- +27 011 726 6220
- dsj@dsjmail.co.za
- Mon - Fri : 08.00-16.30
Languages
DaM - Why German as Native language?
Our department offers an excellent education in the German language aimed at students whose mother language is German or who already speak German at an elevated level.
Our motivated teachers do not only foster the language development of our students but also their cultural understanding and literary competency.
- Conservation and creation of a cultural identity
- Opening up of a wide variety of career opportunities
- Excellent preparation for the future
- Academic and professional perspectives
At the DSJ we are guided by the curriculum of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, supplemented by an internal school curriculum. In secondary school, we cover a variety of topics, such as:
- Dealing with different types of texts: short prose including fairy tales, fables, short stories, and parables, as well as non-fictional texts, dramas, novels, and poetry.
- Writing analyses and interpretations of these types of texts.
- Research and presentation techniques.
German as foreign language (DaF)
Why should one learn German?
Learning German opens doors to international universities and career opportunities worldwide — e.g. through our cooperation with the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, we offer academic pathways to Germany. Additionally, German language skills expand your business prospects in the global market, supported by our cultural events and exchange programs.
Our curriculum prepares students comprehensively for the German Language Diploma and emphasizes the practical application of the German language in diverse areas. Through contacts with local industry partners such as KSB and BMW, our graduates gain concrete career prospects in important sectors.
Exchange programs complement the language education and enable our students to gain valuable intercultural experiences and insights.
Our teaching methods combine traditional approaches with modern technology to personalize and optimize instruction. Project-based learning and motivating learning environments and self-directed learning in the learning office prepare our students to effectively apply German language skills in their academic and professional careers.
The German Language Diploma (DSD) is a globally recognized and standardized certificate for German as a foreign language.
It verifies German proficiency in two levels that correspond to international standards.
The German Language Diploma (DSD): Your key to global educational and career opportunities
- DSD I (Level B1 of the CEFR): This level certifies basic intermediate proficiency in German, enabling students to communicate clearly and effectively in German in everyday situations. The exam is held in grades 9/11.
- DSD II (Level C1 of the CEFR): This higher level demonstrates advanced language mastery and, together with the matric, certifies the ability to study at German universities. It empowers students to master complex academic and professional tasks in German. This exam is held in grades 11/12.
By participating in the DSD, our students not only receive excellent language education but also a certificate that validates their German skills internationally and significantly enhances their global opportunities.
German in non-language subjects (DFU)
Why DFU?
In addition to language teaching in German as a native language or as a foreign language, German in non-language subjects (DFU) makes an important contribution:
Its importance lies above all in the fact that our students speak, listen and read the German language as often as possible in subjects such as history, biology or geography.
With DFU, we offer our ISEK students the opportunity to take part in a regular German language pool and thus provide them with a broad range of preparation for the language diplomas DSD I and II or a possible switch to the German branch.
These special German-speaking skills open up future opportunities, such as training in Germany or the possibility of working in a German company in South Africa.
English
Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides. – C. S. Lewis
The English Department introduces students to a broad range of literary genres, including poetry, novels, film and drama.
Students are guided in critical analysis and awareness of current affairs and media.
Students are encouraged to express themselves effectively both orally and in writing.
Creativity and alternative thinking are encouraged. Lessons include reading for pleasure in our wonderful library.
- Shakespeare Evening
- Literature week
- Readathon
- Public speaking competition
- SACEE Writing competition
- English Olympiad
- Literature tours
We also offer Further Studies English ‒ an A-level, internationally-recognised additional qualification ‒ an extensive study of novel, film and poetry.
Theatre trips, excursions, workshops and guest speakers extend our students' experience outside the classroom.
Afrikaans
Discover the richness of Afrikaans as a school subject, where literature comes alive with stories that resonate deeply. Through interactive teaching methods, learners engage with setworks by well-known authors, exploring themes of identity, history, and culture that are both compelling and relevant.
Afrikaans nurtures language skills by building vocabulary and fluency, fostering communication that extends beyond the classroom. We teach our learners to embrace the Afrikaans language that connects tradition with modernity, offering a gateway to a vibrant cultural tapestry and enhancing understanding of South Africa’s diverse heritage.
We invite all learners to join us in exploring Afrikaans and unlock a world of literary wonders and linguistic growth.
Why learn French
French is the second most used official language in the world after English, with around 300 million speakers. It is the third most widely spoken mother tongue in Europe and the seventh most spoken language overall.
French is also a key language in international relations, being an official language of major organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, International Olympic Committee, and the International Red Cross. Molière’s language is also a working language at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The language is rapidly growing in popularity, with about half of all French speakers residing in Africa. Additionally, French is the second most studied language worldwide and is predicted to have up to 700 million speakers by 2050.
French language is taught from Grade 6 to Grade 9 for NSC students, and up to Grade 12 for Kombi stream students.
By the end of Grade 8 our students are capable of the following linguistic skills:
- understand and communicate simple sentences and expressions related to personal information and shopping.
- describe habits and routines, plans and arrangements, give short, basic descriptions of events and activities.
- talk and write about their vacation experiences, past events, describe their surroundings, and discuss their favourite books or movies.
From Grade 9 to Grade 10, students have the ability:
- To effectively engage in interactions across various contexts, as well as communicate their thoughts and desires successfully.
- To demonstrate adaptability in addressing challenges encountered in daily life, engaging in spontaneous conversations on familiar subjects, and initiating discussions in interviews or consultations.
- To comprehend the main ideas presented in clear, standard communication on common topics encountered in everyday life, school, and leisure activities.
- To produce straightforward written text on familiar or personally engaging subjects.
- To describe personal experiences, events, dreams, aspirations, and providing brief explanations for opinions and plans.
Grade 11 and 12
Students are introduced to French literature through a variety of novels, specific French/francophone themes, poems, drama, comics and articles. This exposure enables them:
- to develop a certain degree of independence, allowing them to construct arguments to defend their opinions, explain their viewpoints, negotiate, write comments, and analyse texts.
- to grasp the main ideas of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a level of fluency and spontaneity that facilitates regular communication with native speakers without difficulty for either party.
- to produce clear and detailed texts on a wide range of subjects, as well as articulate their viewpoints on topical issues by outlining the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
French instruction follows the framework of the German education system and utilizes materials sourced from one of the top three German publishing companies. Our teaching methods are structured to develop all four language skills in each lesson. We employ a combination of learner-centered and differentiated approaches to create a more effective and engaging learning atmosphere, empowering students to take on a more proactive role in their learning of French language. As a result, some of our students are well-prepared to sit for the external DELF examination level B2 after only four years of studying French.
Activities outside the school curriculum
- DELF Examination
Every year, the majority of our students in Grades 8 to 11 take the DELF (Diplôme d’Etude en Langue Francais) examination up to level B2. These exams are officially certified by the French Ministry of Education and demonstrate proficiency in the French language.
- Southern countries French spelling bee competition
Last year two of our Grade 10 students emerged as champions and claimed first place during the 2023 competition. As a result, our school was honoured with the title of 2023 French School of the Year.
- Le club français
Our French club provides students with the opportunity to engage in baking French pastries, exploring traditional recipes, and discovering the rich culinary culture of France.
