FAQ
1. Is the German International School of Chennai accredited?
The German International School Chennai (DSC) belongs to an international network of more than 940 German schools abroad offering qualifications recognized in Germany.
The German International School is accredited by other institutions like the ISA (International School Association) in London and was recently appointed to be role model school of the SIS Supreme International Schools.
The Tamil Nadu Director of Education and Minister for Education has acknowledged our organization and supports all our endeavours.
2. Is the German International School Chennai an English/ German bilingual school?
Regarding our international curriculum we do follow the highly recognized German-International Curriculum, which enables our students to easily continue at any other school worldwide.
As a bilingual school, the children get tuitions in both languages (English and German) from the beginning. Means, in kindergarten one English and one German speaking kindergarten teacher is taking care, from primary school onwards 70% of the classes are held in English, the remaining 30% are taught in German. For non-German and non-English students extra language classes are in place to support a quick integration into the daily programme.
3. What is the Thuringian Nursery Education Plan?
Our pedagogical concept is based on the Thuringian Nursery Education Plan. The underlying philosophy of this approach centres on absolute acceptance and stresses on valuing your child for whom he or she is. The focus is on supporting and fostering each child’s sense of self-esteem and his or her own individual strengths. It is all about inculcating the joy of learning throughout the wonder years. There are 48 measurable personal skills which are detectable in children and adults and we are able to identify their strengths and weaknesses and coach them. To get more details of the Thuringian Nursery Education Plan, click here.
4. How will my child fit in to the teaching philosophy of the school?
We are an international school in the truest spirit. Our teachers, staff and students are from different nationalities. We strive to create a platform of the highest standards to bring together students from varied backgrounds, encourage them to interact, socialize and grow. In this process they will feel comfortable and adapt quickly to the school philosophy.
5. What exams will my child be prepared for by the school?
Since the inauguration in January 2010 the kindergarten and primary school have commenced, followed by grades 5-7 from the school year 2011/12 and subsequently by upper secondary levels upto grade 12.
The highly recognized German-International Curriculum enables our students to easily continue at any other school worldwide.
The verification of the required approval for the so-called “Deutsche Internationale Abitur Prüfung” (DIAP) will be made through the BLASchA (Federal-State Committee for school work abroad). Students who do not have German as their mother tongue will follow the curriculum to the multilingual International Baccalaureate.
Both certifications entitle your child to apply for universities across the globe and assure the acceptance of the universities in Germany.
6. Will the lessons be taught in German?
If my child does not understand German, won’t there be trouble understanding the teacher?
As a bilingual school we take care to teach in both English & German. One German and one English speaking teacher are assigned to each group. The international nature of our team ensures that children are immersed in a rich and varied educational environment that far exceeds normal standards. (Please also have a look at Question No. 2)
For older students we provide extra coaching to help them cope up with the new language.
7. How is your evaluation system?
In Germany we have school grades in place. Accordingly to the students performance there is an evaluation system from grade 1 to 6, means:
Our Evaluation System
- Excellent
- Good
- Average
- Below Average
- Bad
- Worst
Students who score 5 for a subject are given a warning and expected to perform better in the next examination. If they score a 5 again, they have to atleast show that they have performed better in at least one other subject. If they repeat the same performance a third time, they have to repeat the class.
Exception: in primary school Grade 1 no numbers will be distributed. Rather, there is a finding in writing to the development standard of the child.
8. After gaining the “Abitur” (the German university entrance qualification) can my child only study in Germany or is the certificate recognized globally?
The certification “Deutsch-Internationales Abitur” is an international highly recognized qualification which entitles your child to apply for universities around the globe.
9. What are the possible advantages of studying in Germany?
Germany is the cultural “heart of Europe” and is renowned for its stunning artistic accomplishments, technological achievements, powerful economy and a diverse and esteemed higher education system. The universities offer integrated research programs, teaching opportuntities, internships and practical training. With over 500 educational instituitions offering applied sciences, arts and many new courses taught entirely or partially in English. Germany is increasingly becoming a destination for higher education for students from across the world.
10. How many languages will my child learn?
Besides English and German, your child will be given the opportunity to learn French, Latin, Tamil and Hindi. On the long run we are open to provide even more languages according to the demand and interest of the children/parents.
11. Are your teachers from Germany?
Yes. Our teachers are from Germany and other European countries with a competent knowledge and longterm working experience in various fields of education and its related fields which give them an eye for the individuality of every child. These additional trainings contain social and psychological aspects of the children in the areas of groupdynamic aspects, body language, anti-aggression training, autogenic training, autism and ADHD and even physical therapy and therapeutic cooking with children
12. How will I know how my child is doing?
Usually there is a very close contact between parents and teachers, so that smaller challenges can be discussed immediately. Additionally, the parents are always welcome to fix a personal appointment with their childs teacher.
Independently of this, every quarter a parent-teacher meeting is scheduled in which your child’s performance and development can be discussed and questiones can get answered.
At the end of each school semester (February and July), students take home a certificate of completion. The certificate will carry a progress note of the student. This is the result of the performance of the student from the beginning of the academic year.
Our in-house 24 hour recorded camera and intranet facility is also aid in monitoring your child’s performance in real time.
13. How can I as a parent support my child?
As parents it is crucial to be a part of your child’s education and progress. Continuously motivate your child and encourage him/her to engage in extra-curricula activities. Each day, spend time discussing what happened at school and revise their work.
14. What are the extra-curricular activities offered by the school?
As of now we do have a small but exclusive number of after school activities which we are able to provide based on your demand. Either single lessons in Guitar and Xylophone or languages (German, English) as well as group activities in ballet, arts & handicrafts, yoga or Taekwondo/Karate. We are also looking forward to build a soccer club. So please get back to us; we are more than happy to organize your afternoon activity.
15. Is there a boarding facility?
At present we do not have a boarding facility but if there is a demand then we are prepared.
16. Does the school provide transportation?
If students request for a pick-up and drop service we can organize it for them.
17. How often do you give homework, tests and conduct exams?
Homework is an essential part of learning, and hence students will be assigned homework almost everyday. Homework is done in school under professional guidance. Tests will be conducted on a regular basis and exams every term for all subjects.
18. How big are the classes?
The students-teacher ratio is 6:1 and can increase to a maximum of 12:2, means twelve students to one senior teacher and one assistant teacher.
The small number of students enables the teacher to support the studends accordingly to their individual needs.
19. Is there a lunch program at school?
Yes. We are proud to announce that we do have a German chef who takes care of the healthy and balanced nutrition of our students.
Due to our holistic approach to education our special attention is to provide nutritious meals. We create a balanced menu for our mid-morning snacks, lunch and tea-time snacks. A monthly menu can be viewed on our website.
As part of our lesson, children are exposed to the world of cooking from a very young age. Cooking helps children understand concepts such as measurements, shapes, sizes and time.
20. What are the school hours?
Our School Hours:
Kindergarten 8:15am – 2:00pm or 8:15am-4:00pm
School 8:15am – 4:00pm
Extracurricular activities can take up to 6:00 pm
School Office Hours
8:15am – 6:00pm
Core working hours of our teachers are from 8:15am until 4pm. Regarding our after school program teachers will be available until 5:30pm. For fixing a personal appointment please contact them directly.
21. Is there a school uniform?
Not yet. But we are in process to find the right tailor according to our requirements. Taking into consideration the weather conditions, we have already designed a smart and comfortable uniform. Parents will be given the school tailor’s contact details and can get the uniform stitched.
22. What are the guidelines for admissions?
First, we invite parents and children to come over and visit our school, meet the team and understand more about the school and teaching methodology. The German International School Chennai invites applicants from all nationalities to register.
Interested parents need to bring:
- Filled and signed application form,
- Passport/Visa copy (child and parents),
- Copy of the vaccination record,
- 3 coloured passport sized photographs of the child,
- application fee.
Students can join at any time of the year. All they need is to attach a certificate of grade completion from their previous school along with the application form.
For further information please have a look on the application form which you can find on our website at About us/Applications.
23. Is it recognized by Indian universities / schools?
Yes. The German International School Chennai certification is recognized by Indian schools and universities.
24. What are the benefits of studying in the German International School Chennai?
The German system of education is one of the best and strongest systems in the world. The leaders in the automotive industry, electrical and technology sector are comprised mainly of Germans. This is solely attributed to the educational system that we have in place. Our pedagogical approach in teaching, will assist your child in strengthen his/her potentials and coach their weaknesses to the highest extend.