About us
We Develop the Global Citizens of Tomorrow
Since our founding in 1976, we have been proud of our long history in the United Arab Emirates. Our school provides a unique learning environment that fosters intercultural awareness and the development of global citizens. With a dedicated team of educators and modern facilities, we strive to ensure a successful educational journey for all our students. Learn more about our mission, values, and the diverse educational opportunities we offer.
Mission statement
Our mission statement is intended to provide a framework for everyone involved in school life, guiding us on a shared path into the future. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of our commitment to achieving our goals.
“At GISAD, we learn and live in a culturally diverse environment, working together every day to realize our visions.”
EXCELLENT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Since 1976, GISAD has established itself as a renowned international school, regularly receiving the “very good” rating from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and being part of the “German Schools Abroad” network. GISAD is well-known within the Emirati and international community for its teaching staff, who are directly recruited from Germany and licensed by the German Ministries of Education. Additionally, GISAD has the privilege of awarding the German Language Diploma (Deutsches Sprachdiplom, DSD) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK).
The DSD is “the only school-based program of the Federal Republic of Germany for German as a foreign language abroad. The German Language Diploma (DSD) of the KMK can be obtained through an examination at the end of several years of school-based German language instruction.
Passing the German Language Diploma – First Level (DSD I) certifies German language proficiency at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).”
A DSD I, in combination with a higher qualification from a non-German school (e.g., High School Diploma or IB), qualifies for admission to a Studienkolleg (university preparatory course) in Germany.
INTEGRATION
In the 2005/2006 school year, six Emirati children were enrolled at GISAD for the first time under the scholarship of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since then, we have welcomed Emirati children annually and have already celebrated two graduating classes with Emirati graduates. An integration program, designed to facilitate a smoother transition for non-German-speaking students, includes the specialized “German as a Foreign Language” (DaF) instruction and an entrance test, including a meeting with the parents. Currently, nearly 50 Emirati children participate in the program.
The program offers DaF instruction and homework support, and many Emirati children also participate in extracurricular groups. The care of the Emirati children and their parents is carried out in close collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Since the 2007/2008 school year, GISAD has employed an Integration Officer who coordinates the support for Emirati children and their parents and further develops the program. DaF instruction is mandatory and fee-based for all applicants.
Contact
Ms. Ouafa Abadi
Email: integration@gisad.ae
Tel.: +971 2 666 8668-2
GERMAN & ENGLISH AT GISAD
Our language program begins in kindergarten, promoting both German and English from the start. The kindergarten accepts children without prior knowledge of German, allowing all to benefit from a bilingual beginning. Our teachers regularly participate in professional development to support the program.
Since the 2018/19 school year, we have implemented this concept at GISAD. In kindergarten, we use basic materials, and in primary school grades 1 and 2, we incorporate primary-level games. A language placement test at the start of the school year provides parents with feedback on their children’s language development. In grades 1 and 2, children with German as their mother tongue have two hours of English per week, and in grades 3 and 4, four hours.
We also support German language development in secondary school. Subjects like Biology and History receive additional language support. Our students typically have between 3 and 4 hours of English per week.
Our school community supports the integration program, which welcomes children from diverse cultural backgrounds. This exposure to different cultures and languages helps our students develop into global citizens. GISAD also provides a successful entry for students without prior knowledge of the German language.