German International Academy

1. What are the levels offered by German International Academy Chennai?

We offer the following levels:

• Toddler (from the age of 18 months till the age of 3 years)
• Kindergarten (3 – 5 years)
• Pre–School (5 – 6 years)
• Primary School (Grades 1 – 4)
• Lower Secondary (Grades 5 – 8)
• Middle School (Grades 9 – 10)
• High School (Grades 11 – 12)

2. What are the working hours at German International Academy?

School timings are 8:30 am – 3:45 pm

Extra-curricular activities can take up to 5:00 pm

Office Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Core working hours of our teachers: 8:00 am until 4:30 pm 

3. What are the guidelines for admissions for German International Academy?

Admission to GIA is open to students of all nationalities who demonstrate the ability to access and benefit from the challenging international curriculum and programmes offered by the school.

For admission, we request you to kindly send us an enquiry via online registration or contact our front desk at +91 044 2451 2504. You can also email us at admissions@chennai.gis.com.de

We will thereafter invite you to meet the team and understand more about the school, the curricula and teaching methodology. 

4. Is the German International School Academy an English/ German bilingual Academy?

Yes, we are a bilingual academy. From kindergarten the children get tuitions in both languages (English and German) with one English speaking and one German speaking teacher available.

From primary school onwards, majority of the classes are held in English and approximately 20% of the classes are taught in German.

For non-German and non-English students entering the Primary or Secondary levels, extra language classes may be put in place to support a quick integration into the daily programme.

5. How many languages will my child learn?

Besides English and German, your child will be given the opportunity to learn French, Spanish, Tamil and Hindi. In the long run, we are open to providing more languages according as per the interest of the children and parents.

6. Curricula at German International Academy Chennai

GIA Chennai provides an internationally recognised curricula from UK for the Primary and Lower Secondary grades i.e. 2 to 8, followed by an International GCSE for grades 9 and 10. Grades 11 and 12 follow the International Advanced Levels (IAL) from Edexcel.

German language classes are imparted to students of all age groups following the highest curriculum standards in Germany – The Thuringian curriculum.

If required the German-International Academy leaving certificate for 12th standard – Deutsch Internationale Abiturprüfung (DIAP) – can be opted for a limited choice of elective subjects, provided a minimum number of students are participating. Please feel free to contact us to discuss the possibilities.

RECOGNITION IN INDIA

Edexcel, IGCSE and GCE A-Level qualifications are recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as equivalent to plus 2 stage qualification of the Indian Board. With its high standard in education, German International Academy Chennai supports students to adapt to any other school in India and abroad.

7. How big are the classes?

The student-teacher ratio is maintained at 8:1 with the maximum being 10:1. This enables teachers to keenly support

students to develop their individual potential and needs.

8. How is your evaluation system?

At GIA we have a marking pattern from 1 to 6 as mentioned below.

Mark 1 = 92-100 %

Mark 2 = 81-91 %

Mark 3 = 67-80 %

Mark 4 = 50-66 %

Mark 5 = 30-49 % (Inadequate)

Mark 6 = 0-29 % (Fail)

Exception: in Primary (grade 1) no marks will be distributed. Rather, the child will receive a written report describing the development of his or her overall skills.

9. How often do you give homework and conduct tests/exams?

Homework is an essential part of learning and will be assigned therefore almost every day. It is mostly completed in the Academy under professional guidance and is given in accordance to the student’s age and level. To develop independent learning, up to 30% of the homework in Secondary is to be done outside school hours.

Tests/exams will be conducted on a regular basis for all subjects to evaluate the knowledge and understanding level of 

the student. The same reflects as marks in the report cards.

10. How will my child fit into the teaching philosophy of the Academy?

We are an international academy in the truest spirit but based on German high-quality standards and values. 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, encouraging them to interact, socialise and grow. In this process, they will feel comfortable and adapt quickly to the academy’s philosophy.

11. How will I know my child’s progress?

German International Academy facilitates close interaction between parents and teachers, such that minor points can be discussed promptly. Additionally, parents are welcome to make an appointment with the teacher as per convenience

Apart from this, every term a parent-teacher meeting is scheduled in which your child’s performance and development will be discussed.

At the end of each school semester (December and May), students take home a certificate of completion. In addition to the marks, the certificate will carry a progress note of the student. This offers a performance summary of the student for the entire academic year. (Regarding marking system, please see Q. 8.) 

12. As a parent how can I support my child?

As parents, it is crucial to be a part of your child’s education and progress. Motivate your child and encourage him/her to engage in extra-curricular activities. Review, revise and discuss the day’s happenings at school with your child.

Our teachers will be glad to guide you if required.

13. Is there a boarding facility?

The boarding facility is not operational at the moment as all our children are day-scholars. Further developments will be updated on our website.

14. Does the Academy provide transportation?

Currently we do not provide transportation to school or back however we will be glad to provide the same on request.

15. Is there a lunch programme at the Academy?

Yes. We are proud to state that our school has a lunch programme managed by an internationally experienced chef. The meal plan incorporates the health and nutritional requirements of our students.  

Besides, we are the first Vegan international academy in India/Asia. As part of our holistic approach, our students and

staff enjoy a wholesome breakfast, lunch and a tea time snack every day.

Children are also encouraged to participate in the weekly cooking classes, helping them understand the importance of a balanced diet at a young age.

16. What are the extra-curricular activities offered by the Academy?

To encourage intercultural exchange, GIA offers a small but exclusive number of after school activities that are open to other schools as well. There activities may vary in accordance to the interests and demand.

Typical activities are single lessons in music (guitar, piano and xylophone) or languages (German, English, French, Hindi, Spanish and Tamil) as well as group activities in swimming, arts & handicrafts, yoga, dance or diverse intercultural projects.

Besides, it is planned to build a Youth Orchestra. Please contact us, if you want to become a part of it!

17. Is there any uniform/dress code at the Academy?

As per our rules, from primary grades onwards uniforms are compulsory at German International Academy.

As we encourage a unisex dress code, the uniform remains the same for Girls and Boys which is a Blue coloured T-Shirt with Black full length pants.

During non-uniform days students are requested to wear appropriate clothes. Shoulders and knees should be covered and necklines should be decent.

18. What are the benefits of studying at German International Academy, 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 spearheaded mainly by German Companies. Aside, Germany belongs to the worldwide leaders in areas such as medical sciences, biotech, pharmaceutical industry or healthcare.

Our pedagogical approach in teaching will assist your child to strengthen his/her potentials but also minimise their weaknesses as we focus on the individual potential of each child.

19. Leaving certificates

German International Academy offers the internationally recognised leaving certificates “International GCSE” (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-Levels from Edexcel. These leaving certificates are comparable to the German “Haupt”, “Realschulabschluss” and “Abitur”.

German International Academy is recognised as Private Centre for the conduct of Edexcel GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and International GCSE, as well as A-

Level examinations (Please see Q. 25.)

Given a minimum number of interested students, the “Deutsch Internationale Abiturprüfung (DIAP)”, (the international university entrance qualification from German) can be provided on demand.

20. After gaining the “IGCSE“,”A-Levels“or “Deutsche Internationale Abiturprüfung”(DIAP), which are the Colleges /Universities that my child can enrol in?

The leaving certificates allow entrance to prestigious colleges and universities all over the globe like University of Heidelberg or Technical University Berlin in Germany, Cambridge University in the UK, National University of Singapore, University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Hong Kong University, Harvard University and Stanford University in the USA and so forth.

21. Approval of annual reports and leaving certificates from abroad in Germany:

In Germany, the approval of certificates assigned abroad follows according to the regulations of the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK).

On the homepage of KMK the regulation is given as follows:

The recognition of academic achievements that have been performed abroad is limited to the recognition of leaving certificates.

For achievements which do not fall under the “leaving

certificate”-category, there will be no governmental recognition procedure. The classification of these achievements will be decided by the respected board in consultation with the local education authority, the students and their parents, usually after the student has attended a trial lesson.

Under certain conditions, school leaving certifications acquired abroad may be treated equally to a German graduation degree. In general, the correspondence with the German lower education (‘Hauptschule’), the middle school education (‘Realschule’) as well as the general or subject-specific higher education for professional purposes (‘Hochschulreife’) will be decided by the certificate recognition office of the related state authority. The responsible authorities can be found in the databank ‘anabin’ under ‘Anerkennungs- und Beratungsstellen in Deutschland’.

For the recognition of qualifications for the purpose of admission to higher education, however, the universities are responsible.

(Date 30.09.2012; Reference: Homepage of the Kultusministerkonferenz).

We suggest German parents to inform themselves at their local institute about the possible requirements in case of the return of a pupil the school before their departure.

For non German parents who consider their children to study in Germany, we recommend to contact the “International Student Admissions Office” at the respective university. 

22. What are the possible advantages of studying in Germany?

Germany is the “cultural heart” of Europe and is renowned for its technological achievements, powerful economy and a diverse and esteemed higher education system.

The universities offer integrated research programmes, teaching opportunities, internships and practical training.

With over 500 educational institutions 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.

23. Qualification of teaching personnel?

All teachers of German International Academy are selected with great care and in accordance with the requirements of the position in school.

In addition to the traditional criteria, such as education, work experience and vocational training, the candidates have to pass several rounds of evaluation in which their professional and personal skills will be analysed and assessed.

Besides, the traditional state examination qualifications, we consider employing applicants with relevant professional experience. We also look for equivalent qualification in Special education, Montessori teaching and Master or Bachelor degrees.

A good access to the students in the imparting of knowledge with respect to communication skills, methodology, teaching etc will be a relevant consideration.

After the positive conclusion of the interviews, the teachers are 

required to go through a complete internal training in “inter-year, bilingual and project-oriented learning”, and pass a comprehensive educational sample. They are then inducted to classroom sessions.

In addition, our teachers continuously undergo further training. Per school year, 4 seminars take place on specific topics, such as 1st Aid refresher, ADHD, Down syndrome, autism, anti-aggression training, autogenic training, “learning to learn”, but also to new scientific findings on the methodology and didactics. All employees must participate in at least two of the four seminars.

Furthermore, teachers have the opportunity to get certified under the quality standards of the Supreme International Education to become a Junior Teacher, Senior Teacher or Executive Teacher. The certification programme takes place over a period of approx. 6 months and includes both, a theoretical and a practical part of teaching practices and internships, as well as the completion of a written thesis on a selected topic on the school pedagogy.

Click here for further information about our current staff.

24. Where do our teaching personnel come from?

As an international educational institution, we focus on a good mix of well-trained teachers from all over the world. The majority of our teachers come from Europe (e.g. Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherland, Hungary) and India. In this context, the special requirements on the individual support and demand of students from diverse cultural backgrounds take

significance.

25. Is the German International Academy accredited?

The German International Academy is recognised as a Private Centre for the conduct of Edexcel GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education), International GCSE, GCE Advanced Level, International Advanced Level and Primary and Lower Secondary Curriculum examinations with Pearson.

Our Centre Number is 90963. (Reference)

RECOGNITION IN GERMANY

Offering a German high standard education, an accreditation is not required by the German law.

This is due to the fact that recognition of school certificates received out of Germany is done by the respective board where the student will continue. Recognition of leaving certificates is done by the respective governmental recognition institute.

Further information on this can be found on the homepage of the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs.

In general, an accreditation from agencies, such as the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA) is not compulsory for German Academy abroad.

26. Who/ What is the “ZfA”?

The ZfA is the German central office for overseas school-related matters and is part of the Federal Administration Office of Germany. 

Members of the ZfA participate in certain training programmes, receive funds from the German government and strictly follow the German Governmental syllabus.

Germany is right now in the process of modernising the Curriculum according to the needs of their future society.

As reforms, by definition take a long time before they are implemented in the related system, also the present school reform will need further time and the schools are in waiting line until the parliament has acknowledged its final result.

Being not a ZfA but an independent, private school, the German International School Chennai pursues the same aims and is furthermore able to effectuate the latest scientific findings in the education field in short time.

The school is therefore in close contact with leading universities and intellectual leaders in the field of education.

27. Is an accreditation with the ZfA required?

Being a German International school abroad, the accreditation at the ZfA is voluntary and without obligation by the German Government.

28. Who/What is the ISA?

The International School Association (ISA) was founded by Mr Thomas Pallushek, co-founder of German International Academy Chennai, in London in 2010. The aim of ISA is, to set a new international standard for future institution and to implement this standard in other interested educational institutions.

Most of the established institutions only focus on the compliance of quality standards for room infrastructure as well as the compliance of the respective curriculum.

ISA is appraising, that too less attention is given to the sustainable securing of consistent teaching quality as well as prompt reaction to latest scientific findings in the field of methodology, pedagogies and the syllabus.

Due to the high involvement in the building up of German International Academy Chennai, the further development of the ISA has been deferred temporarily. It is planned, however, to continue these activities in the near future to promote the purposes with all our might.

German International Academy Chennai is a member of ISA. As soon as the progress of standards for a certification is finalised, the academy is going to apply for a respective certification.

29. Who/What are SIS and SIE?

Supreme International School (SIS) was founded by Mr. Alexander Hahn in Berlin in the year 2011. The operative business was overtaken by Mr. Thomas Pallushek against the background of his longstanding experience in organisational development for franchise companies.

SIS was converted into Supreme International Education, located in Singapore, in the context of a company acquisition. As a licensor for school concepts, the focus of SIE is the propagation of inter-year, bilingual and project-oriented education. In this context, certifications are given to the teachers based on own fixed standards which have been

evaluated successfully. German International Academy Chennai functions as “role model institute” in India.

Since May 2012 Mr. Thomas Pallushek is operating as an external consultant for SIE to support the structure of a worldwide network of institutes. In this position, he is responsible for the further establishment and development.

30. Are there German Language classes available for students who not study at German International Academy? 

Yes. As part of our extracurricular programme, German International Academy offers German Language classes from “Beginner” up to “Advanced”–Levels. We also provide examination preparation courses for e.g. IGCSE or A-Level examination. For more information, kindly contact our reception desk +91-44-2451 2504

Updated on 18/09/2019