GESS

Address

2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore 677621

Website

www.gess.edu.sg/en/

Phone

GESS

German European School Singapore (GESS) is a not-for-profit international school offering a holistic education for children aged 2 to 18. Established in 1971, it provides two pathways—an English-taught IB continuum (PYP, MYP, CP, DP) and the German curriculum—serving a diverse community of over 1,800 students representing more than 68 nationalities and 70 mother tongues. The English stream is designed to support non-German-speaking learners, with school-wide communication in English for families. The purpose-built Dairy Farm campus, opened in 2018, reflects input from students and teachers and offers dedicated learning, arts, music, sports, and technology spaces, along with 5,300 square metres of outdoor learning areas beside Dairy Farm Nature Park. This environment anchors the school’s emphasis on personalised learning, language development, and wide-ranging enrichment—spanning STEM, performing arts, 140+ private music lessons, and over 200 co-curricular activities. GESS is well regarded for innovative teaching, globally benchmarked practice, and meaningful industry connections. Its BeyondClassrooms initiative—linking students with leading global companies, embassies, business chambers, and sports institutions—has gained international recognition, including a CASE Circle of Excellence Silver Award (2023) and an Educate Plus Excellence Award (2024). The school’s academic and cultural strengths were further affirmed when it became the only school outside Germany to receive the German School Award (Deutsche Schulpreis) in 2022. Its early years programme adds another distinction: GESS Preschool was named Singapore Preschool of the Year (Gold Award) at the 2024 Singapore Education Awards, highlighting the school’s commitment to high-quality, nurturing, and innovative early childhood education. Taken together, GESS stands out as one of Asia’s leading holistic international schools—combining strong academic pathways, a multilingual environment, and real-world learning opportunities within a close-knit community.

Academic Excellence

GESS offers a continuous International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway from Preschool through graduation, with programmes designed to nurture confident, capable learners at every stage. The Preschool (ages 2–5) follows an IB PYP–aligned, inquiry- and play-based curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Purpose-built learning environments and hands-on exploration help children build early communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. In Primary School (ages 6–11), students continue with the IB Primary Years Programme. With more than 70 nationalities represented, the curriculum brings together global perspectives and local connections, supported by integrated subject teaching and dedicated STEM and robotics experiences. Secondary School begins with the IB Middle Years Programme for students aged 11–16. The programme emphasises interdisciplinary learning, design technology, and STEM, complemented by coaching in digital tools and structured support to help students transition toward more advanced study. Lower High School also provides exposure to diverse domains—arts, service, sports, and innovation—to help students understand their strengths and shape their future pathways. The final stage (ages 16–18) culminates in a choice between the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Careers Programme (IBCP). A wide range of subjects, languages, and co-curricular options allows students to personalise their journey, while strong pastoral care ensures academic performance is matched with emotional wellbeing. Graduates leave well prepared for top universities and career opportunities worldwide.

Beyond Classroom

GESS offers a rich after-school ecosystem that complements academic learning with genuine breadth. The After-School Programme spans music, languages, sports, arts, social sciences, and STEM, reflecting the school’s diverse student community. It is open from Kindergarten through Grade 12, ensuring continuity of enrichment as students grow. A standout academic extension is GESS Model United Nations, available to Middle and High School students. Through UN-style simulations, students research global issues, debate national positions, and experience the dynamics of international diplomacy. GESS delegates regularly participate in 3–4 local and one international MUN conference each year, often earning Best Delegate and other commendations. Sports are equally well developed. GESS runs a Senior Sports Programme aligned with the three ACSIS seasons, allowing Grades 9–12 to train twice a week and compete across a variety of sports. Participation in ACSIS connects GESS athletes with interschool tournaments that run from August to May, giving students structured, competitive pathways in multiple disciplines. Younger students benefit from a wide mix of recreational and team sports, supported by a strong swim programme. Experiential learning is embedded throughout the school. Students go on frequent excursions that build cultural awareness and real-world understanding — from museums and science centres to heritage districts and hands-on workshops. These experiences scale with age, from bike safety programmes and Dragon Kiln ceramics workshops to visits to Little India, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and STEM industry experiences like Volocopter. The school’s CCA programme, with more than 100 activities, covers music, creative arts, performing arts, science, technology, and practical life skills. Students can discover new interests or deepen existing strengths in a structured, supportive environment. Music has an especially strong presence at GESS. Through the Vocal and Instrumental Programme (VIP), students — and even parents and staff — can learn a wide variety of instruments during or after school. The programme expands musical learning beyond the classroom and strengthens the sense of community through shared creative practice. Together, these opportunities form a well-rounded ecosystem where students explore widely, develop confidently, and build the kinds of strengths that last long after school hours end.