GASPA - About Us
Since 1960 the German-American school of Palo Alto (GASPA) has offered the possibility of learning the German language and becoming acquainted with German culture and traditions. Learning happens in different groups:
- Kindergarten classes (3 - 6 years)
- groups for students (6 to 16 years), as well as
- adult classes.
The school is independent. Each person interested can participate independently of his/her national, ethnical and religious affiliation and sexual orientation.
Curriculum and teaching methods
Instruction takes place in small groups. The children change within the groups depending upon knowledge conditions and/or age. The master program is arranged to include the everyday living environment of the learning and their interests and/or desires and with consideration of following points:
- Language as a means of communication.
- Comparison of the German language and culture with that of the student's.
- German in connection with other learning disciplines (geography, mathematics, literature, music, etc.).
- Becoming acquainted with the German culture (by music, literature, amateur handicrafts and participating in different celebrations).
- Including the family, the neighbors and other prospective customers at the happening of the Saturday school (e.g. cooperation in the classes, invitations to special celebrations, film afternoons and evenings, readings...).
Learning contents and methods like among other things.
- Plays (drama, hand dolls, society plays...)
- Music (songs, dancing...)
- Arts and Crafts
- Cooking
- Literature (children's books, poems, own books...)
stand equally next to:
- Reading exercises
- Grammar exercises
- Writing exercises
Teaching materials
So that the students have a life-preparing and up-to-date entrance to the German language, we have selected an extensive amount of teaching materials, which are constantly examined, and renewed. Beside the traditional text book, our teaching material consists of:
- Small books and children's literature
- Technical literature and non-fiction books
- Atlases, globes
- Song books
- Posters (self-manufactured and bought)
- Board games
- Household simulations
- Toys
- Newspapers and magazines
- Stamp boxes
- Illustrative material, those particular for instruction
- Cassettes, videos, computer
Cultural Events
Besides just the Saturday instruction, we have the students participate in the following events:
| November: | Lantern Festival |
| December: | Nikolausfest (Christmas party) |
| February: | Mardi-gras |
| March / April: | Easter |
| May: | Summer celebration |
Instruction
Instruction takes place each Saturday from 9 to 12 o'clock on the premises of the German American International School, 275 Elliott Dr., Menlo Park. The school year has 30 Saturdays, beginning with September and ending near the end of May.Summer school:
For over 30 years GASPA has offered each summer, a 4-week summer school, which is daily Mo - Fr from 9 to 1 o'clock.
Conclusion/examinations
At the end of the school year each student receives a report card and a personal evaluation. The school offers to students interested to participate to the AATG 2, 3, 4 tests or the AP test. Both tests are nationally recognized and can be used for High School credit and/or college credit.
Library
The school has its own library consisting of children's and youth books, as well as adult literature, videos, cassettes, as well as some computer games all for you to check-out.
The Employees
The school employees consist of qualified and enthusiastic German teachers, excited about the method of student-centered learning style. Each teacher participates at least once every year in an advanced training seminar, which deals with German as a foreign language. Beyond that, teachers of our school are regularly invited to hold regional or country-wide advanced training seminars or workshops.
Director of Education
The employees are led by a "Director of Education". She/he is responsible for the operation of the school, the cooperation of the employees, selection of the teaching material, the employment of the teachers and assistants, as well as the information flow between the different committees at the school. He/she cooperates closely with the executive committee as well as the secretary of the school.
The School
The employees of the school are managed from a selected executive committee ("Board of Directors") consisting of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, GASANC representative, and parent representatives. These positions are honorary. The executive committee is selected during the annual assembly every 2 years and meets every 2 months or otherwise if arranged.