German Secondary

All of us in the Secondary School of the German Section at Taipei European School welcome you!

 

Profile of German Secondary School (Klasse 5 to 10) 

The German Secondary School combines the high academic standards of German curricula with international elements of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). We place strong emphasis on modern pedagogy, using student-centered learning, cooperative projects, digital tools, and innovative teaching methods to foster creativity, independence, and critical thinking. Students are guided through a structured pathway that leads to German State Middle School Certificate (MSA) and prepares them for the bilingual IB Diploma (GIB) in Klasse 11 and 12.

Integrated Learning within TES (MYP)

From Klasse 5 onwards, students take part in joint lessons with the other TES sections. Art, Music, and Physical Education are taught in English in mixed groups, fostering both bilingual competence and intercultural understanding. In Klasse 6 to 9, these subjects follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). In Klasse 9 and 10, MYP integration is further extended to English and Design. In our Chinese Department, students from several sections learn Chinese in cross-sectional year groups.

German MSA Qualifications 

The German Secondary School offers officially recognised German Middle School Certificate (MSA). These qualifications are based on the standards of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) for German schools abroad.

  • Klasse 9: Hauptschulabschluss (lower secondary certificate)
  • Klasse 10: Realschulabschluss / Mittlerer Schulabschluss (MSA) (German State Middle School Certificate) 

These qualifications ensure full compatibility with schools in Germany and other German international schools, and they provide a solid foundation for students to progress to the bilingual IB Diploma Programme (GIB) in Klasse 11 and 12.

Focus on Languages 

Language learning is at the heart of our programme. German is taught at mother-tongue level in all subjects (except in integrated programme subjects and foreign languages). English is introduced in Klasse 1 and becomes increasingly important through bilingual and integrated teaching. From Klasse 6, students choose a second foreign language: French or Chinese. Mandarin is taught as the host country’s language from preschool onwards.

An important part of our language strategy is the highly successful German as a Second Language (DaZ) programme. It supports non-native speakers in building strong German language skills through integrated and additional support lessons, enabling them to fully participate in all subject areas. The DaZ programme has proven to be a key factor in the academic success and integration of many of our students.

Upper Secondary (GIB): Your bilingual gateway to top universities worldwide

In Klasse 11 and 12, students enter the Bilingual (German and English International Baccalaureate (GIB) Diploma Programme (a particular type of the IB diploma program which is equivalent to a normal IB diploma). German, History, and Biology are studied in German, while all other IB subjects are taught in English. The GIB combines the strengths of the IB Diploma with the advantages of bilingual education, offering students access to top universities worldwide. It is fully recognised as a university entrance qualification in Germany and across the globe, and it reflects our commitment to academic excellence, intercultural competence, and multilingual learning. In addition, our dedicated University and Career Counselling (UCC) team and a specialised German career and study advisor guide students in planning their future pathways, ensuring they receive both international and German-specific advice and support.
 
For more information please click here. 
 

DaZ - German as a Second Language Support

Language support at our school does not end in primary school; it continues in a targeted manner at the secondary level. As topics become more difficult in higher grades and students prepare for qualifications such as the GIB diploma, they need to express themselves even more confidently. We therefore continue to provide intensive support to young people in using the German language confidently as a tool for their academic success.

For more information please click here. 

Head of Department

Mr Martin Scherzinger