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.
DSD I – Deutsches Sprachdiplom I
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 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.
