Curriculum | Primary Curriculum | Secondary Curriculum 

The school curriculum reflects our mission and the diversity of our school population. Everything we do is done with a global perspective in mind.  Academically, the school is committed to the development of knowledge and skills which will provide the students with the necessary tools to enable them to follow their vocational dreams, and to be responsible citizens, capable of contributing positively to society.

Our teaching, however, does not just provide for the intellectual growth of our students. The Nelson Mandela State International School subscribes to the ideal of the 19th century Swiss educational philosopher Pestalozzi: “learning with head, heart and hand”. To facilitate this, intensive language and communication skills tuition are provided both on an interpersonal and an intercultural level.

A considerable part of our teaching is cross-curricular and does not stop at the school gate. We take our students on field-trips and excursions, we provide them with work experience opportunities, and we are currently developing a community service programme for them. 

Bilingualism

All classes at Nelson Mandela School are taught in either English or German. The teaching of those two languages itself is organized in mother-tongue and partner-tongue classes. Starting from year 7, children who are truly bilingual have the opportunity to do both languages on a mother-tongue level. Children who are new to the country and have a working knowledge of English but no German receive special tuition in German to allow them to attend regular German classes within two years. Each class is an equal mix of English and German mother-tongue students. Two class-teachers (one German, one English-speaking) and an educator (in primary) accompany each class through the school year providing tuition and care.

More information

The school program contains more information on the curriculum as well as many other aspects of school life.

 School Programme