CLIL
With its bilingual education programme, Gymnasium Hochrad has provided a special language programme since 1992, which makes the school different from other schools.
We offer more English lessons than the ordinary German Gymnasium. Beginning with extra English lessons in Grades 5 and 6 there is an additional English medium subject every year. Once a student has reached Grade 9 the following subjects will have been offered: Art, Music, Social Science, Geography, History Art.
Reception Grades (Grades 5 and 6)
Our Reception Grades familiarise students with the educational approach of a GYMNASIUM. The half-term report in Grade 6 contains a recommendation for a child´s future scholastic career.
It needs to be pointed out that the main medium of instruction is by and large GERMAN. Students who are not proficient in German are welcome to enrol. They must be aware that proficiency in German is necessary to qualify for any school leaving certificate in our school.
The focus of our English classes rests on the requirements of the average German student, who is not a native speaker and who has attented Primary School English. Since all the feeder schools in our catchment area provide English lessons at primary level, Fourth Graders are well-advised to continue their education at Gymnasium Hochrad where additional English lessons are offered: Children are particularly motivated and want to progress in a subject they have known from Primary School. They rapidly acquire a level of language competence which enables them to take English medium subjects.
To a certain degree we also address the requirements of "native" speakers, who are (nearly) proficient in English. For these students we strive to provide EXTRA ENGLISH CLASSES in the 5. and 6. Grades to - at least- maintain their level of English.
In Senior High School English medium electives are provided, from which students may choose. Once students have completed their education with the Abitur (final German High School examination) they are well equipped for courses at English medium universities.
School is not the only place where languages can be acquired. Our educational programme is complemented by a number of student exchanges with countries where English is the official language. Students can take part in one or more of the exchanges from Grade 8 onwards. Our Host Schools are in: Australia, England, Scotland, South Africa and the USA. Since all the feeder schools in our catchment area provide English lessons at primary level, fourth Graders are well-advised to continue their education at Gymnasium Hochrad where xtra English classes are offered: Children are particularly motivated and want to progress in a subject they have known from Primary School. They rapidly acquire a level of language competence which enables them to take English medium subjects.