International Baccalaureate (IB) programme taught in English for students aged 14-16 years old.
Lower High School is intentionally designed to equip our students with the skills and knowledge to transition successfully from Middle School to the IB Diploma or Careers Programme. We focus on building confident, capable learners ready for the more advanced high school years by strengthening students’ academic abilities through in-depth subject tuition and exam preparation.
We recognise that the path to academic growth is different for every student. That’s why we offer a variety of channels to provide personalised support and coaching tailored to each individual journey. Students are both supported and challenged, with timely guidance to address academic difficulties, focus on areas for improvement, and make the most of their strengths.
To help students discover their interests and identify suitable future specialisations, we expose students to varied fields - creative and performing arts, STEM, community service, sports, and more. Every student gets a chance to better understand themselves and design their unique educational pathway to success.
Students get immersed in the real world and build a portfolio of experiences and accomplishments beyond just grades. From Work Experience, Service Learning and Sustainability programme to school trips, there are many opportunities for students to see knowledge come alive in the real world.
"Attending GESS had a significant impact on my career trajectory."Amba - Neuroscientist and PhD student
"The multicultural environment made me hungry to learn."Sophie - Associate Consultant at McKinsey & Company
In lower high school, we follow the IB Middle Years Programme.
English | 3 hours per week
The English programme supports and challenges students at their level of proficiency.
English Language and Literature course for learners at native or near-level of English language proficiency.
Languages | 3 hours per subject, per week
Students study at least one other language in addition to English.
Language Acquisition Courses: German, French, Mandarin, or Spanish
Mother Tongue Courses: German, Dutch, Danish, Mandarin*, Swedish*, French*, Spanish*, others#
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that teaches students to examine concepts such as right and wrong, good and evil, justice and virtue in relation to human behaviour and decision-making. This is an elective subject for students that do not study two languages.
Mathematics | 3.5 hours per week
Students are placed in streamed mathematics groups based on their ability.
Sciences | 5 hours per week
In-depth courses in biology, physics, and chemistry.
Design Technology | 2 hours per week
Students learn to work through the design cycle to investigate, design, and evaluate products.
Specialist Arts Programme | 2 hours per week
Students choose to specialise in 1 of 3 arts: music, theatre, or visual art.
Physical and Health Education | 1 hour per week
Creative movement, ball sports, athletics, and swimming.
Core Elements
In addition to the curriculum subjects, Grade 9 and 10 students complete the core elements.
Service as Action
Lower high school students participate in 3 Service as Action activities every year, including one independent project. Service as Action teaches students to apply their knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to society and the environment. Students examine current global and local issues and choose to respond to these through action. In the process, they also develop new skills such as planning, executing, and working collaboratively.
Personal Project
Grade 10 students research a topic of interest and create a project around it. The project is largely self-directed, but students are paired with a mentor who provides ongoing guidance throughout the process. Students learn to take ownership over their learning, create project plans, find resources, solve challenges along the way, and make critical decisions.
*Additional fees may apply.
#Check with the Admissions Team about which other language options might be available.
Personalised Approach to Mentor Every Student Towards Academic Success
Homeroom Partnership (Grades 9 to 12)
Homeroom teachers conduct regular check-ins and one-to-one meetings with students. These sessions allow every student to discuss their academic challenges and other concerns with their teachers and get practical advice, encouragement, and support.
Coaching and Mentoring Programme (Grades 9 to 12)
This programme gives structure to students’ long-term academic and personal goals. Students learn how to plan more effectively, take manageable steps toward their goals, and track their progress over time. Eventually, students can take ownership of their learning and handle projects, assignments, and exams with preparation and confidence, achieving better outcomes.
Work Experience Internships
Students undertake a 2-week work experience programme in grade 10. Through hands-on, practical experience in a workplace setting, students get insights into professional norms and expectations. This helps them better appreciate the skills needed to thrive in the workplace. Students also gain a deeper awareness of the career prospects available to them after graduation.
Service Learning and Sustainability
Our fully developed Service Learning and Sustainability programme teaches students to become active changemakers who use their skills and abilities to meet community and environmental needs. Students are encouraged to be responsible citizens who pay attention to the local and wider community as well as the environment, and think about how they can create an impact through service.
We have dedicated Service Learning and Sustainability coordinators who identify and create a range of service opportunities so that every student can find an area where they feel confident of contributing meaningfully. Students are also invited to participate in initiatives independently outside of the academic programme.
GESS is accredited by The Alliance for Sustainable Schools in recognition of our efforts to educate students about the importance of sustainability.
Here are examples of Service Learning and Sustainability initiatives at GESS:
Mangrove planting
Beach cleanup
Commemorating World Mental Health Day, Peace Day and Earth Day
Giving Tree - donation drive for Christmas
Love in a Bouquet - engagement with individuals from TOUCH Centre for Independent Living
Volunteering to organise festive celebrations for the community
School Trips and Enrichment Activities
Our school trips and enrichment activities challenge students to step out of their comfort zones and participate in experiences that foster character growth, promote intercultural understanding and encourage meaningful engagement with diverse communities and the environment.
Past school trips and enrichment activities have included:
Bintan Outbound Activities Trip
Tioman Island Watersports Trip
Theatre Project in Malaysia
Social Project in India and Cambodia
Language Trips
Career Pathways Programme
Students are taught about the types of career pathways available and how to pursue their dream careers. They are introduced to CV writing and internships, with grade 10 students participating in a 2-week work experience programme where they get first-hand exposure to the working world.
Professional Counselling
We have a team of professional counsellors on campus who bring years of experience in psychology and counselling to the GESS community. Our counsellors are also familiar with the unique challenges that international students face. Be it personal struggles, conflicts with peers, academic stress, or other anxieties, our counsellors offer a warm and safe space for students to share and seek help openly.
School-Family Partnership
We believe in the importance of partnering closely with families to support students. By communicating consistently with families, we gain better insights into students as individuals, their backgrounds, and home experiences, allowing our teachers to cater to those needs in school. Similarly, by keeping families informed about their children’s school life and academic progress, we can ensure that students receive the right support at home for their learning.
GESS is a non-selective international school and we welcome students with diverse talents and abilities that meet our high school requirements.
How many students study at GESS International school?
There are 1800 students studying in total. In high school, there are currently 250 students studying in the English IB curriculum section.
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 in grades 9 and 10 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. High 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.
Is there an application deadline?
For grades 9 and 10, you can apply all year. For the IB Diploma programme, applications are accepted up to the start of the school year.
We accept applications for the current and next school year.
When can my child start school?
In grades 9 and 10, students can start on any Monday of the school year.
For grades 11 and 12, students must start within the first two weeks 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 for the IB Diploma Programme to ensure your child has a full range of subject choices available.
Can I visit the school?
Yes, we offer on-campus school tours Monday to Friday from 08:30-16:30 and online admissions meetings for families unable to visit our international school campus. Click here to instantly book a school tour or online meeting.
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 are 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 a new foreign language) starts in grade 6 at beginner level. Students joining grade 9 need at least 4 years of previous Mandarin study and for grade 10, at least 5 years of previous study.
Is there an EAL/English support programme?
Students in high school need to have a minimum proficiency in English. Please see the entry requirements section for more details.
There is no EAL or English support programme in high school.
What is a homeroom teacher?
Also known as a form of class teacher, the homeroom teacher is you and your child's main point of contact in grades 9 and 10. 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.
In grades 11 and 12, your main point of contact is the dedicated Diploma Coordinator. There are three coordinators: pastoral care, academic and university guidance.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
You can contact the child's homeroom teacher, subject teacher or Diploma Coordinator. 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.
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