Welcome to the Secondary School of the German International School Dubai. In addition to the German International Abitur, we also offer the Hauptschulabschluss and the Mittlere Deutsche Schulabschluss (Realschule). Uniform examination requirements apply throughout the entire network of German schools abroad, which are monitored by the German Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). 

Secondary School I comprises grades 5 to 10. Grade 5 is the orientation level, independent of the type of school. It provides a solid general education and lays important foundations for the rest of the school career. In Year 6, pupils are classified into Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium. The different levels are taught together and in an internally differentiated manner. student also choose their compulsory second foreign language (French or, under certain conditions, Arabic) in Year 6. From year 8, geography is taught in English and from year 9, history is taught bilingually in English and German. 

At the end of year 9, the Hauptschule pupils take the Hauptschule examination. If they perform well, they can continue their school career in year 10 as a Realschule student. The examination for the intermediate school-leaving certificate (Realschule) or the entitlement to transfer to the qualification phase of the gymnasiale Oberstufe (for student classified as gymnasiale) takes place at the end of year 10 in the form of central class tests (ZKA). Realschule students must also take oral examinations.  

The examinations are provided centrally for all German schools abroad by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder (KMK). Further information can be found in the KMK document "Regulations for the completion of Secondary School I at German schools abroad". 

As a rule, it is possible to transfer from a school in Germany or another German-speaking school abroad to DISD at any time. Please note that a change to an examination year is only possible with the approval of the KMK, which must be applied for by us.  

Please note: French is the compulsory 2nd foreign language at DISD. Alternatively, Arabic can be chosen as a compulsory 2nd foreign language under certain conditions. If you have any questions about this, please contact info@germanschool.ae to arrange a consultation.  

Secondary School II comprises Years 11 and 12 and forms the qualification phase for the German International Abitur (DIA). The results of these four semesters are included in the Abitur assessment. Lessons at DISD also take place in class throughout the entire upper school period. 

The school goal is the globally recognized German International Abitur (DIA). The school-leaving certificate, which was developed individually and specifically for German schools abroad, is not only comparable worldwide. It is designed to meet the special requirements of a multicultural, multilingual student body. In addition to German, lessons are taught in English, so that the young people acquire not only subject-specific skills but also a high level of linguistic competence - skills that are more important than ever in a globalized world. 

Throughout the entire network of German schools abroad, the DIA is also subject to uniform examination requirements, which are monitored by the German Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). Both the traditional German Abitur and the DIA are internationally highly regarded qualifications. Equivalent to a high-quality certificate of a national and international secondary school leaving certificate, the DIA enables student to study in any country in the world. Further information can be found here on the KMK website.