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.
Individuals and Societies | This is a humanities and social science subject group
that focuses on the exploration of human societies,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.
Homeroom teachers conduct regular check-ins and one-on-one conversations with students. These meetings provide an opportunity to openly discuss academic challenges or other concerns, while receiving practical advice, encouragement, and support.
This programme provides students with structure and guidance for their long-term academic and personal goals. They learn to plan more effectively, break their goals into manageable steps, and track their progress over time. As a result, students develop greater ownership of their learning process, manage projects, assignments, and exams with increased confidence, and ultimately achieve stronger, more sustainable outcomes.
In Grade 10, students complete a two-week internship programme.
Through hands-on experience in a real working environment, they gain insight into professional processes, norms, and expectations.
These experiences help them understand the skills and attitudes required for success in the workplace, while also providing a clearer picture of career pathways after graduation.
Our comprehensive Service Learning and Sustainability programme empowers students to become active agents of change, using their skills to make a positive impact on communities and the environment.
They are encouraged to become responsible global citizens, engaging with both their local and global surroundings and reflecting on how their actions can create meaningful impact.
Our Service Learning and Sustainability Coordinators actively design a wide range of engagement opportunities, ensuring that every student can find a cause or area where they can contribute meaningfully.
In addition, students are encouraged to participate independently in projects outside of the classroom.
GESS is accredited by the Alliance for Sustainable Schools, recognising our commitment to educating students about the importance of sustainability.
Examples of Service Learning and Sustainability initiatives at GESS:
Our school trips and enrichment activities challenge students to step outside their comfort zone, gain new perspectives, and participate in experiences that foster character development, intercultural understanding, and social responsibility.
Examples of past trips and activities:
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.
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