Answers to questions that are often asked
Parents interested in Regensburg International School often have similar questions. Here we would like to provide some answers to the questions most often asked. Of course, we are more than happy to personally answer any questions you might have.
The following topics are referred to below:
1. Enrolment
2. School Development
3. Language of Instruction
4. School Day
5. School Meals
6. School Tuition Fees
7. School Certificates/Diplomas
8. Who is Regensburg International School for?
1. Enrolment
Can I enrol my child in RIS now?
Parents can enrol their children anytime during the school year by using the Admission Form which can be downloaded from the RIS homepage by clicking the menu selection 'Admission'.
Does my child have to take an entrance exam?
There is no entrance exam. The Head of School meets the parents and the child to determine whether RIS is the right school choice for the child and, if yes, to determine which grade level the child will enter.
Can children who come from Regensburg or the surrounding region enrol in the school?
Yes. International schools are ideal for parents who want their children to grow up in international and multicultural environments. The certificates/diplomas which will be offered by Regensburg International School are recognized by the Federal Republic of Germany’s educational system.
2. School Development
Which grade levels does RIS now have?
RIS began its first school year 2009/2010 with grades 1 to 4.
Which grade levels will RIS offer once it is fully developed?
Once fully developed, RIS will offer all grade levels from Pre-school (3-6 year olds) through to grade 12.
3. Language of Instruction
What is the language of instruction?
English is the main language of instruction, with instruction in German as a first language (Mother Tongue) and German as a second language offered every day.
Is it possible for a child who does not yet speak English to learn successfully in an English medium school?
Learning in a second language for academic purposes takes time. However, at RIS we have a supportive environment that enables students, whose first language is not English, to acquire the social and academic language needed to participate fully in all aspects of school life.
Language develops mainly through its meaningful and purposeful use i.e.
learning takes place best in authentic contexts. Each teacher supports language learning by providing a language rich environment, by integrating English language development with content instruction and by involving the students actively in meaningful learning tasks.
In general, the answer is no. It would be better to spend the time developing your child's mother tongue(s). We believe strongly that students should continue to develop their mother tongue as this not only provides the underlying basis for success in acquiring a second language but also because language skills and knowledge about language are transferable between languages.
How can I ensure that my child's mother tongue is maintained?
In RIS we have a positive attitude towards linguistic and cultural diversity, and we celebrate the variety of languages and cultures within our school. We encourage parents to continue to develop their children's mother tongue(s) through, for example, talking to them about experiences at school, discussing what they are learning, and reading to and with them.
4. School Day
How long is the school day?
The school day at RIS is from 8.00 to 15.15. There is a morning break of 15 minutes and a lunchtime break of 1 hour. As the school develops, some extra-curricular activities will be offered outside of the regular school hours.
5. School Meals
Is lunch provided?
RIS considers a healthy lunch to be an important part of the school day. Students have the option of bringing a packed lunch from home or taking part in the hot lunch program provided by the school.
6. School Tuition Fees
What are the tuition fees for RIS?
Tuition for the primary school is €750 per month. School tuition fees are tax deductible (§10 Abs.1, Nr. 9 EStG- German tax law). Families receiving ‘Kindergeld’ or a ‘Kinderfreibetrag’ can make special direct deductions – please consult a tax advisor for more information. An annual registration fee of €350 per student and a capital development fee of €3,000 for the first three years (€1,000 each year) is also charged.
Tuition fees for siblings (beginning with the second child) are reduced, as are fees for lower income families (income less than € 50.000 yearly).
Why is it necessary for an international school to charge tuition fees?
Both the provision of extensive school facilities and the hiring of international teachers are costly.
Tuition fees also pay for special school books and materials for the students. Equipment and space for running an all day school requires a significant financial investment, normally provided by local or state governments.
7. School Certificates/ Diplomas
What certificates/diplomas will students be able to obtain?
It is planned that, upon completion of the 10th grade, students will have the opportunity to qualify for the Bavarian Mittlerer Reife. Grade 11 and 12 students will have the opportunity to study for the IB Diploma, which is recognised in Germany as equivalent to the 'Abitur.' In combination with a specific program of courses, the IB Diploma is
recognized by the Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle in Munich as being
equivalent to the Bavarian Abitur. Students with this diploma can apply to universities worldwide. Students will also qualify for an RIS graduation diploma.
8. Who is Regensburg International School for?
Employees of firms and businesses which have international links are more likely to remain in the area when their children have the opportunity to learn in English at a local school and acquire intercultural skills needed for stays abroad. Employees from abroad, when considering a location to live and work, place great value on being able to send their children to an international school in order to ease the integration process for their children and families. And German parents who are interested in providing their children with an international education in an internatiional environment have the opportunity to do so right on their doorstep.