Language Exams and Strengthening

Colombian High School Diploma (Bachillerato colombiano)

Colegio Andino is an institution of academic excellence, where students graduated with the Colombian Baccalaureate. This diploma is a prerequisite for admission to universities in Colombia for all academic programs and is officially granted through the graduation certificate and diploma.

Saber 11 – ICFES

The Saber 11 is a national standardized exam administered by the Colombian Institute for the Evaluation of Education (ICFES) to students in the final year of the Colombian secondary education program. It serves as an official instrument to evaluate the quality of formal education provided at the upper secondary level.

Colegio Andino is ranked in Category A+, which corresponds to a “Very Superior” level — the highest possible rating within the ICFES evaluation scale.

Academic Development for the Saber 11

As part of its preparation strategy for the Saber 11, Colegio Andino implements a monthly workbook for students in Grades 4 through 11. Each edition contains 25 standardized questions across the subjects assessed by ICFES. This material allows students to become familiar with the structure of the test and provides timely feedback from teachers. This feedback supports the improvement of specific skills, knowledge, or competencies that require reinforcement, ensuring a focused and effective preparation process that benefits students during the official examination.

Abitur

The Abitur is a diploma awarded under the supervision of the German state. It is equivalent to the qualification granted by academic-track secondary schools (Gymnasien) in Germany and concludes with written and oral examinations. This school-leaving certificate grants eligibility for admission to universities in Germany, throughout Europe, and in other countries such as the United States. It is therefore recognized as a university entrance qualification for a wide range of academic programs.

The final grade, which ranges from 1.0 (excellent) to 4.0 (satisfactory), is determined by two components. The first component is based on academic performance during two school years—Grades 11A and 12A—following an introductory phase in Grade 10A. During this nearly two-year period, students accumulate part of their final grade through their performance in 11 designated subjects.

The second component is added in Grade 12A and consists of the results of the final written and oral Abitur examinations.

Throughout these two years, teachers prepare students intensively for the final Abitur exams.

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.