The grades 7-10 at NMS Secondary School have been classified as an “integrated secondary school”. At the same time, NMS is a school with a special pedagogical focus. The following is to provide you with a short overview of the lower secondary years, an important time in your children’s education at Nelson Mandela School.

Admission

Nelson Mandela School accepts all students that have attended NMS Primary, irrespective of the recommendation they received at the end of primary school, provided the school expects the students to pass lower secondary. Highly mobile students are admitted on a preferential basis.

Classes/class teachers

Students are assigned to (new) classes. Three classes consist of approx. 50 % mother-tongue German and 50 % mother-tongue English students, one class consists of German mother tongue speakers plus German beginners. Where possible, one of the class teachers is German mother tongue and the other English mother tongue. One (or both) class teacher(s) sets aside an hour per week to discuss class matters.

Year 7/8 administrator

The Year 7/8 administrator coordinates activities for grades 7 and 8.

Languages

German is taught as either mother tongue or partner tongue. Students may also be admitted if they do not speak any German; in this case, they will attend extra German lessons bringing them up to partner tongue German level within a period of 2 years (Deutsch-Seiteneinsteiger). English lessons are not differentiated according to mother or partner tongue level but according to academic achievement. Courses are taught at G level (Grundanforderung or elementary level) (years 7 and 8 only), E level (Erweiterungskurs, intermediate level) and F level (Fortgeschrittenenkurs, advanced level). Furthermore, students choose either French or Spanish (as a foreign language). Students who started a foreign language in 5th grade should continue with the same language if possible. In grade 9, students may take the language they did not choose in grade 7 as a mandatory elective course if a sufficient number of students sign up for it.

Teaching languages

With NMS being a bilingual school, approx. 50% of the lessons are taught in German and 50% in English.

The following subjects are predominantly taught in German: mathematics, ethics, sport, vocational studies.

The following subjects are predominantly taught in English: natural sciences, history, geography.

The following subjects are taught in English and German: art, music.

The teaching language also depends on the particular teachers in charge of the subject.

Differentiation

In the subjects English and maths, students are assigned to different levels as early as 7th grade: minimum G (elementary level) and E (intermediate level), in some subjects F (advanced level). Assignment to levels in German, biology, physics and chemistry takes place in 9th grade. Differentiated subjects are either taught in different courses or students are streamed within a course.

Advancing to the next grade

In principle, students advance to the next grade at the beginning of the new school year. Upon request of the student’s guardians, students may repeat one year voluntarily.

School leaving certificates

After 10th grade, Nelson Mandela School awards all available school leaving certificates: (extended) Berufsbildungsreife (certificate of secondary education), Mittlerer Schulabschluss (certificate of intermediate education) and Mittlerer Schulabschluss mit der Berechtigung zum Übergang in die gymnasiale Oberstufe (certificate of intermediate education qualifying for transfer to upper secondary school).

Students are required to achieve the grades necessary to transfer to upper secondary before they can be accepted to the IB or Abitur programmes.

Library

Our well-equipped bilingual library is located on the ground floor, providing students with space for independent research and quiet work during breaks as well as many other things to do. More information...

Elements of an all-day school

Lesson times

Lessons start at 8.00 a.m. and end at 3.50 p.m. Monday to Friday. In some cases, lessons end earlier on Fridays.

Cafeteria

We are happy to be able to offer our students freshly cooked meals in the cafeteria. Breakfast is available before lessons start. During the day a wide range of food is on offer, including 2 different lunch options. You may buy vouchers in advance to support the cafeteria and ensure that your child gets a warm meal at lunchtime. More information...

Social education area

The social pedagogues, educators and the support staff working in the social pedagogic area fulfil a wide range of responsibilities.

Extra-curricular lessons (AGs)

Various extracurricular lessons are offered to students in years 7 and 8. An introduction to the courses takes place at the beginning of the school year. Students may choose an AG with their parents’ consent for the duration of one school year. The option to switch courses does not arise before the end of the first half year.

Current extra-curricular offers

Mandatory electives (profile courses)

As of grade 9, students choose a mandatory elective covering 3 lessons per week (profile course). The choice of courses ranges from foreign language to sports. The courses on offer may change every year. As a rule, students attend their elective course for a period of 3 years. Upon  application students may switch courses after one year if they have a valid reason. The following is an example of mandatory electives that are usually on offer if sufficient numbers of students sign up: French, Spanish, English drama, sports, student company, music, politics, art, MSA German, film analysis, science, IT.

Current mandatory electives offers

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