The red and green Dragon class

25 girls and boys are attending Deutsche Schule Melbourne. They are taught in the red and green Dragon class.  

In the red Dragon class 10 "Preppies" are immersing themselves together with their classroom teacher, Ms Battistoni, in the world of structured learning. The current Preppies are eagerly looking forward to welcome next year the then Preppies into their class.  

The green Dragon class is already a composite class in which 15 girls and boys, ranging from grade 1-3 are taught by their classroom teacher, Mrs. Hildebrand. 

A combined class of students of different ages like the dragon class offers many development and learning opportunities for the children, above and beyond social learning opportunities.

In a specially designated classroom the red and green Dragon class are taught English by our Englisch teacher, Mrs. Homann. 

Living in 2 Languages

The background of our students is a reflection of the diversity of our city Melbourne. Our school community is a mixture of ex patriats, immigrants and Australians who decided to send their children to Deutsche Schule Melbourne for various reasons. Some of the students were already familiar with German prior to starting school. Some started to learn German since starting school.

With a lot of enthusiasm and support from teachers and peers alike, they have immersed themselves in the new language. They have achieved a lot since then. Their success is a confirmation of Deutsche Schule Melbourne's bilingual concept.

We also have students who have done the opposite. When they joined the school they only spoke German. They, too, have been successful in acquiring the second language with the ongoing support of their teachers and peers.

As soon as the students are among themselves, i.e. playing together in the school yard, they common language is English. They students are sensitive to the fact that some of their peers who are just beginning to get familiar with English. They switch without hesitation to German.

Living with 2 languages is enriching the children's life. Their success in acquiring a second language enforces their self confidence and their ability to raise to a challenge, to deal with it and grow through this experience.  For us at Deutsche Schule Melbourne it is our pride to have the opportunity to accompany each of the children on their way.

One of the cornerstones of Deutsche Schule Melbourne's bilingual concept is that all the members of the DSM team adhere to their respective mother language while talking to the children. Special consideration is given to those children who are still unfamiliar with one of the languages. They will receive a translation of what has been said.