them to figure out why. This gentle oversight can help them spot mistakes they’d overlook on their own.
Encourage questions and getting help: Let your teen know it’s normal to find German grammar confusing – everyone does at some point! Encourage them to ask their teacher or tutor about any rule that isn’t clicking. Sometimes, just talking through a confusing grammar point with someone knowledgeable can clarify it. If they feel shy to ask in class, you might help draft an email to their teacher together, or find a credible explanation online to read through. The goal is to show that grammar problems are solvable with a bit of effort and help. If needed, consider arranging a session with a tutor specifically to go over troublesome topics. Mastering these core grammar areas will greatly improve their confidence and exam performance, and it prevents small misunderstandings from snowballing into bigger issues. By proactively supporting their grammar practice, you’re ensuring they have a solid foundation on which to build fluency.
Guide Them in the Individual Research Project (IRP)
One of the most unique (and challenging) parts of A-level German is the Individual Research Project (IRP), which forms a major component of the speaking exam. For the IRP, students must choose any topic related to the German-speaking world, research it in depth, give a 2-minute presentation in German, and then engage in a discussion about it with the examiner. It’s an exciting opportunity for them to explore something they’re passionate about – but it also requires a lot of independent work and good time management. Here’s how you can help your child shine in their IRP, even if you don’t know German:
Help with topic selection and research: Early in Year 13 (or even in Year 12), your teen will need to pick an IRP topic. Talk to them about their ideas. Encourage them to choose a topic they genuinely find fascinating – whether it’s German history, a film, a social issue, a famous person, or even a cultural phenomenon. The more personally interested they are, the easier it will be to stay motivated. You can brainstorm with them: “What do you love that has a link to Germany/Austria/Switzerland? Music? Science? Politics?” Once they’ve decided, show enthusiasm for their choice. Even if you know nothing about, say, German cinema of the 1970s, be curious: “That sounds really interesting! How are you going to research it?” Offer to help gather resources – perhaps find books, documentaries or articles in English related to the topic to build their background knowledge. If some sources are in German, you might help by translating bits with them or finding summaries. Essentially, be their research buddy: keep them accountable to their research timeline (e.g. set informal deadlines: “Aim to find five sources by next week; I’ll check in with you then”). By structuring the research phase, you prevent last-minute scrambles and stress.
Practice the presentation with them: Once your child has done their research and drafted their presentation, volunteer to be their practice audience. They have to speak for about 2 minutes uninterrupted on their topic, then answer questions. Assure them you’re not there to judge their German – you probably won’t understand much of what they’re saying, and that’s okay! Instead, you’re there to help them get comfortable speaking confidently and fluently for the full time, and to make sure their talk has a good structure. Time them to ensure it’s around 2 minutes (not too short or too long). After they present, give positive feedback first: “Wow, you sounded very fluent!” or “I could tell you explained [topic] in a structured way – even though I don’t know the words, I heard firstly, secondly… good job.” If you noticed any stumbling or if parts seemed unclear, gently mention it: “There was one sentence you kept pausing in – want to try that one again?” The act of explaining their project aloud multiple times will massively boost their fluency and confidence. Some parents even learn a few German filler phrases or questions to simulate an examiner – for example, you could ask “Warum?” (“why?”) or “Kannst du das erklären?” (“can you explain that?”) if you’re feeling brave. But even simply listening and saying it sounded great will help your teen feel more prepared.
Quiz them in English about their topic: The examiner’s questions in the IRP discussion are meant to probe the student’s understanding of their topic from different angles. You can help your child anticipate these by discussing the topic in English. Since you likely share a common language (English), use that to their advantage: ask them thoughtful questions about their IRP subject. For example, if their project is on the impact of the Berlin Wall on families, you might ask, “Why did you choose that angle?” “What was the most surprising thing you found?” “Do people in Germany see it differently than we might?” These kinds of questions mirror what an examiner might ask (though the student will answer in German in the exam). Have them explain their answers to you in English first – this tests whether their content is solid. If they struggle to answer, they might need to research that aspect more. If they answer well in English, challenge them: “Great. Now, how would you say that in German?” They could then try to phrase a key sentence or two in German for you. The goal is to ensure they aren’t caught off guard in the actual exam. By talking through potential Q&A at home, you build their ability to think about the topic deeply. Plus, it shows them that you care about what they’ve learned, not just their German speaking skills. Your interest can be a big motivator.
Support with organisation: The IRP is a lengthy process – topic approval, research, writing a summary, preparing a presentation, etc. Teens can sometimes procrastinate or feel overwhelmed. Help them break it into manageable tasks with a rough timeline. For instance: research completed by X date, presentation draft by Y date, first practice run by Z date. Mark these on a calendar. Check in periodically: “How’s your research going? Anything I can do to help?” Simply having a parent ask about progress can keep them on track. And when they meet a milestone, celebrate it! Maybe a treat for finishing their research or a family outing once the oral exam is done. That external recognition keeps morale up.
Finally, remind your child that they don’t have to do it alone. If they’re struggling with the IRP, there are extra supports available. Olesen Tuition, for example, offers specialist guidance on the A-level German IRP, from choosing a compelling topic to structuring the project and practising speaking about it. (Our blog even has a step-by-step IRP German guide full of tips.) Should they need it, consider arranging a session with a tutor who can give expert feedback on their presentation or do a mock Q&A. Professional input can boost a student from good to great. With your encouragement and the right help, the IRP can go from a scary assignment to a rewarding chance for your teen to show off their knowledge on something they love. Many students end up enjoying the IRP because it’s their project – your support will ensure they get the most out of it.
Encourage Listening and Speaking Practice at Home
One of the hardest parts of A-level German for many students is developing real fluency in listening and speaking. The spoken exam and listening paper now use much more authentic language and require quick thinking in German – no more scripted role-plays or slow audio clips like at GCSE. As a parent, you might not be able to have a full German conversation with your child, but you can still create a home environment that nurtures their listening and speaking skills:
Make German a part of daily life: Increase their exposure to spoken German by integrating it into routine activities. For example, play German audio or music in the background during car rides or while doing chores. There are great podcasts like Coffee Break German (which mixes English and German, so you can follow along too) or Slow German news for learners. Even if your teen rolls their eyes, hearing German regularly – even passively – helps attune their ear to the rhythm and sounds of the language. You could agree on a short daily or weekly family “German time”: maybe 15 minutes after dinner, listen to a German song together or watch a short video from Easy German. This shows your child that German isn’t just an academic subject, but a living language that can be enjoyed.
Watch and discuss (with subtitles as needed): As mentioned earlier, watching German films or series is excellent listening practice. Take it a step further by discussing what you watched together – first in English (to make sure they understood the plot and context), and then encourage a bit of German discussion. You might ask them, “How would you say that character was funny, in German?” or “Teach me one phrase you heard in the show.” If the whole family watched, let your A-level student be the “expert” who explains any cultural points or translates a funny line. This boosts their confidence and gets them speaking about something beyond the textbook topics. Using English subtitles or German subtitles, depending on their level, is perfectly fine – the key is they’re hearing natural German. Over time, challenge them to rely less on subtitles. Maybe re-watch a favourite scene with subtitles off and see how much they catch. Celebrate any improvement in comprehension.
Encourage speaking practice (even if you’re just listening): Speaking regularly is crucial for fluency, so find ways for your child to talk in German as much as possible. If you don’t speak German, they can still speak to you or around you. For instance, some families do a “German dinner” once a week, where the student attempts to converse in German – the parent might answer in English or very simple German. It might be mostly one-sided, but just having an “audience” changes the feel. Alternatively, have your teen teach you a bit of German each week. Ask, “How do I introduce myself in German?” or “How do I order something in German?” They’ll get speaking practice by demonstrating and correcting you. If you’re both game, you could role-play a simple dialogue (like you being a tourist ordering and them the waiter). Being unafraid to speak gibberish German yourself sets a great example – it shows that making mistakes is okay and communication is what counts. It can actually be quite funny and bond-building (“Oops, I asked for seventeen coffees instead of a coffee!”).
Facilitate conversations with others: Since you’re not a fluent speaker, consider connecting your child with other German speakers or learners. This could mean enrolling them in an online language exchange or conversation group, or simply encouraging them to speak German with classmates outside lesson time. If you have any German-speaking friends or colleagues, maybe set up a short chat or let your teen practice a few phrases with them. Even chatting via text or voice messages with a German pen pal helps. Your role is to support and maybe supervise these interactions. Show interest afterwards: “What did you talk about with your German friend today?” The more they use German in real contexts, the more comfortable they’ll become. And comfort = confidence when it comes to the exam.
Use technology for speaking feedback: There are also tech tools that can help with speaking when a human isn’t available. For example, apps like Google Translate or Siri can detect spoken German – your child can say a sentence and see if the app understood them correctly (which gives a clue about their pronunciation clarity). Or they can record themselves speaking and play it back – perhaps even share the recording with you. Listening to one’s own spoken German can be revealing; they might notice if they sound hesitant or if certain words trip them up. Encourage these practices. You could do a fun challenge: have them record a 1-minute summary of their day in German on their phone, and you record yourself reading a short German paragraph (with their coaching). Then compare each week if speaking is getting smoother. It’s a bit silly, but again, it normalises practising out loud.
Above all, be positive about their speaking efforts. Speaking is often where students feel most self-conscious. Praise their progress – “Your German sounds so fluent, I’m impressed!” – even if you only catch a word like ich or und. If they switch to English mid-sentence at home, gently prompt, “Try that in German?” but don’t scold them for making mistakes. Creating a low-pressure, supportive environment for speaking will help them build the confidence to use German more freely. By the time the oral exam comes, they’ll be far less nervous because speaking German won’t just be an exam task – it will be something they’ve done informally many times at home. With listening, speaking, and even a bit of fun woven into everyday life, you’ll see their skills blossom.
Set Up Smart Revision Strategies and Routines
Success in A-level German is not just about talent or prior performance – it largely comes down to consistent, effective revision. Here’s where parents can be a game-changer. You can help your child organise their study time and techniques, keeping them on track without having to know any German yourself:
Create a revision timetable: Work with your teen to map out a realistic revision schedule well before exams. A-level content is vast, so planning is crucial. Divide topics and skills across the weeks leading up to exams: for example, allocate certain days for literature/film revision, others for grammar practice, others for past papers. Pin this timetable up somewhere visible. Your role is to kindly enforce it – remind them what’s on the plan for today, help them stick to it, and adjust if needed. Include short breaks and some downtime to prevent burnout. By having a clear plan, they’ll feel less overwhelmed. It also fosters time management, an essential skill for top grades. If your child tends to procrastinate, you can introduce a bit of accountability: “Let’s check – did you cover what you planned to do this week? Great, now you can relax this weekend guilt-free.”
Use past papers and exam-style practice: One of the best ways to prepare is by practising with past exam papers under timed conditions. Offer to help facilitate this. For instance, you can print out listening transcripts or set up the audio tracks, and be the one to press play/pause according to exam timing. For the writing paper, you could be the timekeeper: “90 minutes starts now.” Afterwards, go through the mark scheme together – even if you don’t speak German, you can see the expected answers and help tick or cross. Encourage your teen to learn from mistakes: if they dropped marks, figure out why (vocab gap? misread question? grammar errors?). Then target those areas in subsequent revisions. By doing a few past papers, they’ll become familiar with the format and question types, reducing exam-day anxiety. Celebrate improvements, like a higher score than last time. Olesen Tuition emphasises using revision guides and past papers as key to exam success, so you’re reinforcing proven strategies here.
Incorporate active revision techniques: Help your child avoid the pitfall of just re-reading notes or highlighting (which can be passive). Instead, encourage active learning. This could involve making mind maps of themes (great for literature or IRP topics), creating flashcards (for vocabulary or key quotes), teaching you a summary of each chapter of the book they study, or practising translations. One idea is the “blurting” method: have them take a blank sheet and write everything they remember about a topic (e.g. German reunification or subjunctive forms), then check notes to see what they missed. You can assist by prompting: “Did you include an example? How about an opinion phrase?” Additionally, for grammar/vocab, little quizzes by you or apps can keep it dynamic. Variety helps – maybe quiz vocab Monday, do a listening exercise Tuesday, write an essay plan Wednesday, and so on. By mixing tasks, they’ll cover all skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) regularly.
Track progress and adjust: It’s motivating for students to see their progress. You could create a simple tracker or checklist of topics/skills to master. As they feel more confident in each, tick it off or move it to a “done” list. If their school provides grade predictions or if they do mock exams, discuss the results with them and identify weak spots to focus on. For example, if the mock showed listening was their lowest score, plan extra listening practice sessions. If grammar accuracy was an issue in the writing, devote a bit more time to exercises on that. This shows them that revision is strategic: we allocate effort where it’s most needed. Importantly, acknowledge improvements. When they go from a C to a B in a practice essay, or even from 50% comprehension to 70% in a listening practice, point it out and praise it. Nothing fuels hard work like seeing it pay off.
Provide a good study environment: This might seem basic, but it’s invaluable. Ensure your child has a quiet, comfortable space to study German without interruptions. Help them eliminate distractions during planned study times – perhaps collect their phone or agree that social media is off-limits for an hour. Little things like good lighting, a tidy desk, and having necessary supplies (pens, paper, highlighters, flashcards) ready can make study sessions more productive. As exams approach, consider implementing a “study-friendly household” rule – for example, keeping noise down during certain hours or letting them control the family internet radio to play German classical music while they revise (multitasking listening practice!). Showing that the whole family respects their study time can make your teen feel supported.
Reassure and keep perspective: A-levels can be stressful. Be the steady voice reminding them to take care of themselves – encourage short breaks, exercise, and proper sleep, especially before exam days. Clarity of mind is as important as cramming that last bit of vocab. Closer to the exam, help them gather everything they need (exam timetable, extra pens, etc.) to reduce last-minute panic. And most of all, remind them of how far they’ve come. Perhaps recall the beginning of Year 12 when they found German sentences impossible, and now they’re writing pages of analysis. Your pride and confidence in them will bolster their own. As Cambridge English experts note, praising a child’s effort and persistence, rather than just results, leads to the best progress. So focus on their hard work and improvements, and keep a positive, calm atmosphere around exam time.
By implementing these revision strategies and being an active, encouraging presence, you help your child study smarter and stay on course for success. Effective revision is as much about habits and mindset as it is about the content itself. With a solid routine and your support, they’ll walk into those exams feeling prepared and confident.
You’re Not Alone – Leverage Professional Support and Resources
While parental support can go a long way, remember that expert help is available to fill in any gaps you can’t cover. Just as you wouldn’t hesitate to get a math tutor if needed, getting a German specialist involved can be a game-changer, and it doesn’t reflect any failure on your part or your child’s. In fact, pairing your at-home encouragement with professional guidance is often the perfect recipe for A-level success. Here are some options to consider:
1:1 A-Level German Tutoring: If your child could use more personalised help, enrolling them with a dedicated A-level German tutor can provide a huge boost. A good tutor (like those at Olesen Tuition) will tailor lessons to your teen’s exact needs – whether that’s intensive grammar remediation, conversation practice, or essay-writing technique. With over 25 years’ experience and a 95% A/A track record*, our tutors understand the common pain points for English-speaking students and how to overcome them. Crucially, a tutor can give feedback that you, as a non-German speaker, can’t, and keep your child progressing between school lessons. Even a short-term arrangement (say one lesson a week in the run-up to exams) can clarify confusing topics and dramatically improve confidence. Many parents of external candidates or those whose schools don’t offer German have found that private tuition was key to their child’s A-level German achievement. The tutor can effectively become the German teacher your child might be missing, guiding them through the syllabus and exam techniques one-on-one.
A-Level German Revision Courses: Sometimes, a structured course can work wonders, especially during school holidays or the revision period. Olesen Tuition offers intensive A-level German revision courses (often in half-terms or summer) that condense exam prep into focused, small-group classes. These courses cover all exam components: key grammar review, paper 1 listening/reading tips, paper 2 essay guidance for the literature/film, and speaking/IRP practice. Expert instructors teach them and bring students together in a supportive environment. If your child tends to lose momentum revising alone, a revision course can re-energise them and pinpoint exactly what examiners are looking for. It’s also a great confidence boost to meet peers from other schools and realise everyone finds A-level German hard, not just them! By the end of a course, students often feel “exam-ready” and more structured in their approach. Keep an eye on the Olesen Tuition website for upcoming course dates, and consider booking a spot early as places can be limited. It could be a worthwhile investment in turning a predicted B into an A, or ensuring an A* candidate fulfils their potential.
IRP and Speaking Exam Guidance: As discussed, the IRP and speaking components are intimidating for many. If you sense your teen could use extra practice with a fluent German speaker, there are services specifically for that. Olesen Tuition provides targeted IRP mentoring – our tutors can help refine your child’s project, suggest resources, and conduct realistic mock orals to prepare them for any curveball questions. Similarly, we run speaking workshops (sometimes virtually) where students practise stimulus cards, learn to use fillers and advanced phrases, and get personalised feedback on pronunciation and fluency. This kind of coaching can take a student from halting one-word answers to speaking in confident, flowing sentences. It reinforces what you’ve been encouraging at home, but with that native-level polish. If one-to-one tutoring is beyond budget, even a single session closer to the exam or accessing our free blog posts on speaking tips and filler phrases can be beneficial. The key message to your child is: use every resource available! Professional insight can often pinpoint and fix issues (like persistent grammar errors or poor time management in answers) that might otherwise cost them marks.
Support for Private/External Candidates: If your child is self-studying A-level German or learning outside a school setting, leveraging expert support is even more critical. The good news is that specialised programmes exist for external candidates. At Olesen Tuition, for instance, we have guided many self-taught students through the entire A-level syllabus. We provide a structured plan, regular lessons to cover content, and lots of exam practice to ensure they’re not at a disadvantage without a school teacher. As a parent of an external candidate, you’ve likely taken on the role of facilitator, but you don’t have to write the curriculum yourself. Engage with tutors who are familiar with AQA and Edexcel exam board requirements and who can advise on the admin (like how to register for the exam as a private candidate, coursework deadlines, if any, etc.). Knowing an expert “has your back” will reduce stress for both you and your child. It’s absolutely possible for a motivated student to achieve top grades independently – especially with a robust support system that includes experienced educators. So if you’re feeling unsure about managing it all solo, reach out and get that backup.
Free Resources and Community: Finally, don’t forget the wealth of free resources you can tap into. The Olesen Tuition German blog “Auf Deutsch, bitte!” has hundreds of posts ranging from grammar explainers to vocabulary lists and revision guides on all main works of literature that A-level students need to interpret as part of paper 2, such as Der Besuch der alten Dame and Der Vorleser, and the most important films, such as Das Leben der Anderen and Good Bye, Lenin! These can supplement your child’s learning (and even help you understand what they’re talking about!). Encourage your teen to use such resources for revision – for example, reading a blog post on 10 crucial grammar topics for A-level or tips on writing an A* essay for A-level German. Sometimes, hearing advice from a different voice (even in a blog) can reinforce what their teacher has said. Additionally, consider online forums or study groups for A-level German – just ensure they’re focused and positive. Knowing there are others in the same boat can be reassuring for a student. And if you want to learn a few basics alongside your child, there are beginner German apps and videos that can be fun to try. It can turn a stressful exam prep into a shared project (“We’re learning this together!”), which might be one of the unexpected joys to come out of this experience.
In summary, don’t hesitate to mix in professional expertise with your parental support. Think of it like preparing for a marathon: you’re the coach at home, making sure they train and eat well, but maybe you also hire a specialist for a few sessions to fine-tune their running technique. Together, you form a team dedicated to your child’s success. With the combination of your encouragement, the student’s hard work, and targeted help from Olesen Tuition’s A-level German specialists, your child will be well-equipped to not only cope with the demands of A-level German but truly excel.
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