FastTrack Program
The FastTrack Program is a new language program for learning German that allows academically strong students up to Grade 5 with little or no German language skills to enroll at GISW. The program is primarily geared towards students who are interested in a bilingual or multilingual education and who, due to their other first language, have not yet mastered the German language to the extent that they can successfully participate in regular classes.
The goal is that students will be able to participate independently in regular German instruction as quickly as possible, or after two years at the latest. Students and their families receive individualized advice to enhance the learning outcome.
Parallel to the regular lessons
The FastTrack program takes place parallel to the regular lessons of German as a subject. In the other subjects on the weekly schedule, the students are in their regular class and can quickly make friends and become part of the class community.
FastTrack students are taught by a teacher who is specialized in teaching German to speakers of other languages, who also supports the children individually in other subjects and works closely with other teachers and with parents.
This document describes how we support all students from preschool through Grade 12 with German language learning: Overall Language Concept
German terminology in specific subject areas
For all students whether they are in the FastTrack program or not, there is a strong support system for learning terminology that is specific to a subject, such as sciences, history etc... Please learn more about DFU - German Specialized Teaching at the GISW.
Why German?
German scientists, thinkers and poets have long contributed to many of the world’s most impressive achievements. Germany is the strongest economy in the European Union and is at the forefront of technological innovation.
By attending a German School, students will not only learn German as a language but also internalize the German way of thinking with regards to problem solving, task completion and overcoming challenges.
No existing German Skills?
If knowledge of the German language is already present, then an initial language assessment is conducted for appropriate placement.
If your child doesn’t speak German yet, an evaluation will take place to assess an enrollment in the FastTrack program.
Q & A
If your child is doing well academically, is highly motivated to learn languages and has a strong language learning support at home, they will thrive at GISW.
Yes, as part of the rapid integration process, our FastTrack students are in regular classes and learn the language while interacting with their friends. Only during German class, about 20% of their week, they meet in small FastTrack groups where they receive intense German language instruction.
During the language learning phase, FastTrack students will be provided with individual and specific assistance according to their ability and will be graded in a fair and appropriate way in all their subjects.
The school provides individualized advice and support for families to enhance the learning outcome at home for example through specific games, listening to German audiobooks and similar activities.
