Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Children starting in our Foundation Year or Year 1 do not require any prior German language knowledge. 

After that, we offer a Late-Entry Accelerated Pathway with a dedicated teacher who ensures that students catch up on their German language skills and get fully integrated into their year level cohort as soon as possible.

Yes, that is possible. We offer a Late-Entry Accelerated Pathway for students joining DSM in Years 2 to 5 without prior German language skills. We have a dedicated teachers for this specialised program who ensures that those students catch up on their German language skills and get fully integrated into their year level cohort as soon as possible.

We would be delighted to meet you personally. We hold one to two Open Day events during the year. You will have the chance to experience school life in action and meet our students, teachers & Principal personally. If you are not able to attend our Open Days, we would be delighted to arrange a small group tour with you.

You can send your enrolment application to us at any time after the birth or adoption of your child. The formal enrolment process commences 18 months prior to your child‘s school start. We do recommend handing in an application as early as possible to secure a placement.

Ideally, students joining our Secondary School will have some prior German knowledge. However, we also welcome academically strong and adaptable learners without prior German knowledge. If your child learns quickly and has a genuine interest in languages, we encourage you to get in touch - even if they haven’t learned German before. In that case, we are happy to arrange a personal meeting to assess and discuss how integration into our program might be possible.

For families planning ahead, our Primary School Accelerated Pathway Program is a great option. It allows students to catch up on their German knowledge while they are still in primary school- and thereby prepare for our secondary program's language and curricular requirements, ultimately providing them with a strong foundation and setting them up for a successful start in Secondary School.

The DSM Secondary School curriculum aligns with Victorian and Thuringian (German) education standards. The curriculum map and mandatory subject allocation across year levels follow requirements set out by the German education system. This structure is essential for one of DSM’s primary goals: enabling our students to obtain a recognised German leaving certificate. Offering this qualification ensures that students are positioned for a seamless transition into later secondary or tertiary education pathways in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria—should they choose to pursue that direction.

The secondary school program includes:

• Core STEM subjects, including Mathematics and Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Languages (German, English, and if elected, French);
• Humanities and Social Sciences (Geography, History, Politics, Ethics);
• The Arts and Physical Education;
• And elective periods, which allow space for project-based, interdisciplinary learning and student-driven interests.

At DSM, we teach a combination of the following 3 language learning approaches:

1. Immersion – learning through being surrounded by the language
   In the immersion model, students learns a subject (like maths or science) completely in the second language – for example, in German. The idea is that children pick up the language naturally by hearing it every day in meaningful situations. It’s similar to how young children learn their first language at home: they hear it, they use it, and over time, they understand and speak it without needing to study grammar first.
   
   🟢 Main goal: Understand the subject while naturally picking up the language
   🟢 How it feels for the child: “I’m learning about numbers – and I happen to be doing it in German.”
   In the German language, the term ‘immersion’ is used as well.
   
2. CLIL – learning the subject and the language at the same time
   
   CLIL stands for Content and Language Integrated Learning. It also means learning a subject in another language, but here the teacher deliberately focuses on both the subject (like history or science) and the language your child needs to talk and write about it. In a CLIL lesson, the teacher will help with specific words or sentence structures, explain how to describe things, or give your child tools to express their thinking in German. It’s a more structured way of learning the language alongside the topic.
   
   🟢 Main goal: Learn both the subject and how to speak/write about it in the second language
   🟢 How it feels for the child: “I’m learning about volcanoes – and I’m being helped with the German I need to talk about them.”
   
   In the German language, this concept is called Sprachsensibler Fachunterricht (DFU).
   
3. Explicit foreign language teaching
   
   This approach complements immersion and CLIL by explicitly focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills for students in the late entry-program with no or limited prior German knowledge. This structured language instruction helps students refine their linguistic accuracy and build confidence in speaking, reading, and writing.
   
   In the German language, this is called Deutsch als Fremdsprache/Zweitsprache (DaF, DaZ).

This is assessed individually in consultation with parents. Typically, we offer three options:

• If the student hasn’t completed primary school in an English-speaking environment, we may recommend additional English support instead of French.
• If the student hasn’t studied in a German-speaking environment, additional German support may take priority.
• If no additional language support is required, the student may join the French program with an adjusted learning plan.

Note: French is not mandatory for the Year 10 Leaving Certificate.

The German curriculum provides strong academic structure, breadth across disciplines, and a deep focus on foundational knowledge and critical thinking.

The Victorian curriculum promotes early subject specialisation and interdisciplinary learning.

At DSM, our secondary curriculum integrates both, a solid general education through Years 7–10 that encourages students to transfer knowledge and skills across subjects, followed by individual specialisation through the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Years 11 and 12.

At Deutsche Schule Melbourne, we value small class sizes for more individualised attention and support. While actual class sizes vary each year based on several factors, our goal is to consistently provide smaller classes than the average school, creating an optimal environment for the unique challenges of a bilingual and bicurricular education.

Since 2026 will be the first year we are offering Year 7, we are expecting a small cohort of Year 7 students.

Social circles evolve as children grow and we believe that it is important that students develop friendships beyond their immediate peer group. We encourage participation in extracurricular sports and other activities which will allow them to meet peers from other schools and organisations - and foster diverse friendships.

We know and research shows that small classes encourage students to be resilient and solve problems within their peer group. 

At DSM, students can earn the 'Mittlere Reife' leaving certificate after Year 10, paired with a German language certificate. This qualification allows them to apply for programs in Germany or with German companies in Australia.

Yes, your child can move to any other secondary school after Year 10 at DSM - depending on the other school's enrolment processes. One of the advantages will be that your child will be fluent in German. Since German is consistently one of the top VCE scaling subjects, being fluent in German should have a positive impact on their final ATAR results. 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) are both well-regarded high school programs, but they offer different advantages depending on a student's goals and preferences.

Here are some of the advantages of the IB Diploma compared to the VCE:

International Recognition

• Global Recognition: The IB Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide, making it an ideal choice for students planning to pursue higher education abroad. The VCE is primarily recognised within Australia.
• Uniform Curriculum: The IB offers a standardized curriculum across the globe, ensuring that the quality of education is consistent regardless of the country or school.

Holistic Education

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The IB Diploma requires students to study a broad range of subjects, including languages, humanities, sciences, and mathematics, along with the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. This promotes a well-rounded education.
• Core Components: In addition to subject areas, the IB includes the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program, which develop research skills, creativity, physical activity, and community service involvement.

Skill Development

• Critical Thinking and Research Skills: The TOK course and the EE emphasize critical thinking, research, and academic writing skills, preparing students for university-level work.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The IB encourages connections between different subjects, fostering an interdisciplinary understanding and analytical skills.

Language Proficiency

• Bilingual Diploma: Students can earn a bilingual diploma if they study two languages at a high level, enhancing their language skills and cultural awareness.

University Preparation

• Rigorous Assessment: The IB's assessment methods, including internal assessments, exams, and coursework, are designed to be rigorous and demanding, preparing students for the challenges of university studies.
• Higher Academic Standards: The IB's focus on higher-order thinking skills and in-depth study can give students an academic edge in university admissions.

Global Perspective

• International Mindedness: The IB curriculum promotes international mindedness and a global perspective, encouraging students to think beyond their local context and consider global issues.

Teacher Support and Resources

• Professional Development: IB teachers undergo specialized training and professional development, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively.

Community and Network

• IB Community: Being part of the IB program connects students to a global network of IB schools and alumni, providing opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Comparison to VCE

While the VCE is also a robust and respected program, particularly suited to students planning to study in Australia, it does not offer the same level of international recognition and may have a more flexible subject choice compared to the IB's prescribed subject groups. The VCE allows for greater specialization in specific subject areas, which can be advantageous for students with a clear focus on a particular field of study.

Ultimately, the choice between the IB Diploma and the VCE depends on the student's individual goals, learning preferences, and future plans.

Australian Universities recognise the IB as an entry certificate and IB graduates also obtain an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), with a minimum passing IB score of 24 equating to an ATAR of around 69. In Germany, the IB is accepted as a general university entrance qualification under the conditions set by the Kultusminister Konferenz (KMK).

Recognition of the IB in Australia

• Australian universities recognise the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The IB Diploma is highly regarded and accepted for admission to most Australian universities. Here are some key points regarding the recognition and acceptance of the IB Diploma by Australian universities:
  

Admission Criteria

• Equivalent to ATAR: Australian universities convert IB scores to the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which is the standard for university admissions in Australia. Each university has its own conversion table, but generally, an IB score is equated to an ATAR score for admission purposes.

• Direct Entry: IB Diploma holders can apply directly to Australian universities through the same channels as VCE students, typically via state-based admission centers like the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

Competitive Programs

• High IB Scores: For competitive programs, especially in fields like medicine, law, and engineering, universities may require high IB scores, similar to the high ATAR scores needed for these courses.
• Prerequisite Subjects: Some universities may require specific IB subjects or scores in certain subjects as prerequisites for particular courses.
  
  

Scholarships and Advanced Standing

• Scholarships: Many Australian universities offer scholarships specifically for high-achieving IB students.

• Advanced Standing: Some universities may grant advanced standing or credit for certain IB subjects, allowing students to potentially shorten the duration of their degree.
  

Examples of University Policies

• University of Melbourne: Recognizes the IB Diploma and provides a conversion table for IB scores to ATAR. They offer detailed information on subject prerequisites and additional requirements for specific courses.
• Australian National University (ANU): Accepts IB scores for admission and provides a comprehensive guide on how IB scores translate to entry requirements for different programs.
• University of Sydney: Recognizes the IB Diploma and provides information on the minimum IB scores required for entry into various courses.
  
  

Application Process

• Same Process as VCE Students: IB students apply through the same university admission systems as VCE students, such as VTAC in Victoria or UAC in New South Wales.
• International Recognition: The international recognition of the IB Diploma can be an advantage for students considering exchange programs or further studies abroad.

Overall, the IB Diploma is well-regarded and widely accepted by Australian universities, providing a strong foundation for further education in Australia.

No, a student without a VCE leaving certificate won't be disadvantaged because the IB Diploma is well-regarded and widely accepted by Australian universities, providing a strong foundation for further education in Australia. In addition to that, the IB has the advantage of being recognised worldwide.

We believe that students should have a voice in their education. That’s why we actively involve them in suggesting extracurricular activities they are passionate about. Whether it's coding clubs, art workshops, or sports teams, we facilitate and organize these activities based on their interests. By doing so, we ensure that each child can pursue their passions while developing essential life skills.

To offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities, we will collaborate closely with a network of external providers. These experts bring specialised skills and knowledge, enriching our students' experiences. From sports coaching to music lessons, these partnerships allow us to offer high-quality programs that may not be available within a small school setting.

The tuition fees for Year 7 in 2026 will be $17,100. There will be an additional $3,000 in consolidated charges (excluding laptops and camps), which will be waived for this first 2026 cohort. For families that are new to DSM, there will also be an enrolment fee and a one-off capital contribution of $3,000, which will be applied over three years.

These are the steps to enrol your child:

1. Fill out the Application Form.

2. Pay a $200 Application Fee.

3. Attend an Enrolment Meeting with the Principal.

4. Subject to meeting the Principal and his final assessment, applicants will receive a School Place Offer.

5. Pay Enrolment Invoice and sign the Enrolment Contract.

6. Receive the Confirmation of Place for your child.

As a not-for-profit incorporated association, we are committed to keeping our tuition fees as stable as possible.

In Germany, vocational training (Ausbildung) is a cornerstone of the education system. The dual model combines practical on-the-job experience with formal education in vocational schools, ensuring high professional training and industry relevance.

At DSM, students can earn the 'Mittlere Reife' leaving certificate after Year 10, paired with a German language certificate. This qualification allows them to apply for programs in Germany or with German companies in Australia.