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Australia, Melbourne
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The school views social-emotional learning (SEL) as a cornerstone of DSM's education. DENK-WEGE is implemented to promote social-emotional, cognitive, and language skills for primary school students. This program strengthens mental health, resilience, and willingness to learn, and supports healthy emotional and social development. DENK-WEGE contributes to the prevention of bullying, disciplinary issues and behavioural problems. The seven core themes are rules and manners; healthy self-esteem; emotions and behaviour; self-control; problem-solving; friendships and social living; learning and organisational strategies, taught in weekly 45-minute sessions. A Learning Diversity Coordinator, a School Counsellor, and pastoral practices such as Class Circles and Class Councils support students' social and emotional development and wellbeing.
The school provides Learning Diversity support through a Learning Diversity Coordinator who works with students individually or in small groups to help recognise emotions, understand how those emotions affect behaviour, and learn calming or problem-solving strategies. The coordinator uses visual tools, role play, guided discussions, and social stories to support learning and transitions and to promote inclusion. A School Counsellor offers individual support for students identified as needing it. Pastoral practices such as Class Circles and Class Councils, and restorative approaches support a safe, inclusive classroom environment.
The school teaches in German and English, with all lessons delivered by native speakers of both languages. Foundation Year features about 80% German and 20% English, progressing toward a 50/50 balance by the end of primary. English is used as a language of instruction alongside German, and no prior German knowledge is required for entry. The curriculum blends the Victorian and German systems, enabling smooth transfer between school systems.
Mental wellbeing is supported through the DENK-WEGE program, which focuses on mental health, resilience, and willingness to learn. It includes seven core themes and weekly 45-minute sessions integrated across the school. A Learning Diversity Coordinator and a School Counsellor provide targeted social-emotional support, while Class Circles and restorative practice contribute to a positive and supportive school climate.
Safeguarding is embedded in School Policies, including a Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy and a Child Safe Code of Conduct. Complaints and Grievances, Serious Incidents and Mandatory Reporting, and First Aid policies guide safeguarding practice. Staff training includes Child Protection and related safety standards, and staff are required to satisfy child protection screening.
Deutsche Schule Melbourne is a German-English bilingual primary school in Fitzroy North. It delivers a dual curriculum that blends the Victorian Curriculum with the Thüringen curriculum, enabling a smooth transition between systems. The school is VRQA-compliant and KMK/ZfA-recognised as a German Auslandsschule, emphasising cross-curricular connections and bilingual, intercultural learning. In Foundation Year, about 80% of instruction is in German and 20% in English; by Year 3 the German component balances to 50/50. Core subjects include German, English, Mathematics (German in the early years, bilingual from Year 3), Sachunterricht, HPE, Art, Music, Ethics and Class Council, with French introduced from Year 5. The program uses immersion, CLIL and explicit language instruction with a one-teacher–one-language approach, taught by German and English native speakers. Facilities at 96 Barkly Street include a library with German, English and French resources, an Instrumental Program, and after-school care. Extra-curriculars span sport, choir, chess, circus, theatre and garden clubs.
