We accept children from the age of 3 years. We do not run a nursery or similar.
Is it possible to enroll at any time?
In principle, yes, if there are enough places available. Please contact the school and kindergarten office directly: info@ds-doha.de or +974 44516836.
Does my child need to be able to speak German for admission?
No, your child does not need to speak German upon admission to kindergarten. Knowledge of German is an advantage, but not necessary. Kindergarten children learn German during their kindergarten years – in addition, there are support programs for non-native speakers. Please also read the kindergarten’s DaF concept (German as a Foreign Language): https://www.ds-doha.de/en/daf-german-as-foreign-language/.
How much does kindergarten cost?
The current fees for kindergarten and school can be found at the following link: https://www.ds-doha.de/en/school-fees/
I am interested and would like more info
You can find the info about the kindergarten here: https://www.ds-doha.de/en/kindergarten/kindergarten-concept/. Registration forms and fees can be found here: https://www.ds-doha.de/en/kindergarten/forms/ You are also welcome to call us directly at +974 44516836 or send an email to: office@ds-doha.de.
Why does my child have to attend DaF classes?
The German language level is not sufficient to be able to completely follow the normal lessons.
Why is my child in this specific XY course?
The course XY was chosen, because your child participated in an assessment for German language and your child fits best in this course.
Why are there different courses of the same level?
To avoid having to many kids in one course. Smaller groups allow better learning environment and better individual support.
Why is my child still in level XY, it attended a language course in summer?
The assessment was done before summer vacation. Nevertheless, a specific amount of hours is needed to reach a certain language level. If your child successfully passed a certain language level, please provide the certificate.
Why is my child’s friend not in DaF?
The child’s friend most probably has the required language level.
Why are there non-first-language-speakers who do not attend DaF classes
There are non-native speakers who already have sufficient language skills.
Why does my child have to miss subject XYZ?
Due to organizational matters, DaF lessons were planned parallel to the normal lesson schedule. Else the concept is not doable.
Why did no one realize the language level of my child before?
It is our goal to always improve the pedagogical and educational structures at the school. This also applies for DaF. Therefore, the children were assessed, and the language level was set.
Why is my child still in level XY?
The language development of each child is individual, and the actual language level was assessed with a standard test.
Who will give the mark for German language?
The grading will be in close cooperation between the subject teacher and the DaF teacher.
Who made the decision that my child will attend this specific course?
Depending on the result of the assessment the DaF teachers decided in which group the child fits best.
Who is responsible for the low language level of my child?
Nobody is responsible for the low language level of your child. Every child learns language in a different way, so is the language acquisition for each child individual.
Who decided that there shall be DaF lessons for our children?
As a result of the German and Qatari inspection our goal is to improve the German language skills of our students. As a part of the German concept the additional DaF lessons were installed.
What is the curriculum for German as a Foreign Language (DaF)?
The DaF curriculum is based on the General Framework for German as a foreign language for German Schools abroad issued by the German Central Agency for German Schools abroad (ZfA).
Which language level is the “final goal” for my child?
With the graduation in Grade 10 the language level should have reached B2/C1.
How shall my child cope with the missed classes?
We expect students to ask their teachers about the missing contents. A main goal of the education at the German International School Doha is to teach the children to be self-responsible and this is a first step. Teachers also will provide the material and some extra time in case of additional questions. In primary, the […]
How long does my child have to attend DaF classes?
Your child should attend DaF classes until the required language level is reached.
How is the grading handled, if my child missed one lesson of subject XYZ?
In primary school, there are many available lessons to cope with the missed material. In secondary school, the student is also responsible to check with the teacher for additional material.
How many different language levels are there?
As of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) there are 3 language levels.
How did the school test my child?
For assessments we use standard tests for German as foreign language.
How can we solve this crisis?
There are no crises. The changes are a result of the further development of German as foreign language and an additional offer for your child.
Can my child change the course if it is suddenly better within the school year?
No.
When does my child have to reach a certain language level?
The language level should be reached after attending a certain amount of teaching hours in the DaF course.
Can extracurricular activities of the students in various subjects later be counted toward the GIB grade?
No. All extracurricular activities that you pursue and carry out based on your children’s inclinations will naturally help your child’s development. We ask that you obtain appropriate certificates from the institutes which provide you with the tutors or that carry out projects with your students. Of course, these certificates can be used by your child […]
What will the school offer or do differently to help students prepare for the GIB?
The students receive a learning contract at the beginning of the GIB at the German International School which stipulates by which date they must have completed certain achievements. Due to the small groups that we can offer at DIS Doha, support is definitely possible. We have always done everything possible to encourage the students, to […]
How sure is it that the GIB will continue at DIS Doha?
The continuation of the IB® Diploma Program depends on the number of students and the evaluation of the ZfA (Zentralstelle für Auslandsstellen) as well as the assessment of the German Embassy and the school board.
What is the difference between a GIB degree and the Abitur?
The GIB and the Abitur are nearly identical as university entrance qualifications. The final examinations are centrally organized in both cases. The GIB is somewhat more challenging in its requirements for independent learning. The Abitur still allows students to obtain the college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) after completing 11th grade under certain conditions; this is not […]
What combination of subjects is offered DIS Doha?
The subjects offered at our school are German, English, History, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, CAS (Community Activity Service) and TOK (Terms of Knowledge). When registering for these subjects, please refer to the registration form for the respective performance levels. The school administration decides on the offer of higher level courses (at least three must be taken) […]
Which subjects are taught in English and which subjects are taught in German?
Currently, Mathematics, English and Chemistry are taught in English, and all other subjects are/can be taught in German. Deviations are possible.
To what extent can students choose their subjects? Are there compulsory and optional subjects?
Students must choose German, History and a Natural Science, usually biology, as compulsory subjects in any case, and they must also take English at the higher level. The remaining subjects can be chosen to a lesser degree.
Do students have to choose subject focus areas?
Students do not choose subject focus areas, but they choose subjects. Some of the subjects are predetermined. As a rule, the choice is only between Chemistry Higher Level and History Higher Level.
Is our GIB degree recognized everywhere in Germany?
In Germany, the GIB® degree is recognized by the Standing Conference of Ministers for Culture and Educational Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz, KMK). The universities decide on admission. The GIB® degree is considered a German university entrance qualification.
Can my child study in Germany even with an IB® degree?
Under certain circumstances, an “IB® degree” in Germany is recognized as a university entrance qualification. For more information, please contact the university or the KMK in Germany to find out whether the respective “IB® degree” with the selected subjects is recognized as a university entrance qualification in Germany.
What are the limitations of studying with an IB® degree?
There may be limitations, depending on the subjects chosen in the IB. Here, a review of the IB certificate by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) can provide information.
Does DIS Doha have cooperative agreements with German universities?
DIS Doha has a cooperative arrangement with various universities. These include the University of Bremen and the University of Marburg. Additionally, initial discussions have also been held with the University of Applied Sciences in Anhalt and the University of Muenster.
What are IB® exams like? Are they different from class tests and long tests? Are there any special rules?
The GIB® exams involve at least two so-called “mock exams” in each subject during the school year. The GIB® exams are always multi-stage. In 12th grade, the GIB® exams are set by the IBO and are administered according to a specific exam pattern, usually consisting of two to three parts. Essentially, the students have to […]
In which grade does the GIB start at DIS Doha?
The GIB® begins in 11th grade.
My child is interested in a particular subject which is not offered at DIS Doha. Can the school fill this gap by putting them in touch with teachers from other schools?
If a subject is not offered at DIS Doha, this subject may be offered at other institutions. Please keep in mind that the subject diversity at DIS Doha offers the possibility to study in Germany and internationally, and the subjects offered are pre-determined. If a student takes a different subject at another school, there is […]
Which subject combinations are advantageous for studying at all German universities?
The subject combinations usually play a secondary role when it comes to courses of study at university. All subjects that the students would like to study are fulfilled with the university entrance qualification. Often the Numerus Clausus (set number of spots per course of studies) is decisive. For example, no matter what subject combination, law […]
What additional qualifications will my child need if he or she does not graduate from high school but from GIB?
As a rule, the child does not need any additional qualification to study in Germany with the GIB degree. He/she/* only needs to have the university examination office transfer the GIB* certificate into an adequate Numerus Clausus certificate according to the German grade point average. There are clear regulations on this matter.
What projects have students worked on creatively on their own?
Please contact the GIB® coordination for more information.
What is the grading system for the GIB?
In the GIB®, the grading ranges from 7 to 1, where 7 is the best performance 1 is the lowest performance. (no longer 1–6)
What average do you need to achieve in GIB to enter 12th grade?
The German International School’s advancement rules from 11th to 12th grade are clear. The minimum requirement is 22 points. A maximum of 2 poor performances of 2 or 3 points can be compensated by 5 points each.
Are there any testimonials from students studying at universities in Germany after graduating from GIB at DIS Doha?
The students who graduated from DIS Doha with their GIB® degree are currently studying at international universities where their diplomas are recognized, and they are completing the necessary degrees there. We have received positive feedback so far.
Where do problems arise and what works well?
We notice again and again that the students have to work more independently, especially in the GIB. They have to stick to the deadlines provided. The regulations set by the IBO are binding, meaning that even the DIS Doha school management and the GIB coordinator cannot override them. These rules apply equally to all students […]
