Learning German
German is at the heart of life at GESM. Whether students join the English or German Section, they develop strong German language skills through age-appropriate instruction, immersive learning experiences, and internationally recognized qualifications.
TWO LEARNING PATHWAYS
English Section
DaF Pathway
Students in the English Section learn German as a foreign language while following the English-language curriculum.
German as a foreign language
Students learn Deutsch als Fremdsprache (DaF) while following the English-language curriculum.
No prior German required
New students may begin with little or no knowledge of German and are placed in appropriate beginner-level classes.
Begins in Kindergarten
German is introduced playfully through songs, stories, games, and everyday activities before becoming a formal subject from Grade 1 onwards.
German language certification pathway
Students prepare for the internationally recognized Deutsches Sprachdiplom/DSD I (A2–B1) by the end of Grade 10 and DSD II (B2–C1) by the end of Grade 12.
German Section
Immersion Pathway
Students in the German Section learn through German as the primary language of instruction while following a curriculum aligned with educational standards in Germany.
German as the language of instruction
The subjects are taught in German, following educational standards aligned with those in Germany.
German proficiency expected
Students are generally expected to have age-appropriate German language skills, particularly in the upper grades.
Flexible admission in early years
Children entering Kindergarten or Primary may be accepted without prior German knowledge, while older applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Native-level curriculum + Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD)
Students work within a German-language academic environment and may also complete the DSD examinations as part of their educational pathway.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
German learning extends well beyond language lessons. Students have opportunities to use German in authentic and engaging contexts through a variety of school activities, including:
Bilingual clubs and collaboration periods
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Cultural exchange trips and excursions to Germany
Internship placements with German companies
School Life in German
These experiences encourage students to use German in meaningful situations while developing intercultural understanding and global perspectives.
Student Placement & Language Support
Appropriate Placement
Students entering GESM are assessed to ensure they are placed in a class that corresponds to their German language level. This enables students to learn at an appropriate pace while ensuring fair and meaningful assessment throughout their language development.
Additional Needs Programme
Students enrolled in the Additional Needs Programme (ANP) typically participate in German language classes alongside their peers. Where individual learning needs require a different approach, personalised learning plans may include alternative language arrangements in consultation with the school, ensuring that each student receives the support best suited to their educational needs.
Additional Language Support
Students enrolled in the German Section who require additional support in German receive differentiated instruction tailored to their individual needs. Support may include:
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Push-in Support: Language support is provided during regular classroom lessons, allowing students to strengthen their German while continuing to participate in class activities alongside their peers.
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Pull-out Support: Students receive small-group or one-on-one instruction with a specialist teacher to focus on specific language needs and accelerate their progress.
