SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT - PARENT HANDBOOK

This 10 th grade diploma is the only diploma recognized by the German
education authorities if the student does not have a full IB diploma.
To be eligible for the Oberstufe in a Gymnasium the diploma must be at the
level of “FORQ” (Fachoberschulreife mit Qualifikation) which means that the
student has learned 2 foreign languages. The second language has to be
taken for 14 “Jahreswochenstunden” in G 6-10. At ISD the students have 16-
17 Jahreswochenstunden in total within 4 years, so the second foreign
language requirement can be met taking an appropriate language in any four
of the G 6-10. Furthermore the student must attain a sufficient grade level in
mathematics, English, science, German and history, as determined by the
Ausbildungs- und Prüfungsordnung Sekundarstufe I (APO SI).
Since 2007 the new school law has required state-wide tests in English,
German, and mathematics which are taken near the end of the year and
determine 50% of the final grade on the German Abschluss- or
Übergangszeugnis. The level of the diploma will be determined by the
Didaktische Leiterin according to the APO SI.
The above applies primarily to German students, but is also a possibility for
foreign students who have reached sufficient proficiency level in German.
Further details can be obtained from Frau Raider, the Didaktische Leiterin.
12. REPEATS
Students whose academic achievement is especially poor in a particular year
e.g. several end-of-year grades below 3, may be advised to repeat the year.
Any such recommendation will be fully discussed with the student and
parents concerned, but the principal – or the director upon appeal – has the
final authority to require that the student repeat the year.
In G 9-12, credit is awarded for a repeat only if the course is failed at the first
attempt and passed after the repeat. The record of the first attempt remains
on the student’s transcript.
13. REPORT CARDS
Report cards for each student are sent out twice a year: in December for
G610; in January for G11 & 12; in May for G12; and in June for G6-11.
The first report card shows progress so far in the subject-specific criteria and,
for G11 & 12 only, an academic achievement grade.
The second report summarizes achievement for the whole year, not just since
the first report, and includes a final academic achievement grade indicating
the level the student has reached at the end of the academic year.
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