Everything You Need to Know About the Swiss School and German Program in Middle School

At WAB, we offer a unique German language program in collaboration with the Swiss School, designed to support native and near-native German speakers in maintaining and advancing their language skills while thriving in an international educational environment.

In this Q&A, WAB's Middle School Principal Marina Frias Gavidia, and Swiss School Director Linda Ninio share insights into this program's structure, benefits, and how it prepares students for both global and German-speaking academic pathways. Read on to discover more!

1. Can you give us an overview of the German program at the Swiss School and WAB?

The German program at WAB and the Swiss School is designed for students who already have a strong foundation in German. It provides a rigorous academic experience while fostering language development and cultural connections. The Swiss School follows a structured approach rooted in Swiss educational principles, integrating German language instruction into WAB's international learning environment. This ensures students maintain high levels of proficiency while benefiting from a global perspective. 

2. What makes learning at WAB Middle School unique? 

WAB Middle School is a dynamic, student-centered environment where inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking are at the heart of learning. Our approach encourages students to take ownership of their education while engaging with a diverse, global community. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework allows students to develop academically while also growing as independent, internationally-minded individuals. 

3. How is the German language program structured at WAB Middle School?

The German program at WAB is designed for students who are already proficient in German. Students enrolled in this program have two blocks out of the eight-block rotation dedicated to German, German Language and Literature, and Individuals and Societies (Humanities) in German. 

All other subjects—Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Design, English Language and Literature, and the Arts—are taught in English. This structure ensures students develop strong bilingual competencies while benefiting from WAB’s international curriculum. 

4. What are the main benefits of this program for German-speaking families? 

• It ensures students maintain and further develop their German language skills at a high academic level. 
• It allows for a smooth transition from the Elementary Swiss School program and prepares students for high school pathways that include German language options. 
• Students benefit from a bilingual and multicultural learning environment that enhances both their academic and personal growth. 
• The program supports students who may later choose to pursue education in a German-speaking country. 

5. What level of German proficiency do students need to join the program? 

The program is designed for native and near-native German speakers. Students should have strong reading, writing, and speaking skills in German to fully engage with the curriculum. Placement assessments are conducted to ensure students are placed at the appropriate level. 

6. Which curriculum do students follow in the German program? 

In the German-language subjects—Language and Literature and Individuals and Societies—students follow the Swiss curriculum, integrated within the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework. This ensures alignment with Swiss educational standards while incorporating the inquiry-based and interdisciplinary approach of the MYP. 

For all other subjects taught in English—including Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Design, English Language and Literature, and the Arts—students follow the IB MYP curriculum and framework. This combination provides a balanced and rigorous dual-language education, helping students maintain the language skills needed to navigate both international and German-speaking academic pathways. 

7. How can families learn more or apply for the German program? 

Families can visit WAB’s website, attend an information session, or arrange a meeting with the admissions team. School visits and classroom observations can also provide valuable insights into the program and learning environment. 

To find out more about our German Program, join our family information event on Thursday, February 27 at 5:30 pm. Register here to attend. 

8. What makes the Swiss School's approach to teaching German stand out? 

The Swiss School places a strong emphasis on a structured and immersive learning experience. The program integrates interdisciplinary learning with language development, ensuring students build strong academic and linguistic foundations while staying connected to German-speaking traditions and cultures.