Traditional track

 

Since 1961, the Obermenzing Gymnasium has traditionally taught the "German-language train" according to the Bavarian curriculum. The classes of this train are our A-classes in grades 5 up to and including 11: 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a.

Since 2013, the Obermenzing Gymnasium has been running the B classes bilingually (German-English): 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b and 10b, 11b.
This train, which is unique in Bavaria, is based on an innovative concept that was developed in cooperation with scientific institutions, among others.

 

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

  • For English-speaking children, we offer lessons in "German as a Foreign Language" or "German as a Second Language" if required. The prerequisites for admission to the German-English class are the existing language levels for the corresponding grades. These only provide an initial orientation framework and thus represent a certain minimum requirement:

    Class level Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
    5 (A1–)A2
    6 A2+
    7 B1
    8 B1+
    9 B2
    10 C1
     
  • 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.