Language Exams and Strengthening
Colombian High School
Colegio Andino is an institution of academic excellence, where students graduated with the Colombian Baccalaureate, obtaining the title of Academic Bachelor with an emphasis on Bilingualism or Natural Sciences. The Bachelor’s degree is a requirement to enter universities in Colombia in any of their careers and is accredited through the diploma and the graduation certificate.Saber 11
In the SABER test (formerly known as ICFES), students must apply structured knowledge to obtain satisfactory results. The construction of this knowledge begins in early childhood and is shaped through 12th grade. To support students in this process, Colegio Andino provides different academic, pedagogical, cultural, and social tools that contribute to the encouragement of critical thinking that will contribute significantly to the development of the test. In addition, the Saber Tests are administered starting in 4th grade (equivalent to third grade at the national level) so that our students become familiar with the exam. The preparation of the Saber Tests in 11th and 12th grade complements the work done during the classes. Evidence of this is the A+ classification given to us by the ICFES, which means that the school is at an exceptionally superior level. Schools classified as A+ have more than 60% of their students in the top level in most of the five tests that make up the exam. In this way, the Abitur and the excellent results in the Saber Test allow our students to choose foreign or Colombian universities according to their professional aspirations.Abitur
The Abitur is the centralized examination offered and supervised by the German state and is equivalent to that provided by the Gymnasien (Gymnasiums) in Germany. This school-leaving certificate offers comprehensive admission rights to German universities (and others working in cooperation). It thus corresponds to an admission certification for various subjects and careers at universities, among others.
The acquisition of a final grade between 1.0 (excellent) and 4.0 (satisfactory) begins with classes in grades 11A and 12A, after an introductory phase in grades 10A. Here the teachers prepare the students for the final Abitur exams since a large part of the written tests and grades in all subjects count towards the final grade. In other words, for almost two years, the students “compile” their final grade through their performance and participation in 11 specific subjects.
As in all South American schools where Abitur is offered, Colegio Andino has a German high school coordinator who knows the rules and particularities of this process in-depth. They work directly with the rector and are the primary contact for students and their parents.
Sprachdiplom
DSD I – Deutsches Sprachdiplom I
- Corresponds to level A2/B1 of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”. It consists of reading, listening, writing, and speaking comprehension.
- It certifies the knowledge required for admission to an intermediate school (Studienkolleg) in Germany so that it is no longer necessary to take an entrance exam in German. Admission to a Studienkolleg is required in cases where foreign applicants to studies in Germany do not have the German state examination for university entrance (Abitur).
- The test is taken by 7th graders and can only be repeated once in 8th grade. The objective is to reach level B1.
DSD II – Deutsches Sprachdiplom II
Corresponds to level B2 and C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It consists of reading, listening, writing, and speaking comprehension.
It certifies the language skills required to begin university studies in Germany.
This test is taken by 11th graders and can only be repeated once in 12th grade.
The Sprachdiplom II is only taken by students who do not take the Abitur.
Cambridge English
Cambridge KET:
In 7th grade, students take the Cambridge KET exam, which tests reading, listening, and speaking. This test trains the children’s essential skills for the English class, allowing them to improve their grades in this subject.
Cambridge First:
This test is taken in 11th grade, and just like the Cambridge KET exam, it evaluates reading, listening, and speaking, in addition to English proficiency. In high school, emphasis is again placed on improving English, which is especially useful if the student chooses this language as one of the Abitur (German Baccalaureate) subjects or wants to improve their results in this language in the ICFES exams.
Cambridge certification is valued in applications for admission to universities internationally and can also be helpful when applying for a job.
