Secondary School › Deutsche Schule Seoul International

Welcome to the Secondary School

Our Secondary School serves as the vital bridge between Primary School and the Upper Secondary level. Beginning in grade 5, students embark on an eight‑year educational journey that gradually prepares them for the German International Abitur in grades 11 and 12.

In the Secondary School, we focus not only on academic excellence but also on the development of social and intercultural skills. Together, we create a supportive and respectful learning environment in which every student can grow, thrive, and be well prepared for the challenges of the future.

Daniel Siever

Middle School Coordination
mittelstufe@dsseoul.org

Marjan Hendrich

Upper School Coordination
oberstufe@dsseoul.org

Support in all directions

Language, subject, and gifted education with additional teachers and lessons

Fremdsprachen und englischsprachiger Fachunterricht

Foreign languages and English-taught subject instruction

English lessons from grade 3, French from grades 6 and 10, subject instruction in English

Learning Korean in the afternoon program

Courses at various levels (beginner, advanced, native speaker) as part of the afternoon program

Grades 5-12

All educational pathways in small classes with individualized support

Transitions

Smooth Transition between Primary and Secondary School

The transition from Primary to Secondary School is an important step in our students’ educational journey. We attach great importance to making this transition as smooth as possible. We place great importance on making this transition as smooth as possible. As early as grade 4, students take part in joint activities and projects with grade 5 students as well as their future teachers. During the first weeks of grade 5, we offer a carefully structured orientation phase that allows students to become familiar with the new learning environment. In addition, grade 5 students participate in a year‑long interdisciplinary project, jointly taught by two teachers.

Transitions between Lower, Intermediate and Upper Secondary School

Changing educational programs is a significant step that requires individualized guidance. Our students in the lower grades have the opportunity to intensively engage with the different requirements and focuses of the programs. At the end of grade 5, students receive a recommendation, and up until the end of grade 8, students can change programs upon request if they achieve appropriate grades. We offer parent information sessions and personal consultations to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Transition to the Upper Secondary School Level

Grade 10 serves a dual function: It marks the completion of the Lower Secondary Level (Sekundarstufe I) and, upon successful completion, qualifies students for entry into the qualification phase/Upper Secondary Level (Sekundarstufe II). At the same time, it constitutes the introductory phase of the Upper Secondary School Level (gymnasiale Oberstufe), with grades not yet counting toward the overall Abitur qualification.

This includes taking the central class tests in German, Mathematics, and English (Gymnasium track) or the Intermediate School-Leaving Certificate (Mittlerer Schulabschluss – MSA, Realschule track), which are administered in the second half of grade 10. These examinations are comparative tests that are conducted at all German schools abroad.

The Secondary School Level prepares our students comprehensively for the German International Abitur. In grades 11 and 12, students deepen their subject knowledge while setting individual academic priorities. We support them in identifying their interests, developing their strengths, and pursuing personal goals. Throughout this journey, our dedicated teachers guide and mentor the students, offering continuous academic advice and personal support.

Qualifications

Lower Secondary School Certificate (Hauptschulabschluss)

The Lower Secondary School Certificate (Hauptschulabschluss) is an important milestone for our students. After successfully completing lower secondary school, they receive the Hauptschulabschluss at the end of grade 9, which opens up a wide range of opportunities for their future careers. We support them in discovering their individual strengths and choosing the right path. Last but not least, this includes the transition to the Realschule (Intermediate Secondary School) program and the continuation of schooling at the DSSI.

Intermediate Secondary School Certificate in grade 10 (Realschule)

The Intermediate Secondary School Certificate (Realschulabschluss) for students in the Intermediate Secondary School program is a higher educational qualification that, with appropriate grades, also allows for transfer to the Gymnasium. The examination consists of a written and oral part, with at least two written and one oral exam. The written part takes place concurrently with the central class tests.

Central Class Test (ZKA) and Transition to the Upper Secondary School Level (Gymnasium)

The Central Class Test (Zentrale Klassenarbeit – ZKA) in German, Mathematics, and English in the Gymnasium program is another important qualification. It qualifies students for admission to the Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium). We accompany students on this path and support them in choosing their specializations and interests.

German International Abitur

Subject Selection

Our students take the following eleven qualifying subjects in grades 11 and 12:

In the linguistic-literary-artistic discipline: German, English, French, and Music

(French can be deselected if a foreign language has been studied continuously at least in grades 7-10.)

In the social sciences discipline: History, Politics, and Ethics.

In the mathematical-scientific discipline: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (French can be chosen instead of Physics provided that necessary requirements are met).

Physical Education is also included.

German, English, and Mathematics are taught at a higher level, and performance is assessed with two exams each semester. All other subjects (except physical education) have one exam each semester.

Special Features

The German International Abitur at DSSI is distinguished by its international focus. We emphasize intercultural competence, foreign language proficiency, and thourough preparation for a global environment. Our students have the opportunity to participate in international projects and broaden their perspectives.

History is taught bilingually in German and English. Furthermore, we have small upper-level classes, allowing us to provide individual guidance and support to each student.

Abitur Examinations at DSSI

The Abitur examinations are the culmination of the Upper Secondary School Level. At the beginning of grade 12, students choose three written examination subjects and two oral examinations according to defined criteria.

The overall qualification is calculated from the achievements from the semesters of the qualification phase (a total of 36 points) and the five Abitur examinations, each with four points of weight.

Curricula

Please find the curricula in the download section.