To add to the complexity of this instructional model, GIP will layer dual-immersion, second-language instruction - the vehicle through which all content is delivered. This will enable all students to follow the instruction, while gaining confidence in a new language. This approach will neither overwhelm the student who is new to the foreign language, nor exasperate the speaker of the foreign language. This approach is designed to strengthen the English skills through German language acquisition.

A team of teachers (one German and one English) will work together as a teaching team. They will jointly plan the weekly instruction and share and implement teaching concepts. Students will receive daily instruction in German and English.

This immersion model has been very successfully implemented in California at Albert Einstein Academy Charter School in San Diego, at Goethe International Charter School in Mar Vista (LAUSD), Benjamin Franklin Elementary School (public school) in Glendale and in many immersion schools across the country.

Why German Immersion?

The International Baccalaureate Program (to be implemented after year one in September 2013)
The IB program combines the best of different educational systems worldwide into a full and rich international curriculum. Initially, GIP is planning to follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program.  As GIP grows, we hope to add a middle school and a high school.

IB programs are learner-centered and inquiry-based.  This means that teaching begins with, and builds on, the curiosity of the students, their capacity to understand the materials, and the questions they ask.  Using students' natural curiosity and creativity the IBO emphasizes a dynamic and rigorous combination of content, skills, independent critical thought and international understanding that encourages students to become active, compassionate, lifelong learners who are responsible world citizens.
The classroom environment is geared to an "inquiry approach" to learning and encourages "hands-on" investigations, independent learning and the development of critical and creative thinking.

GIP is planning to follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program designed for grades K-5.

1. International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program is a transdisciplinary program of international education designed to foster the development of the whole child (ages 3-12), encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development.
2. The curriculum framework consists of five essential elements: concepts,  skills, attitude, action and knowledge. The first four are relevant in and across all subject areas and provide the framework for structured and purposeful inquiry.  The fifth element, knowledge, is considered to be a holistic understanding of ideas, not merely the acquisition of facts and skills.
3. The knowledge component is developed through inquiries into six themes of global significance: "Who we are," "Where we are in place and time," "How we express ourselves," "How the world works," "How we organize ourselves" and "Sharing the planet." That means that subjects are not separated and taught as individual, isolated topics. Each theme works particularly well with one or two subject areas, however, the themes are also transdisciplinary, meaning they go beyond any of the subject areas.  The purpose of the themes is to encourage student to think broadly and deeply.

See the International Baccalaureate Organization for more information on the Primary Years Program.

Additional Options
There will be the following educational options for 2 additional hours per week on Tuesday afternoon:

• Spanish
• Mandarin
• Enhanced Science
• Theatre/Drama