Curriculum
In the 2022/23 school year, the German International School Toronto introduced grade 9 and will be opening grade 10 in 2023/24. Grades 11 and 12 will follow in subsequent years.
GISTβs curriculum follows the curriculum of the federal state of Thuringia with the adaptations and extensions from Ontario. In grades 9/10, students receive intensive instruction in math, biology, chemistry and physics, history, economics, geography, ethics, art and music as well as the languages German, English and French.
Deutsche Sprachdiplom (DSD) I and IIΒ
The German Language Diploma (DSD) of the German Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) is the only school-based program in the Federal Republic of Germany for German as foreign language abroad. It can only be obtained after several years of German language instruction at school. The DSD examination comprises four equally weighted examination parts (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written communication, and oral communication). A DSD I is considered proof of the necessary German language skills for admission to a Studienkolleg (Prep college for incoming international students) in Germany. Our students take the DSD I language exams that demonstrate proficiency in German at level B1 in grade 9. The DSD II tests language skills at B2/C1 level and is performed in grade 11.
IB Diploma Programme
Currently, we are a candidate school for the IB Diploma Programme. This academically challenging and balanced program is for students aged 16 to 19.
We are working on the introduction of a GIB offering (Gemischtsprachiges International Baccalaureate/ mixed language IB). The GIB, which is a special form of the IB since some subjects are offered in German, provides a meaningful degree to end the education at our school and reflects the internationality of our students. The IB Diploma is an internationally recognized school-leaving qualification that provides access to universities in over 140 countries and is earned in grade 12.