.png){kind=logo}
Secondary School
The secondary school serves grades 5-10 (lower secondary). Total enrollment is around 100 across grades. The curriculum closely aligns with German state of Thuringia standards. Core subjects include German, English, Math, Sciences, Humanities, Arts, PE and more. German language acquisition has special focus with 5 weekly hours. Class sizes are small, allowing individualized teacher attention and support.
Student Support
For non-native German speakers, an additional 2 hours weekly of targeted DaF lessons supplement core lessons to build language skills. For ~15% Ethiopian students, supplementary classes in Amharic language and "Civics" focus on ethics and citizenship. Ethiopian students take the mandatory Grade 8 Ethiopian exam at the end of 8th grade, with support staff helping prepare.
Subject and Curriculum
The academic curriculum covers core subjects with increasing depth and complexity across grades. Subjects include German, English, Math, Sciences, Social Studies, History, Music, Art, Ethics, PE, and introductory Tech/CS. French added in 6th grade as a second language.
Enrichment Programs
Methodology Days take place twice during the school year and provide students with the opportunity to develop important cross-curricular skills.
In addition, the school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities tailored to students' interests. These include, for example, dance, LEGO Club, Book Lovers Club, music, football, and other sports, providing students with opportunities to explore and further develop their individual interests and abilities beyond the regular classroom.
Diplomas and Degrees
Throughout their school career, students have the opportunity to obtain recognized German school-leaving qualifications. These include the Hauptschulabschluss at the end of Grade 9 and the Realschulabschluss at the end of Grade 10.
In addition, students can take the standardized German language examination DSD I in Grade 8, followed by the more advanced DSD II examination in Grade 10. The DSD II diploma certifies advanced German language proficiency at level B2 or C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is recognized as proof of German language proficiency for university studies in Germany.
After successfully completing Grade 10, students can transition to the Mixed-Language International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme and earn the IB Diploma, which is recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur under certain conditions.
Academics
Classes and Teachers
Each grade level from 5 through 10 has an assigned head classroom teacher who oversees students' academic progress and social-emotional growth. Subject and enrichment classes are taught by teachers specialized in those disciplines.
Schedule
The typical academic schedule runs from 7:40am to 3:30pm on weekdays. The day includes 8 class periods of 40-45 minutes each, with breaks for recess and a 40 minute lunch period. Core subjects take place in the morning, while electives, enrichments, sports, and clubs are scheduled in the afternoon periods. This provides a balanced experience.
Future Planning
Career Preparation
Starting in Grade 9, career and study counseling helps guide students in their future trajectories. This includes interest surveys, resume/application writing workshops, mock interviews, and personalized advice on post-secondary pathways. Students are supported in identifying and planning for appropriate higher education programs.
Internships
A highlight is the 2-week internship that 9th graders undertake. This allows them to gain real-world workplace experience in a potential field of interest. Teachers closely monitor student progress during internships, visit sites, and ensure learning outcomes are achieved. The internship program enables practical career exploration.
Secondary School Management
Felix Forster
Coordinator Secondary School