The Winning Formula for an A* in A-Level German: Weekly Classes, 1:1 Lessons & Half-Term Revision

Achieving an A or A* in A-Level German is a challenging yet attainable goal. Both parents and students know the stakes: top grades not only reflect hard work but can open doors to first-choice universities. So what's the most effective route to get there? At Olesen Tuition, we've found that a combination of weekly classes, one-to-one tutoring from September through to exam time, and targeted half-term revision courses is the winning formula. In fact, every A-level German student at Olesen Tuition who followed this three-part approach this year achieved an A or A*!* This blog post will explain why this comprehensive strategy works so well, addressing the specific challenges of A-level German and showing how steady, tailored support can lead to outstanding results.

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Why A-Level German Needs Steady Support

A-level German isn’t your average language course – it’s an advanced program that demands a strong grasp of complex grammar, nuanced expression, and in-depth cultural knowledge. German is widely regarded as one of the most challenging European languages to learn, and the jump from GCSE to A-level German is much larger than students often anticipate. Scoring an A at GCSE doesn’t guarantee success at A-level, because the curriculum becomes far more rigorous. Students must master advanced grammar (from intricate case systems to the elusive subjunctive mood), analyses literary texts or films in German, and develop fluent spoken expression on sophisticated topics.

It’s easy for even capable students to feel overwhelmed by the breadth of skills required. You can’t cram German grammar or essay technique overnight – consistent practice and tailored guidance are essential. This is why steady support throughout the two-year course is so important. With regular, structured learning and expert help, students can tackle challenges step by step instead of hitting a wall right before exams. The approach we recommend breaks this support into three complementary parts: weekly classes for ongoing structure, one-to-one lessons for personalised focus, and intensive revision courses during half-term breaks for exam preparation.

Weekly Classes: Consistent Structure and Progress

Weekly German classes provide the backbone of long-term language development. Attending a class each week from September onward creates a structured routine: students cover the syllabus in manageable increments, reinforce their learning regularly, and never let their German skills go stale. This consistent progress is crucial in a subject like German, where building up vocabulary and grammar knowledge bit by bit leads to mastery. It’s much more effective (and less stressful) than trying to absorb everything in the last few weeks before exams.

In our weekly small-group A-level German classes at Olesen Tuition, students benefit from learning alongside peers while still receiving plenty of individual attention. Classes are deliberately kept small (often 4–8 students), which ensures everyone participates and gets personal feedback. Your child isn’t just one face in a big crowd; our experienced native-speaking tutor can monitor each student’s progress, answer questions, and address mistakes in real time. The group setting also adds a bit of friendly camaraderie – students motivate each other and practice their speaking skills through dialogues and discussions. Many parents and students find that regular weekly classes provide structure, accountability, and a steady pace that keeps motivation high. By covering grammar topics, exam themes, and practice exercises every week, we steadily build the skills and confidence needed for an A*.

One-to-One Lessons: Personalised Attention to Target Weak Areas

While weekly classes build a strong foundation, one-to-one A-level German tuition is the game-changer for addressing each student’s unique needs. In private lessons (ideally running parallel to classes from the start of the school year through to exam season), the focus is 100% on the individual student. This means we can pinpoint any weak areas – whether it’s grammar gaps, essay writing technique, translation skills, or spoken fluency – and spend extra time turning those weaknesses into strengths.

One-to-one lessons at Olesen Tuition are fully tailored to the student’s requirements. The tutor will adapt materials and approaches based on what works best for the learner. Got a tricky grammar point that’s confusing? We can slow down and practice it until it clicks. Struggling to structure your essays or analyse a German novel/film for Paper 2? We’ll work through outlines and model paragraphs together. Nervous about the speaking exam? We’ll do realistic speaking practice in a supportive setting until you feel confident. Essentially, the private tutor becomes a personal coach, guiding the student through challenges with explanations and strategies that suit their learning style.

Crucially, one-to-one sessions allow us to focus on exam board specifics and exam techniques in a way that might not be possible in a general class. For example, our tutors will often work through past papers from AQA, Edexcel, or other boards with the student, explaining how to tackle each section and how to maximise marks. We teach handy exam tips (like how to plan the research project or how to impress examiners in the oral) and we continuously reinforce any grammar or vocabulary issues identified in school work. This personalised support not only boosts the student’s skills but also their confidence – they know that no matter what aspect of A-level German might be challenging, they have an expert in their corner to help them overcome it.

“As a grammar teacher Jens is superb... ensuring his students develop a high level of accuracy... and he goes far beyond simply preparing one ‘for the exam’.” – Anna A., A-level German student

The quote above from one of our A-level students highlights how impactful tailored teaching can be. With one-to-one guidance, every lesson is targeted to what the student needs most at that moment. Over the months, this leads to significant improvement – often turning trouble spots into areas of strength. By the time exams approach, students who have had regular 1:1 tutoring are far more prepared and self-assured in their abilities.

Half-Term Revision Courses: Focused Exam Practice and Consolidation

The third component of our recommended approach is intensive revision courses during half-term breaks. These courses are strategically scheduled in the autumn and spring half-terms (and Easter break) to give students a powerful boost in the lead-up to exams. During a typical half-term revision course, students might attend a series of sessions (for example, 5 or 10 classes in a week) dedicated entirely to exam-focused preparation. It’s a chance to step back from new content and consolidate everything learned so far under the guidance of an expert tutor.

What makes these courses so effective is their exam-oriented approach. We zero in on what the exam papers will demand: polishing up grammar and vocabulary one more time, practising tricky listening or reading questions, refining essay plans for the literature/film component, and drilling speaking skills under simulated exam conditions. Our revision courses include targeted sessions on exam techniques, including how to avoid common pitfalls and manage time, and plenty of practice with past papers in timed conditions. By working through past exam questions in a small group setting, students learn to apply their knowledge under pressure and get used to the format and timing of the real exams. This does wonders for reducing exam-day anxiety and improving performance.

Another big benefit is that the half-term courses boost students’ confidence at critical moments in the school year. It’s common for students to feel unsure in the months before the final exam – “Have I done enough revision? Am I weak in any area?” Our intensive courses are designed to answer those questions by reinforcing core skills and filling any remaining gaps. They are led by our expert native tutors and kept to small groups, so even in a short course each student receives personalised feedback and encouragement. As one of our course mottos goes, it’s about practising hard so the real exam feels easy. After a focused week of revision and practice, students return to school feeling re-energised and much more secure in their abilities. They know exactly what to work on in the final stretch because they’ve just been through it with an instructor who knows the exam inside out.

The Power of Combining All Three for Maximum Results

Each of the elements above – weekly classes, one-to-one lessons, and revision courses – is helpful on its own. But the real magic happens when you combine them. This integrated approach ensures that every aspect of A-level German is covered comprehensively:

• Weekly classes build knowledge and skills steadily over time, keeping students on track and engaged in learning.

• One-to-one tutoring zooms in on individual needs, fixing problems and accelerating progress in the areas that matter most for each student.

• Half-term revision courses tie it all together, turning knowledge into exam performance through practice and strategic review.

By using all three, you leave no stone unturned. The student gets continuous learning and practice, personalised support to overcome any hurdle, and dedicated exam preparation at just the right intervals. It’s a holistic support system that virtually guarantees that come exam day, the student will be fully prepared and confident. There’s simply less chance for things to slip through the cracks – if a tricky grammar rule isn’t fully mastered in class, it will be caught and fixed in a 1:1 session; if exam nerves are creeping in, the revision course will provide mock exam exposure to build resilience. The three parts work in harmony, each reinforcing the other.

And the results speak for themselves. Olesen Tuition has a proven track record of A-Level German success – historically, 95% of our students achieve an A or A* in their final exams. This past year, every single A-level German student who followed the combination of weekly classes + 1:1 lessons + half-term courses earned an A or A*. These are not coincidences, but the outcome of a well-planned, well-supported learning journey. We’re able to consistently help students reach top grades because our approach covers all the bases, leaving nothing to chance. As founder Jens Olesen (Oxford-educated, with over 25 years of experience teaching A-level German) understands, excelling in A-level German requires both breadth and depth – breadth of regular practice and depth of individual focus. The combination strategy delivers exactly that.

“Sasha’s confidence and skills grew immeasurably... she was able to secure an A* in her German A-level, leading to a confirmed place at her first choice of university.” – Sam R., parent of an A-level German student

This heartfelt feedback from a parent highlights what is ultimately our biggest goal: seeing students flourish and achieve their dreams. With the comprehensive support of classes, tutoring and revision courses, Sasha not only gained an A* grade but also the confidence to use her German beyond the classroom. Many of our students go on to study German at university or incorporate it into their future careers – a testament to the solid skills and passion for the language they’ve developed.

Learn from the Experts: 25+ Years of Experience and Native-Speaking Tutors

When entrusting your A-level journey to a tuition service, experience and expertise matter. Olesen Tuition is proud to be one of the UK’s leading German language specialists. We’ve been teaching German for over 25 years and have helped thousands of students at GCSE and A-level reach their potential. All of our A-level German tutors are fully qualified native German speakers, bringing at least a decade of teaching experience each to the classroom. This means students learn authentic language and pronunciation from day one, and our instructors have an insider’s understanding of the common pitfalls English-speaking learners face. We know the A-level German syllabus inside out (across all exam boards) and exactly what examiners are looking for.

With this wealth of experience, we’ve refined our methods to a science – but we also recognise that every student is unique. Our long track record of success (95% A*/A rate and counting) comes from combining proven teaching techniques with personalised mentoring for each student. Whether in a group class or a one-to-one session, our tutors adapt to the learner’s pace and style, making lessons engaging and effective. We also stay up-to-date with any changes in exam formats or curriculum to ensure our students are never caught off guard. When you choose Olesen Tuition, you’re choosing a team that genuinely cares and has the expertise to deliver results. The fact that previous students consistently achieve top grades and get into their first-choice universities is a reflection of the quality of support we provide.

Most importantly, we strive to make learning German enjoyable and rewarding. Yes, A-level German is hard work – but our friendly, encouraging teaching style means students often find themselves looking forward to lessons. We celebrate progress (even small wins) and build students’ self-confidence step by step. With native-speaker tutors, students also gain cultural insights and real-world language skills that go beyond exams. By the end of the course, they don’t just excel on paper; they truly command the language with a level of fluency and accuracy that will benefit them in life.

Ready to Achieve Your A*? – Book a Consultation or Secure Your Spot

If you’re a parent or student determined to see an A or A* in German, now is the time to act. Don’t leave success to chance or wait until stress mounts – start with a solid plan from the beginning of the term. Olesen Tuition is here to support you every step of the way with our weekly classes, one-to-one lessons, and half-term revision courses. Our approach is tried and tested, and we’re confident that together we can reach your goal.

Get in touch with us today to discuss a tailored programme for A-level German success. You can book a consultation to talk through your needs and find the best mix of classes and tutoring for you or your child. The new term’s courses are enrolling now, and spaces in our small classes and popular revision workshops are limited. Secure your spot for the upcoming term and ensure you have the full support you need from September right up to exam day.

🌟 Let us help you turn your hard work into an A/A* result. Contact Olesen Tuition to begin your journey towards A-level German excellence!* 🌟