Resource
German in the International Pathway
We understand the importance of students learning the language of our host country to help them feel at home in Switzerland and part of the local community.
Overview
For children in the International Pathway in Grades 1-9 we offer German in two tracks:
- Fluent Speaker Track - for children of families of native speakers and children who have developed their German sufficiently to progress to the Fluent Speaker Track.
- Language Aquisition Language Track - Novice/Developing, for children who are not native speakers and are developing their German language acquisition.
- Students who acquire an appropriate level of fluency for their age group can progress into the Fluent Speaker Track.
- Option for students who study two IB Language and Literature units in Grades 11-12 to be awarded an IB Bilingual Diploma.
- Integration with local community to offer authenticate language experiences in the wider community.
Early Childhood
IIn Preschool to Kindergarten, your child will receive an entire afternoon of full immersion in German as well as exposure to German through conversation and music.
Tuition includes:
- 1 afternoon of full immersion in German with a wide range of activities
- Exposure to German through conversation, music, movement and play
- Exposure to authentic German experiences through co-curricular activities
Grades 1-5
We offer formal lessons, activities and experiences to help your child improve their knowledge and comfort in German.
- 4 German lessons a week (from language acqusition to fluent speakers) for Grades 1-3
- 5 German lessons a week for Grades 4 and 5
- Co-curricular activities in German
Grades 6-8
Middle School students are offered German courses in either the Language Acquistion Track or in the Fluent Speakers track.
- Students are placed into an appropriate German course based on their demonstrated skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- The Language Acquisition track follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from A1 to B2.
- The Fluent Speaker track is for students who are native speakers and for students who have aquired an appropriate level of fluency in German in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- All language classes meet 3 times a week.
- Students in the Language Acquisition Track in Grade 8, have the option of taking external Goethe Examinations from A1 to B2 level.
Further information about the German program is available in the World Languages section on the Middle School curriculum page.
Grades 9-12
In the Upper School all students study German in Grade 9 in either the Language Acquisition Track or the Fluent Speaker Track and they have the option to continue in Grade 10 and above.
- Students are placed into an appropriate German course based on their demonstrated skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- The Language Acquisition track follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from A1 to B2.
- The Fluent Speaker track is for students who are native speakers and for students who have aquired an appropriate level of fluency in German in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- Students in the Language Aquisition Track have the option of taking external Goethe German Examinations from A1 to C1 level.
- Students in Grades 11-12 who are studying towards the IB Diploma have the option to receive an IB Bilingual Diploma if they study two courses IB Language and Literature A.
See Upper School World Languages curriculum flowchart for details or visit the Upper School curriculum page.
German Program
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Bilingual Pathway
We aim to develop true global citizens who recognize the value of their local community. Your child will be open to different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. They will understand the importance of inclusion and equity.
Contact the Admissions Team
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