German International School Jeddah

The Mission Statement of the German International School Jeddah (DISJ) has been in existence since 2004/2005. In 2011, the respective committees decided on new specific principles and the Mission Statement was completely edited as well as newly written. It expresses the values shared by the school's pupils, teachers, parents, and employees. It influences our way of acting and thinking and is obligatory fo the entire school community.

Our Mission Statement consists of the following eight guiding principles:

• The DISJ is an acknowledged German school abroad which maintains a high level of quality from kindergarten up to IB
• The DISJ is a school for families with a German language background and for those who plan a future in a culture of German language.
• Working together in a democratic and confident atmosphere offers everybody a sense of belonging and solidarity within the school. This is based on a European liberal understanding.
• Respect and tolerance are a solid foundation for a productive cooperation between teachers and students.
• The school takes advantage of its cultural diversity among students and their parents.
• At the DISJ we equally encourage and demand that students work to their highest ability. This is an open and constantly changing process.
• Furthermore, we support the individual development of every child and young adult.
• The DISJ’s main focus is on language education.

The Kindergarten at the DISJ is made up of two groups, 3 to 4 year old 'Caterpillars' and 4 to 5 year old 'Butterflies'. All children spend playtime together. That way the young ones can learn from the older children.

First we begin with our morning circle, which we use specifically to introduce new subjects and discuss the daily routine. The subjects are inspired by the different seasons and traditional festivities in Germany. Songs and creative works are chosen fittingly to the subjects and if possible, we end the subject with a trip.

In September DISJ welcomed new first graders for the 43rd time to begin their school journey in our Elementary School. Together with those who have been with us for a while, they will learn from each other about their diverse cultural backgrounds within a nurturing environment where every voice is heard. In our vibrant school community all children are immersed to German culture and traditions. DISJ is a “Deutsche Auslandsschule” (German school abroad). Our language of instruction is German. Students who lack language proficiency are receiving DaF- lessons. (German as a foreign language) As in other German schools abroad our Elementary School follows the curriculum of Thüringen state in all subjects. (Except Arabic Mother Tongue).

After the primary school, the Orientation level in year 5 follows. During the course of this year, the respective teachers will assess the pupils’ acquired proficiency level during the course of this year. Accordingly, the pupils will be assigned to three acknowledged German proficiency levels (“Hauptschule”, “Realschule” or “Gymnasium”). The change from one level / type of school to another remains possible depending on the child’s performance and the decision of the class conference (= the respective teachers have to decide on this issue). At the end of the 10th grade, the final examinations for the intermediate school certificate (Realschulabschluss or Ü11) take place.