Middle School - IB Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (IB) programme taught in English, for students aged 11-13 years old.

Middle school is a transformative period in your child's life. We equip our students with the social, emotional and academic skills to succeed and thrive. Through individual support, mentoring and coaching, your child will develop a growth mindset and independence. In addition to intellectual development, your child will have many opportunities to discover new interests with experiential learning and our extensive after-school programmes.

Your child will be inspired, challenged, guided and supported throughout these transformative years, graduating from middle school as a confident and independent learner.

Personalised support and guidance

GESS has greatly invested in new coaching, mentoring and student support programmes as well as an enhanced homeroom teacher model. Each student now receives more individual support and attention; resulting in better learner outcomes and student well-being.

Pursuing passions

We offer an integrated electives programme, empowering our students to pursue their passions and develop their interests. Students also benefit from a full range of after-school programmes and activities.

BeyondClassrooms

The exclusive BeyondClassrooms programme gives our students a large range of real-world opportunities and experiences in business, sustainability, science, engineering, technology and more.

Learn more about BeyondClassrooms

What our parents and Students say about us

"The range of extracurricular activities is amazing"

Family Panicker

"GESS promotes many different cultures and helps us to be internationally minded"

Alexander - Secondary Student

See more testimonials

A CAMPUS IMAGINED BY OUR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Join us on a student-led virtual tour of our international school secondary campus and discover how our world-class learning facilities help our students grow.

Instantly book a school tour or online meeting today!

IB Middle school information

Maximum class size

24 students per class

School day

Full-day school programme
from 7:50 - 14:55

Lunch

Freshly cooked food and snacks served in the canteen

Technology

Design Technology and STEM programmes with technology coaching

Tutoring and support

Mentoring, counselling, study skills and homework help programmes

School bus service

Supervised door-to-door bus service and shuttle bus available

Curriculum Information

Languages

Electives, co-curricular, sports and STEM programmes

Entry requirements

Curriculum Information

Our curriculum follows the internationally recognised IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Framework. Your child will study a range of subjects in specialist classrooms, labs and sports facilities. Real-life connections are made through experiential learning opportunities, including enrichment trips, Service as Action and our exclusive BeyondClassrooms Programme.

Subjects

English
Mathematics
Languages
Sciences
Design Technology
Arts (music, visual arts and drama on rotation)
Physical and Health Education
Electives Programme

There is a strong partnership between families and educators at GESS International School. The homeroom teacher model was recently updated and enhanced, to provide a stronger bond and greater support for our middle school students. Up to two subjects will be taught by your child's homeroom teacher, ensuring plenty of contact time and opportunities for relationship building. In 2022, new mentoring and coaching programmes were added to give our students the support and confidence to thrive academically and socially.

Middle School Brochure

Languages

English
Our focus is on ensuring our students achieve a high level of academic English. We offer personalised support programmes in English, including a comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme for grades 6-8. All subjects, except for languages, are taught in English.

Mother Tongue Programme
As an international school that values multilingualism and connections to mother tongue languages, GESS offers over 10 integrated mother tongue languages including German, Dutch, Danish, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese and Swedish.

Foreign language lessons
Our foreign language programme starts in grade 6 and students can choose from Mandarin, Spanish or French as well as German. Please read the middle school languages page, for more information on minimum proficiency levels for foreign language programmes.

Find out more about language programmes and options

Electives, co-curricular, sports and STEM programmes

GESS empowers our students to develop their interests. Your child will benefit from opportunities and expertise in a large range of integrated and after-school programmes. These include a fully integrated Electives Programme and over 100 after-school programmes and activities taught by professionals.

Integrated Electives Programme
Over 40 sports programmes and competitive teams
Get a headstart in a global world with our exclusive BeyondClassrooms programme
Updated Service as Action programme
Enrichment school trips abroad
The only school in Asia to offer the prestigious Junior Engineering Programme
Build solutions to tomorrow's challenges in our STEM and design technology programmes
Spark creativity through integrated and after-school arts and music programmes

Discover more about our programmes and after-school activities

Entry requirements

GESS is a non-selective international school and we welcome students with a diverse range of talents and abilities that meet our English proficiency requirements.

Year-round enrolment (students can start on any Monday)
Minimum English level requirement by grade:
- Grades 6-7 B1 Intermediate
- Grades 8 B2 Upper-Intermediate
No prior knowledge of German required
English and maths proficiency online test
Reference letter from previous school
School reports
Entry into language programmes is subject to minimum proficiency levels

Find out about more about the application process

Curriculum Information

Languages

Electives, co-curricular, sports and STEM programmes

Entry requirements

Curriculum Information

Our curriculum follows the internationally recognised IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Framework. Your child will study a range of subjects in specialist classrooms, labs and sports facilities. Real-life connections are made through experiential learning opportunities, including enrichment trips, Service as Action and our exclusive BeyondClassrooms Programme.

Subjects

English
Mathematics
Languages
Sciences
Design Technology
Arts (music, visual arts and drama on rotation)
Physical and Health Education
Electives Programme

There is a strong partnership between families and educators at GESS International School. The homeroom teacher model was recently updated and enhanced, to provide a stronger bond and greater support for our middle school students. Up to two subjects will be taught by your child's homeroom teacher, ensuring plenty of contact time and opportunities for relationship building. In 2022, new mentoring and coaching programmes were added to give our students the support and confidence to thrive academically and socially.

Middle School Brochure

Languages

English
Our focus is on ensuring our students achieve a high level of academic English. We offer personalised support programmes in English, including a comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme for grades 6-8. All subjects, except for languages, are taught in English.

Mother Tongue Programme
As an international school that values multilingualism and connections to mother tongue languages, GESS offers over 10 integrated mother tongue languages including German, Dutch, Danish, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese and Swedish.

Foreign language lessons
Our foreign language programme starts in grade 6 and students can choose from Mandarin, Spanish or French as well as German. Please read the middle school languages page, for more information on minimum proficiency levels for foreign language programmes.

Find out more about language programmes and options

Electives, co-curricular, sports and STEM programmes

GESS empowers our students to develop their interests. Your child will benefit from opportunities and expertise in a large range of integrated and after-school programmes. These include a fully integrated Electives Programme and over 100 after-school programmes and activities taught by professionals.

Integrated Electives Programme
Over 40 sports programmes and competitive teams
Get a headstart in a global world with our exclusive BeyondClassrooms programme
Updated Service as Action programme
Enrichment school trips abroad
The only school in Asia to offer the prestigious Junior Engineering Programme
Build solutions to tomorrow's challenges in our STEM and design technology programmes
Spark creativity through integrated and after-school arts and music programmes

Discover more about our programmes and after-school activities

Entry requirements

GESS is a non-selective international school and we welcome students with a diverse range of talents and abilities that meet our English proficiency requirements.

Year-round enrolment (students can start on any Monday)
Minimum English level requirement by grade:
- Grades 6-7 B1 Intermediate
- Grades 8 B2 Upper-Intermediate
No prior knowledge of German required
English and maths proficiency online test
Reference letter from previous school
School reports
Entry into language programmes is subject to minimum proficiency levels

Find out about more about the application process

Useful Links

School Fees

Application guide

Junior Engineering Academy

Learning Resources

Learning Support

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General

Admissions

Curriculum

Communication

General

How many students study at GESS International school?

There are 1800 students studying in total. In middle school, there are currently 225 students studying in the English IB curriculum section.

My child doesn't speak German

The German language programme is designed for beginner students and there is a beginner class in every grade. Students are reassessed every year and progress to higher classes of German.

How international is your school?

At GESS International School, students in our international section speak over 70 different mother tongue languages and there are over 65 nationalities represented. Each homeroom class has a carefully planned mix of nationalities, language profiles and academic backgrounds.

Where is the school located?

Our international school campus is located in Hillview, Bukit Timah in the centre west of Singapore. Hillview MRT (Downtown Line) is 800 metres from the school. Middle school students can either take the school bus or easily access the campus by public transport. There are 9 bus routes and 1 MRT station within walking distance of the campus.

Admissions

Is there an application deadline?

No, you can apply all year. We accept applications for the current and next school year.

When can my child start school?

Students can start on any Monday of the school year.

How much are the school fees?

Enter your child's information here and we will send you a personalised school fee breakdown.

Is there an entrance test?

Yes, there is a CEM entrance test for English and Maths. This is included in the 200 SGD application fee.

Do you have waiting lists?

Yes, some grades have waiting lists. We recommend submitting early applications, especially for grades 6 and 7.

Can I visit the school?

Yes, we offer on-campus school tours Monday to Friday from 08.30 am - 4.30 pm and online admissions meetings for families unable to visit our international school campus. Click here to instantly book a school tour or online meeting.

Curriculum

Are there assessments?

Yes, there are a variety of assessments, evaluations and exams throughout the school year.

Is there a minimum pass mark to progress to the next grade?

Students need to maintain an average overall grade of four or above across all the subjects taken, with no single subject grade falling below a four.

Is there homework?

Yes, homework is given each week. On average there is 20 minutes of homework per subject, per week.

Do you offer Mandarin?

Mandarin is offered during the regular school day at both acquisition and near/native level. The Mandarin acquisition programme (learn new foreign language) starts in grade 6 at beginner level. Students joining grade 7 need at least 1 year of previous Mandarin study and for grade 8, at least 2 years of previous study.

What do you mean by student-centred learning?

To develop confidence, independence and increase learner motivation, students are given the freedom to choose what they want to research or study within the unit of inquiry topic. Our student-centred approach increases learner outcomes.

Communication

What is a homeroom teacher?

Also known as a form or class teacher, the homeroom teacher is you and your child's main point of contact. As part of our partnering with families approach, you and your child will develop a strong relationship with your homeroom teacher. In addition to the homeroom teacher, your child will be taught by subject teachers.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Your child's homeroom teacher is your main point of contact. Communication is mainly by email and meetings can be arranged by appointment. Additionally, you can view what your child is studying, assessed work and reports in our Learner Management System called Managebac.

Are there school reports?

Yes, there are two report cards per year. One for each semester.

Are there parent-teacher meetings?

Parent-teacher meetings/conferences are arranged throughout the school year.

Is all the communication in German?

No, communication in the international section is in English.

General

Admissions

Curriculum

Communication

General

How many students study at GESS International school?

There are 1800 students studying in total. In middle school, there are currently 225 students studying in the English IB curriculum section.

My child doesn't speak German

The German language programme is designed for beginner students and there is a beginner class in every grade. Students are reassessed every year and progress to higher classes of German.

How international is your school?

At GESS International School, students in our international section speak over 70 different mother tongue languages and there are over 65 nationalities represented. Each homeroom class has a carefully planned mix of nationalities, language profiles and academic backgrounds.

Where is the school located?

Our international school campus is located in Hillview, Bukit Timah in the centre west of Singapore. Hillview MRT (Downtown Line) is 800 metres from the school. Middle school students can either take the school bus or easily access the campus by public transport. There are 9 bus routes and 1 MRT station within walking distance of the campus.

Admissions

Is there an application deadline?

No, you can apply all year. We accept applications for the current and next school year.

When can my child start school?

Students can start on any Monday of the school year.

How much are the school fees?

Enter your child's information here and we will send you a personalised school fee breakdown.

Is there an entrance test?

Yes, there is a CEM entrance test for English and Maths. This is included in the 200 SGD application fee.

Do you have waiting lists?

Yes, some grades have waiting lists. We recommend submitting early applications, especially for grades 6 and 7.

Can I visit the school?

Yes, we offer on-campus school tours Monday to Friday from 08.30 am - 4.30 pm and online admissions meetings for families unable to visit our international school campus. Click here to instantly book a school tour or online meeting.

Curriculum

Are there assessments?

Yes, there are a variety of assessments, evaluations and exams throughout the school year.

Is there a minimum pass mark to progress to the next grade?

Students need to maintain an average overall grade of four or above across all the subjects taken, with no single subject grade falling below a four.

Is there homework?

Yes, homework is given each week. On average there is 20 minutes of homework per subject, per week.

Do you offer Mandarin?

Mandarin is offered during the regular school day at both acquisition and near/native level. The Mandarin acquisition programme (learn new foreign language) starts in grade 6 at beginner level. Students joining grade 7 need at least 1 year of previous Mandarin study and for grade 8, at least 2 years of previous study.

What do you mean by student-centred learning?

To develop confidence, independence and increase learner motivation, students are given the freedom to choose what they want to research or study within the unit of inquiry topic. Our student-centred approach increases learner outcomes.

Communication

What is a homeroom teacher?

Also known as a form or class teacher, the homeroom teacher is you and your child's main point of contact. As part of our partnering with families approach, you and your child will develop a strong relationship with your homeroom teacher. In addition to the homeroom teacher, your child will be taught by subject teachers.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Your child's homeroom teacher is your main point of contact. Communication is mainly by email and meetings can be arranged by appointment. Additionally, you can view what your child is studying, assessed work and reports in our Learner Management System called Managebac.

Are there school reports?

Yes, there are two report cards per year. One for each semester.

Are there parent-teacher meetings?

Parent-teacher meetings/conferences are arranged throughout the school year.

Is all the communication in German?

No, communication in the international section is in English.