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High School

High School (Grade 5 – 12)

As students transition from elementary school to high school, they are welcomed into a new world of challenging academic instruction. In addition to languages, AvH students receive intensive instruction in math and sciences (physics, chemistry, biology). The school follows in majority the education guidelines of Thuringia, a province in Germany that has one of the highest education standards. Additionally, the curriculum also meets all the requirements of the Quebec Ministry of Education.

New Elective Courses for Grades 8 and 9

Starting in the 2024-25 school year, AvH is expanding its academic offerings with new compulsory elective courses for grades 8 and 9. These courses will provide students with an enhanced learning experience, allowing them to explore their interests in greater depth. Students will choose between electives focused on natural sciences and engineering or a blend of linguistic, socio-scientific, and artistic disciplines.

Our innovative program includes two classes per week, emphasizes project-based learning, and involves collaboration with external partners. Instead of traditional grades, students will receive a certificate of participation. The course will span all four semesters; changing to a different course is possible in exceptional cases.

The German Gymnasium System

At AvH, we follow a challenging, well-rounded curriculum, which requires that students study German, English, French, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, European history, Canadian history, politics & economics, ethics/religious studies, art, music and physical education. In the German system, this is known as the Gymnasium track.

This rigorous Gymnasium (level C) track is recognized globally for its depth and breadth and is highly regarded for how well it prepares students for admission to the most selective colleges and universities around the world.

A very small percentage of students may be placed in the Realschule (level B) or Hauptschule (level A) tracks instead of the Gymnasium track. After grade 5, which is considered an orientation year, a decision is made thoughtfully, based on a thorough consideration of a student’s interests and academic results. Nevertheless, students of all three tracks (Gymnasium, Realschule, Hauptschule) remain in the same class studying the same subject matter. Through in-class differentiation and evaluation modified to their respective levels, students are given optimum support but are also challenged according to their ability. A transfer between levels is possible until the end of grade 9.

German – The Language of Instruction

All three AvH languages—German, French and English—are mandatory until grade 12. The main language of instruction continues to be German with some subjects taught in English, such as Computer Science, Geography of Quebec and Canada, History of Quebec and Canada, Politics & Economics, and of course, English Language Arts. Lessons in the natural sciences are taught on a bilingual basis (German/English), in order to acquire the English scientific terminology.

Students regularly participate in German and Quebec competence tests. This assures compliance with both education standards.

Grade 5 – German, English, French, Math, Biology, Geography, Ethics, Physical Education, Music, Art

Grade 6 – German, English, French, Math, Biology, Geography, History, Computer Science (EN), Ethics, Physical Education, Music, Art

Grade 7 – German, English, French, Math, Biology, Geography, History, Physics, Ethics, Physical Education, Music, Art

Grade 8 – German, English, French, Math, Biology, Geography, History, Physics, Chemistry, Physical Education, Music

Grade 9 – German, English, French, Math, Biology, Geography of QC & CAN (EN), History (with focus on Germany), History of QC & CAN (EN), Physics, Chemistry, Ethics, Physical Education, Art

Grade 10 – German, English, French, Math, Biology, History of QC & CAN (EN), Pol.+ Economics (EN). Physics, Chemistry, Ethics, Physical Education, Art

At the end of grade 10, students sit the province-wide Science and Technology exam (Chemistry and Physics) as well as math and HQC (History of Quebec and Canada)

Grade 11 – German, English, French, Math, History, Politics & Economics (EN), Chemistry, Ethics, Physical Education, Art

At the end of grade 11, students sit the province-wide English and French (de base, enrichi, langue d’enseigement) exams.

Option to drop 1: Biology, Chemistry or Physics

Grade 12 (optional) – German, English, French, Math, Biology, History, Politics & Economics (EN), Physics, Chemistry, Ethics, Physical Education, Art

“Deutsches Sprachdiplom” DSD II (C1) – Grade 11 students pass the German proficiency DSD II exam. It is an internationally acclaimed academic diploma issued by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of Germany, based on the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) and attesting to proficient language usage in German and providing the linguistic qualification for enrolment in a German university. It is highly valued by the German business community.

“Diplôme d’études secondaires” (DES) – This is the Quebec High School Diploma earned by students who successfully complete grade 11. It is a prerequisite for entry to CEGEP (Quebec’s junior college). AvH students have traditionally fared very well, with most earning places on the Dean’s List or Honour Roll of their chosen CEGEPs and beyond.

German International Abitur (DIA) – Upon completion of Grade 12, students receive the German International Abitur (DIA), which is an internationally recognized and highly regarded diploma. It gives students great flexibility to pursue their studies at universities around the world. Learn more…

AvH alumni have gone on to universities such as McGill, Concordia, Université de Montréal, HEC, Queen’s University, University of Ottawa, Princeton, Stanford, Georgetown, Harvard and Oxford, as well as the Universities of Cologne, Vienna, Rostock, and Tübingen.