Welcome to our school!
The Orientierungsstufe in Neuperlach was founded in 1973 and is a very special school in Munich.
Diversity
With 600 pupils from 50 nations, the school reflects the diversity of society. Every year, 60 to 70 percent of the children improve their qualification for secondary schools, which positively influences their educational paths.
Developing Talents
The children have two years to discover and develop their talents. The Orientierungsstufe promotes collaborative learning, which is important for recognizing talents early.
Admission and Goals
We admit 300 new fifth‑graders each year, who have the potential to later transfer to different types of schools (Mittelschule, Realschule, Gymnasium). Our goal is that the children leave the school with a strengthened self‑confidence and a new sense of achievement.
Cooperation with Parents
We work closely with parents to show each child that there is a hidden potential within them.
The first headteacher of the Orientierungsstufe, Dr. Günther Mai, emphasized that the students should be at the centre of all considerations. This guiding principle remains important for us to this day.
The teaching: support at every performance level
Our ten 5th and ten 6th grades are taught by teachers of different types of schools, the Mittelschule, the Realschule, and the Gymnasium. They work closely together in teams to ensure that the curriculum, the standard of teaching and the level of the examinations are comparable in all classes.
Different course levels in Maths and English
During the first three months at ORI, the students are tought together in Maths and English. In December, after an assessment of their achievement they are then allocated to different course levels according to their performance (A-, B- and C-Level).
To support the individual development of the students and improve certain skills, like grammar, spelling or writing, 3 of the 6 German lessons in the 5th grade and 2 of the 6 German lessons in the 6th grade are taught by two teachers. The class can be split into two smaller study groups where the students can get more individual support.
One lesson per week is dedicated to learning techniques, communicative and social skills in the subject „Skill“.
To enable the transition to a Gymnasium, French is offered as a second foreign language in the 6th grade for high‑performing students.
In accordance with the Gymnasium, we teach the subject Nature and Technology (NuT) in grades 5 and 6.
Skill – learning to learn
A key subject at the Orientierungsstufe is the “Skill Lesson”. „Skill” is an English word and means “ability, proficiency or expertise”. During the Skill Lesson, children learn how they can improve their studying.
Topics include, for example:
- How do I learn vocabulary?
- How do I prepare for class?
- How do I give a presentation?
- How do I study for a school assignment?
Mutual respect and understanding are essential for settling into the class and being successful. The Skill lessons therefore also try to promote a sense of belonging on the basis of shared values and good relationships.
Full-day classes
At the Orientierungsstufe (ORI) four 5th and four 6th grades receive full‑day instruction. From Monday to Thursday the students of the full‑day classes start at 08:00 o'clock with a special period: from 08:00 o'clock to 08:30 the children and their tutors prepare for the day. At 08:30 the regular schedule begins.
The full- day classes take their lunch together in the cafeteria during the midday break and they can play or relax on the school playground before or after. In the afternoon further instruction continues until 16:00 o'clock. On Friday lessons in all classes start at 08:30 and end at 13:40.
On the left you see an example timetable for a 5th‑grade full‑day class.
French in the 6th Grade
Learning French at the Orientierungsstufe in Munich – the ideal start for the Gymnasium!
6th grade students have the opportunity to learn French as a second foreign language – an important prerequisite for the transition to the Gymnasium. The teaching at ORI offers a varied and motivating environment that individually addresses the needs of the children.
Who can choose French?
Our French classes are aimed at students suitable for the Gymnasium who wish to transfer to the Gymnasium in the 7th grade. French complements the English skills and provides a valuable foundation for an academic career.
What makes the teaching unique?
During 6th grade, about three to four children per class learn French together, which promotes communication and strengthens a feeling of belonging. This mix of the familiar and the new facilitates learning and increases enjoyment of the lessons.
How many French lessons are there?
The regular curriculum provides four French lessons per week. Additionally, we offer a support lesson to improve and enhance language skills, an advantage that many Gymnasiums do not provide.
Learning with fun and creativity
Learning French is fun! Through creative methods such as flashcards, apps, and songs, the language is taught in a playful and effective way.
More than just French
The diversity of the students enriches the lessons and promotes understanding of different language structures. Thus, the children improve their linguistic awareness and can more easily transfer grammatical structures to other languages.
