Secondary School
The Secondary School comprises Grades 5 to 10. Grade 5 serves as an orientation level, acting as the link between primary school and lower secondary education (Sek I). Instruction is provided in class groups based on the curricula of the federal state of Thuringia.
DISS offers the opportunity to obtain the Hauptschulabschluss (after Grade 9), the Realschulabschluss, the qualification for transfer to the Gymnasium upper secondary level (after Grade 10), and the IB Diploma (after Grade 12).
At the end of Grade 5, students are streamed according to school types (Gymnasium, Realschule, Hauptschule).
The class conference determines which school type offers the most successful academic path for the students. The following aspects serve as the basis for this:
- Performance and development, especially in the core subjects German, Mathematics, and English
- Linguistic expression and abstract thinking ability
- Interests and engagement in class and extracurricular activities
- Practical skills
In principle, changes in school track are possible based on performance development until the end of Grade 8.
From Grade 6 onwards, students continue to be taught together in one class. Our teachers address the varying individual knowledge and learning prerequisites with internal differentiation and an appropriate methodology. Cooperative teaching methods are an integral part of the instruction.
In Grade 6, French is introduced as an additional foreign language, compulsory for Gymnasium and Realschule students. In accordance with the state's school laws, Arabic lessons are also provided.
In Grade 9, a two-week work placement, which aims to provide insights into the professional world, is compulsory.
In Grade 10, centrally administered written final examinations take place, optionally in German, Mathematics, and/or English, depending on the streaming. An oral examination takes place in another subject. An additional presentation examination at the beginning of the school year prepares students for their examinations.
Gymnasium - Realschule - Hauptschule
Instruction for Realschule and Hauptschule students is provided as internally differentiated instruction, i.e., in shared classes with Gymnasium students, but with differentiated performance assessments.
A change of level is possible up to and including Grade 8.
Realschule and Hauptschule students conclude their schooling with two (Hauptschule students: one) centrally administered written examination(s) and one oral examination. Annual performance accounts for 50% of the final grade, according to the examination regulations. If successful, students thus achieve the "Mittlerer Schulabschluss" or the "Hauptschulabschluss".
IB Access
With an extended Realschulabschluss or the qualification for upper secondary level, one can enter the IB Diploma Programme at DISS.
Abitur Access
Realschule graduates with the qualification to attend the Gymnasium upper secondary level must repeat Grade 10 at Gymnasium level before they can enter Grade 11, the beginning of the qualification phase for the Abitur, at another school.