Bilingual track

Conception

• One out of the two classes in each grade has been conducted bilingually (German-Englisch) at Obermenzinger Gymnasium since 2013: 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b.
• At least 3 science or social studies subjects are taught in English in those German-English classes. English as a subject is taught at a “notably higher level” (note in the report card).
• Science or social studies subjects which are taught bilingually usually change year to year.
• Our students are supported by a second pedagogue, usually a language assistant.
• Our aim is the Bavarian “Abitur” degree, not the International Baccalureat.

Scientific Findings

• We are part of a European network ( for instance Holland, Finland, England, Austria, Spain, Italy, France ), our teachers and pedagogical assistants participate in international, professional trainings on a regular basis.
• The way we do the bilingual track is based on scientific findings. We co-operate with Gutenberg University in Mainz and with Eichstätt-Ingolstadt University.
• Our teachers work according to a special teaching method. Memorizing German and English terminology and vocabulary enhances our students' linguistic development in the German-English classes.

Goals and Results

• The above average results in the English “Jahrgangsstufentests” clearly prove our classes' success.
• Students who complete the Abitur in English also achieve outstanding results.
• Students from German-English classes strongly profit when taking courses accordingly in the upper grades.

Our offer

• To be admitted to a German-English class, 5th and 6th graders must at least have level A1, 7th and 8th graders level A2. Level B1 is required for 9th graders.
• Classes for “German as a foreign language” or “German as a second language” are offered for English speaking children. A professional teacher supports our children at their respective levels. We do that networking with the Goethe-Institut. Our students receive an elaborate report card regarding their level twice a year. In addition, Goethe-Institut issues certificates about the achieved language levels ( A2, B1, B2 ).
• We keep evaluating our quality level.

This innovation of the English-German classes gives Obermenzinger Gymnasium a distinguishing feature which is unique in Bavaria: Students are bound to acquire a comparable linguistic standard in German and English.