An ideal preparation for an internationally recognised degree

As in most German schools abroad, pupils of the “gymnasiale Oberstufe” (upper school) are taught in one class. The students finish their school career with the “deutsche Allgemeine Hochschulreife” (German leaving certificate recognised as university entrance). Those who wish to can sit the French “Baccalauréat” at the same time.

This double qualification (“double délivrance”) is based on an agreement made between the German and French governments in 1994: contents of teaching and examinations are strictly regulated by this agreement.  

The education program takes three years. Intensified French language lessons and two subjects, History and Geography, taught in French, foster linguistic skills as well as bi-cultural comprehension and allow the students to master the French part of the final examinations competently.

All pupils with “Abitur” can study not only at German and French universities and colleges, but also in English speaking countries. They have the best possible chances of being admitted to international elite universities with strict selection methods.

The “Oberstufe” follows the curriculum of Baden-Württemberg. For the section preparing for the French examinations, there are special curricula that have been agreed on between the French and German governments.

The final examinations follow the directive of the “Kultusministerkonferenz” (KMK – The Conference of German cultural ministers) and is conducted by an examination officer sent by the KMK. In this way, a comparison with standards in Germany is guaranteed. The “Académie de Strasbourg” is responsible for sending an examination officer to oversee the “Baccalauréat”-examinations.

At the iDSP, final examinations take place after 12 years of school. Pupils who are in grades 11 or 12 in 2008/2009 still have 13 school years to absolve.