Comparing 2 schools side by side in USD.
33 Myoora Road, Terrey Hills, NSW 2084, Australia. Terrey Hills is a leafy suburb on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The campus is connected by four GISS-operated private bus routes and by government public buses; booking is via RollCall and real-time tracking is available. The school sits within the Deutsche Auslandsschule network of German Schools Abroad.
Preschool; Primary School; Junior Secondary; Senior School (IBDP).
Private day school; co-educational; bilingual in English and German; offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Years 11–12.
440 students; 38 nationalities; 42 languages; about half from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other countries, and the other half from Australia.
GISS has a Learning Diversity Team that supports teachers and students with diverse learning needs; it plans, implements and monitors personalised adjustments and collaborates with parents and external professionals as needed; it aims to build teacher capacity to ensure inclusive learning.
Germany-affiliated; part of the Deutsche Auslandsschule (German Schools Abroad) network sponsored by ZfA.
GISS operates four private bus routes across Sydney; bus bookings use RollCall; pricing is zone-based (Zone 1: pre-booked $9.50, casual $13.00; Zone 2: pre-booked $10.50, casual $15.00). For enquiries, bus@giss.nsw.edu.au.
There is no school uniform requirement. Dress code and Sunsmart guidelines apply, including hats for outdoor wear and safety-related clothing rules.
After School Care includes afternoon tea. Vacation Care includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
The school has a house system with named houses: Grimm House; Elisabeth Selbert House; Paul Klee House; Gutenberg House; Albert Einstein House; Ludwig Leichhardt House; Clara Schumann House; Sophie Scholl House; Pestalozzi House. Marlene Dietrich Hall is a sports facility on campus.
The school is an Australian public company limited by guarantee, registered as German School Johannes Gutenberg (ACN 003 484 204). The Board of Directors is elected by the members and oversees the school's governance and performance; all board work is voluntary.
The school provides a complete education in a co-educational and bilingual environment. An intensive language immersion programme leads to bilingual competency in English and German, so students do not need to be familiar with German language beforehand. The curriculum is broad and supports personal development for life after school. In Years 11 and 12 the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
November 2025 IB graduates achieved a pass rate of 93.75% and an average score of 31.5 points. They exceeded the global IB average of 29.3 points.
Graduates continue their academic journeys at universities across Australia and around the world.
GISS Learning Diversity Team includes support for gifted and talented students.
1. Open Day and tours: Register for Open Day to visit the school and meet staff and students. A principal‑led presentation explains the curriculum and learning methods. If the event day or time is not convenient, group tours or virtual tours are available. Attending Open Day helps families understand the school environment before applying.
2. Online information and enrolment checklist: Access important information about the school online and review the checklist with the required forms to prepare the application. The online resources outline the documents needed and any deadlines. Families can request a meeting with the registrar or school management team to discuss individual circumstances if required. After reviewing, proceed to the online application.
3. Submit online application: Submit the application online. An application fee of $250 is invoiced at the end of the online application. Provide copies of passport(s) and birth certificate where applicable, and the last two school reports; upload documents to the online application. Ensure all required documents are ready before submission.
4. Approval process after submission: Following submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt and updates on the approval process. GISS reviews the application after the documents are received. The outcome will be communicated: a place may be offered, a place may be placed on the waiting list, or the application may be declined. Additional documents may be requested if needed.
5. Interview and admission test: Once all required documents are received, you will be invited to book your child's interview and, if applicable, an admission test. All Kindergarten to Year 12 students must participate in an age-appropriate interview. If the child is overseas at the time, the interview can be conducted online in English or German. A trial day may be scheduled before or after the interview.
6. Enrolment offer, contract and start information: As soon as enrolment is approved, you will receive an offer that includes the enrolment form and notice for the enrolment fee due. After the enrolment form is completed and the enrolment fee is paid, you will receive a copy of the enrolment contract and enrolment is complete. Before school starts, you will receive additional information via email and/or a parent information session to set up your child for a smooth start. The school may provide visa information for overseas students if applicable.
IB Scholarship offers up to 50% tuition support for the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB Year 11 and 12). It is available to internal and external local Year 10 students with English fluency. Eligibility includes preferably two years at an Australian school, a record of high academic achievement, strong English and Maths, willingness to study in a bilingual/multilingual international environment, personal integrity, and commitment to service learning. German language knowledge is not a prerequisite. How to apply: Year 10 students currently enrolled at GISS email ibscholarship@giss.nsw.edu.au with last four school reports and Year 9 NAPLAN results, a personal statement, and an explanation of why they deserve the scholarship. Year 10 students from another school should start the GISS online application, upload birth certificates, passports, last four reports, and latest NAPLAN results, then email ibscholarship@giss.nsw.edu.au with the personal statement. Applications close on December 3, 2025.
An assessment is conducted after the application. The school may offer a place, place the applicant on the waiting list, or decline the application.
DSM is located in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, at 96 Barkly Street, corner of Dean Street. It is 6.5 kilometres north of Flinders Street Station; the main entrance is on Barkly Street. Parking is limited on Barkly Street, Dean Street and Holden Street, with a car park off Holden Street for quick drop-off or pick-up. Public transport options include Tram 11 (CBD to Holden St/St Georges Rd) and Tram 96 (Holden St/Nicholson St), and bus routes 246, 250, 251, 253 stop nearby; bikes/scooters may be parked at bike racks on Dean Street.
Foundation to Year 6 with plans to become a secondary school
German-English bilingual primary school with a dual curriculum
Bunte Stunde is a cross-class school support and extension program providing differentiated small-group support across Prep to Year Six, including remediation, consolidation and extension; weekly sessions in German, Mathematics and English led by two teachers per class.
Australia and Germany
School day 9:00 am–3:15 pm; English, German and Mathematics taught daily, with Integrated Studies, Art, Music and Physical Education scheduled throughout the week; recess 10:30–11:00, lunch 12:30–1:30; OSHC before/after school care 7:00–9:00 am and 3:30–6:00 pm.
Porter Street/Holden Street bus stop in front of the car park served by buses 250 and 251; Stop 358 Nicholson St/Holden St served by buses 246/250/251/253.
No boarding is offered; Outside School Hours Care runs before and after the school day (7:00–8:45 before school and 15:30–18:00 after school).
Breakfast and lunch are brought from home; the school emphasizes healthy and balanced meals.
Deutsche Schule Melbourne Inc is a not-for-profit incorporated association. Its constitution sets the purpose to establish and operate a kindergarten, pre-school, primary and secondary school in Melbourne and to promote German language and culture alongside English. The Association has about 120 members and is governed by a Board that oversees overall strategy and leadership; membership and board arrangements are defined in the constitution and related governance pages.
Deutsche Schule Melbourne is a German-English bilingual school. The curriculum combines the Victorian Curriculum with the Thüringen curriculum to create an integrated program that transitions smoothly between the two systems. In Foundation Year, approximately 80% of instruction is in German and 20% in English; in the later years the German component moves toward about 50% in each language. The primary curriculum includes German, English, Mathematics, Sachunterricht (science, humanities and social studies), Health and Physical Education (HPE), Art, Music, Ethics and Class Council, with French introduced from Year 5; Mathematics is taught in German in the early years and in both languages from Year 3. The program is VRQA-compliant and KMK/ZfA-recognized as a German Auslandsschule, and emphasises cross-curricular connections and bilingual, intercultural learning.
Class sizes are kept small.
Year 5 VERA results are consistently above average; NAPLAN data is reviewed annually but not used in isolation, as DSM emphasises bilingual literacy across languages.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is planned for Years 11 and 12. The IB is globally recognised and accepted by universities worldwide. In Australia, IB scores are converted to ATAR for university entry, with typical conversions around 24/45 to ATAR ~68. In Germany, the IB Diploma is recognised as a general university entrance qualification, and the IB is accepted by more than 1,200 universities in over 100 countries.
Bunte Stunde is a cross-class support and extension program to address individual talents, interests and abilities. It creates differentiated small learning groups for remediation, consolidation or extension, with cohorts across Prep to Year Six and two teachers per class.
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.
1. When to apply: Places at Deutsche Schule Melbourne are limited, so applying early gives your child the best chance of securing a place. Applications are accepted year-round and start dates are flexible depending on availability. Submitting the application well in advance helps families plan around the school calendar.
2. Enrolment requirements: Deutsche Schule Melbourne welcomes families from all cultural and language backgrounds and provides a supportive, inclusive learning environment. No prior German language skills are required for entry into Foundation Year, Year 1 and Year 2. For Foundation Year, the child must have completed a recognised four-year-old Kindergarten program, be five years old by 1 January in the year they begin Foundation Year, and children who turn five between 1 January and 30 April may be considered subject to a School Readiness Assessment. For entry into Year 2 and above, the enrolment meeting will review the child's linguistic background and readiness for the bilingual program, covering their experience with German and English, openness to bilingual learning, and how the school can support a smooth transition. The meeting also reviews recent school reports and discusses the option of a trial day, and may arrange a more formal language assessment if needed.
3. Start your child's journey: How to apply:
• Submit an Application: Complete the Application for Enrolment and provide supporting documents such as birth certificate, passport, visa (if applicable), immunisation record, and any relevant reports.
• Attend an Enrolment Meeting: Foundation Year applicants are invited to meet the Principal around 14 months before the intended start date; for mid-year starts or later year levels, enrolment meetings are scheduled on demand.
• Receive an Offer: If a place is available, a written Offer of Place is issued. To confirm enrolment, return the signed Enrolment Acceptance Form and pay the required amounts by the stated deadline: A$1,400 enrolment fee (non-refundable) and A$3,000 capital contribution (applied over the first three school years).
• Confirmation of Place: Once the signed Enrolment Acceptance Form and payment are received, the place is confirmed. The place is typically secured around one year before the child begins, enabling planning with confidence.
4. Transitioning to School: The school aims for a positive, smooth start for every child. Foundation Year offers two transition lessons in November before the school year begins, during which the child visits a Foundation Year classroom, meets future teachers and classmates, and is paired with a Buddy for day-one support. The first six Wednesdays of Term 1 are free for Foundation Year students to ease the transition. For students starting in later year levels or during the school year, an individual welcome and ideally a trial day are provided; if a trial day isn't possible, the school works with families to support a smooth transition into the school community.
The Deutsche Schule Melbourne Scholarship Fund invites donations to support families facing temporary financial hardship so they can continue their child's education at DSM or enable a new family to join the DSM community. Donations can be made via an electronic payment form or by filling in a Donation Form and submitting it to DSM.
