Frequently Asked Questions

The tuition fees for Year 7 in 2026 will be $17,100. There will be an additional $3,000 in consolidated charges (excluding laptops and camps), which will be waived for this first 2026 cohort. For families that are new to DSM, there will also be an enrolment fee and a one-off capital contribution of $3,000, which will be applied over three years.

These are the steps to enrol your child:

1. Fill out the Application Form.

2. Pay a $200 Application Fee.

3. Attend an Enrolment Meeting with the Principal.

4. Subject to meeting the Principal and his final assessment, applicants will receive a School Pace Offer.

5. Pay Enrolment Invoice and sign the Enrolment Contract.

6. Receive the Confirmation of Place for your child.

German will be taught through a content and language integrated learning (CLIL) approach. This is similar to immersion in that all content and interaction is in the target language, in this case German, but with an understanding that some students are second language learners and need additional structured support. Teachers therefore are constantly mindful of how they can make lessons comprehensible, both from a content and from a linguistic perspective. They also take into account how they can support student participation to maximise the opportunities to work in, with and through German, to further enhance and develop their language skills.

Yes, your child can move to any other secondary school after Year 10 at DSM - depending on the other school's enrolment processes. One of the advantages will be that your child will be fluent in German. Since German is consistently one of the top VCE scaling subjects, being fluent in German should have a positive impact on their final ATAR results. 

There will be an additional German leaving certificate after Year 10 to enable students to transition into other educational streams. We are planning to offer the German 'Mittlere Reife', but this will be confirmed over the next 12 months. 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) are both well-regarded high school programs, but they offer different advantages depending on a student's goals and preferences.

Here are some of the advantages of the IB Diploma compared to the VCE:

International Recognition

• Global Recognition: The IB Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide, making it an ideal choice for students planning to pursue higher education abroad. The VCE is primarily recognised within Australia.
• Uniform Curriculum: The IB offers a standardized curriculum across the globe, ensuring that the quality of education is consistent regardless of the country or school.

Holistic Education

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The IB Diploma requires students to study a broad range of subjects, including languages, humanities, sciences, and mathematics, along with the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. This promotes a well-rounded education.
• Core Components: In addition to subject areas, the IB includes the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program, which develop research skills, creativity, physical activity, and community service involvement.

Skill Development

• Critical Thinking and Research Skills: The TOK course and the EE emphasize critical thinking, research, and academic writing skills, preparing students for university-level work.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The IB encourages connections between different subjects, fostering an interdisciplinary understanding and analytical skills.

Language Proficiency

• Bilingual Diploma: Students can earn a bilingual diploma if they study two languages at a high level, enhancing their language skills and cultural awareness.

University Preparation

• Rigorous Assessment: The IB's assessment methods, including internal assessments, exams, and coursework, are designed to be rigorous and demanding, preparing students for the challenges of university studies.
• Higher Academic Standards: The IB's focus on higher-order thinking skills and in-depth study can give students an academic edge in university admissions.

Global Perspective

• International Mindedness: The IB curriculum promotes international mindedness and a global perspective, encouraging students to think beyond their local context and consider global issues.

Teacher Support and Resources

• Professional Development: IB teachers undergo specialized training and professional development, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively.

Community and Network

• IB Community: Being part of the IB program connects students to a global network of IB schools and alumni, providing opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Comparison to VCE

While the VCE is also a robust and respected program, particularly suited to students planning to study in Australia, it does not offer the same level of international recognition and may have a more flexible subject choice compared to the IB's prescribed subject groups. The VCE allows for greater specialization in specific subject areas, which can be advantageous for students with a clear focus on a particular field of study.

Ultimately, the choice between the IB Diploma and the VCE depends on the student's individual goals, learning preferences, and future plans.

Social circles evolve as children grow and we believe that it is important that students develop friendships beyond their immediate peer group. We encourage participation in extracurricular sports and other activities which will allow them to meet peers from other schools and organisations - and foster diverse friendships.

We know and research shows that small classes encourage students to be resilient and solve problems within their peer group. 

Australian Universities recognise the IB as an entry certificate and IB graduates also obtain an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), with a minimum passing IB score of 24 equating to an ATAR of around 69. In Germany, the IB is accepted as a general university entrance qualification under the conditions set by the Kultusminister Konferenz (KMK).

Recognition of the IB in Australia

• Australian universities recognise the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The IB Diploma is highly regarded and accepted for admission to most Australian universities. Here are some key points regarding the recognition and acceptance of the IB Diploma by Australian universities:
  

Admission Criteria

• Equivalent to ATAR: Australian universities convert IB scores to the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which is the standard for university admissions in Australia. Each university has its own conversion table, but generally, an IB score is equated to an ATAR score for admission purposes.

• Direct Entry: IB Diploma holders can apply directly to Australian universities through the same channels as VCE students, typically via state-based admission centers like the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

Competitive Programs

• High IB Scores: For competitive programs, especially in fields like medicine, law, and engineering, universities may require high IB scores, similar to the high ATAR scores needed for these courses.
• Prerequisite Subjects: Some universities may require specific IB subjects or scores in certain subjects as prerequisites for particular courses.
  
  

Scholarships and Advanced Standing

• Scholarships: Many Australian universities offer scholarships specifically for high-achieving IB students.

• Advanced Standing: Some universities may grant advanced standing or credit for certain IB subjects, allowing students to potentially shorten the duration of their degree.

Examples of University Policies

• University of Melbourne: Recognizes the IB Diploma and provides a conversion table for IB scores to ATAR. They offer detailed information on subject prerequisites and additional requirements for specific courses.
• Australian National University (ANU): Accepts IB scores for admission and provides a comprehensive guide on how IB scores translate to entry requirements for different programs.
• University of Sydney: Recognizes the IB Diploma and provides information on the minimum IB scores required for entry into various courses.
  
  

Application Process

• Same Process as VCE Students: IB students apply through the same university admission systems as VCE students, such as VTAC in Victoria or UAC in New South Wales.
• International Recognition: The international recognition of the IB Diploma can be an advantage for students considering exchange programs or further studies abroad.

Overall, the IB Diploma is well-regarded and widely accepted by Australian universities, providing a strong foundation for further education in Australia.

No, a student without a VCE leaving certificate won't be disadvantaged because the IB Diploma is well-regarded and widely accepted by Australian universities, providing a strong foundation for further education in Australia. In addition to that, the IB has the advantage of being recognised worldwide.

We believe that students should have a voice in their education. That’s why we actively involve them in suggesting extracurricular activities they are passionate about. Whether it's coding clubs, art workshops, or sports teams, we facilitate and organize these activities based on their interests. By doing so, we ensure that each child can pursue their passions while developing essential life skills.

To offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities, we will collaborate closely with a network of external providers. These experts bring specialised skills and knowledge, enriching our students' experiences. From sports coaching to music lessons, these partnerships allow us to offer high-quality programs that may not be available within a small school setting.

Our Secondary School students will have their own building on the other side of the campus behind the FROEBEL Kindergarten. The building has two classrooms specifically developed for our older students and display a collaborative teaching environment. There will be a STEAM room, a gym and a laboratory as well as outside courtyards and spaces to collaborate for the older cohort only.