Late-Entry Accelerated Pathway

A specialised program for students joining Deutsche Schule Melbourne in Years 3 to 5, with no prior German language skills.

DSM offers older primary students the unique opportunity to begin their bilingual education at a later age – and enjoy the cognitive, academic and social benefits it provides.

Students in our Accelerated Pathway attend German language classes as well as content classes in mostly German, so they can see the language in practice. They also attend German immersion classes with their regular cohort.

As their language skills develop, children spend more time in our regular immersion program – and most will integrate completely within 6 to 18 months.

This research-based approach is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language.

How our Accelerated Pathway works

We’ve designed the program to help students acquire their new language in the most effective way possible.

When they begin, students will attend three distinct types of lessons:

  • Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) lessons
  • German language classes
  • Immersion lessons

Over time, this timetable will change – as their language skills improve, students will participate in more German-only immersion program lessons.

The program consists of three distinct types of lessons

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) lessons

The approach used in Accelerated Pathway classes is Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). This approach is comparable to immersion, as the language of instruction is German, but students are learning both subject content and the German language simultaneously. The teacher also specifically scaffolds instruction and content to meet second language learners' needs. Initially, students learn classroom vocabulary that will help them integrate in their whole-class lessons alongside general vocabulary and grammar. The Accelerated Pathway teacher works closely with the class teacher to identify these needs. Mathematics is also taught using this approach from the beginning. As the student progresses, this is expanded to include content from the Integrated Studies as well.

German Lessons and Specialist Subjects

Students attend the Accelerated Pathway programs during language-intensive subjects such as German and Integrated Studies whenever possible. However, certain factors, including year level, level of German knowledge, and availability of specialist staff, may affect this.

German language classes

In these German language lessons we teach our students all aspects of the German language to help them develop the skills they need to eventually join the rest of their cohort.

Immersion program lessons

From their first day, students attend German-only immersion lessons in Art, Sport and Music together with the rest of their cohort.

Entry Requirements

Our Accelerated Pathway is suited to children who enjoy and thrive in challenging environments. We recommend it for students who have:

  • A history of strong academic achievement
  • A natural curiosity and interest in learning
  • An interest in a bilingual education

Before being accepted into the program, children will have to:

  • Attend two trial days
  • Pass an entry test and interview
Accelerated DSM Pathway Flyer

More Information

To learn more about enrolling your child in our Accelerated Pathway, please contact us here and we will get in touch with you shortly.