Middle School - IB Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (IB) programme taught in English, for students aged 11-14 years old.

We guide middle schoolers through one of the most important stages of growing up, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. With a strong focus on personal academic excellence, wellbeing, and mentoring, we support each student’s journey to becoming a more independent learner. A wide range of extra and co-curricular activities also gives them space to explore their passions, discover new interests, and pursue their passions.

Personal Support and Guidance

GESS has made significant investments in new coaching, mentoring, and student support programmes, as well as in an enhanced homeroom model. Each student now receives more individual support and attention, leading to improved learning outcomes and overall student well-being.

Pursue Passions

We offer an integrated elective programme that allows our students to pursue their passions and develop their interests. Students also benefit from a wide range of extracurricular programmes and activities.

BeyondClassrooms

The exclusive BeyondClassrooms programme offers our students a wide range of real-world opportunities and experiences in areas such as business, sustainability, science, engineering, technology, and more.

Find out more about Beyond Classrooms

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

IB Middle school information

Curriculum Information

Languages

Personalised Approach

Individual Support

BeyondClassrooms

Wellbeing and Guidance

Entry requirements

Curriculum Information

Our Middle School is built on the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), offering a dynamic, future-focused education that combines academic rigour with meaningful, real-world learning.

At the heart of our programme is a commitment to developing confident, capable and internationally minded learners. Through inquiry-driven lessons and interdisciplinary connections, students learn to think critically, communicate effectively and apply their learning with purpose.

What sets our Middle School apart is the flexibility within a strong academic framework. Students benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum while also having the opportunity to shape their own learning journey—exploring interests, developing strengths and discovering new passions.

This is brought to life through two distinctive programmes: ENCORE and FLEX.

Our ENCORE electives allow students to personalise their learning through a diverse range of courses across the arts, sciences, technology and beyond—encouraging curiosity, creativity and exploration.

Complementing this, our FLEX programme provides dedicated time within the school week for targeted support and extension. Whether students need to consolidate understanding, receive personalised guidance, or be challenged further, FLEX ensures that every learner is supported, stretched and empowered to succeed.

Explore the full range of ENCORE options in the interactive section below and discover how our Middle School supports every student in building a pathway that is uniquely their own.

English

Students develop strong communication, analytical and language skills through differentiated pathways tailored to their level of English proficiency.

Language and Literature for native or near-native speakers
Language Acquisition for students with intermediate proficiency
English as an Additional Language (EAL) for students who require intensive language support in Grades 6 to

Mathematics

Mathematics empowers students to think logically, solve complex problems and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Students build a strong foundation that prepares them for advanced study in the IB Diploma Programme.

Science

Students engage in a comprehensive science programme that introduces them to key scientific principles across multiple disciplines:

Biology
Physics
Chemistry

The programme encourages inquiry, experimentation and critical thinking.

Design & Technology

Students follow the design cycle to investigate problems, generate ideas, create solutions and evaluate outcomes.

This subject develops creativity, innovation and practical problem-solving skills through hands-on learning experiences.

Individuals & Societies

Students explore human societies, cultures and global systems, gaining a deeper understanding of how the world works.

Key areas include:

Geography
History
Economics
Business Studies

Physical Health Education (Sports)

Students develop physical fitness, health education, teamwork and personal well-being through a diverse range of activities, movements, and skills. Our aquatics programme is part of PHE.

The focus is on building lifelong healthy habits, discipline and resilience.

Arts

All students engage in at least one specialist arts discipline, with opportunities to explore:

Music
Theatre
Visual Arts

Additional elective arts opportunities are outlined in the ENCORE section below.

Languages

All students study at least one language, with the option to study both an acquisition and a mother tongue language.

Language Acquisition
Builds students’ proficiency in a new language and understanding of other cultures.

Mandarin
French
Spanish
German

Language and Literature
For students who have advanced knowledge and proficiency.

Dutch
Danish
German
Mandarin*
French*
Spanish*
Portuguese*
Swedish*
Others#

*At additional cost
#Check with the Admissions Team for other language options that may be available

Personalised Approach

ENCORE-Programme

(Integrated into the regular school day)

This unique GESS programme goes beyond the standardised MYP curriculum and enables students to pursue their passions in a variety of ways.

Depending on their interests, students can choose from foreign languages, creative and performing arts, design & technology, performance sports, as well as English. The learning experience is hands-on, immersive, and project-based, fostering engaged and well-rounded learners.

Further details about the ENCORE options can be found further down on this page.

Flex-Programme

(Integrated into the regular school day)

Based on the individual needs of each learner—whether support, additional challenges, exploration, or self-directed learning—teachers design and deliver content accordingly within the Flex Programme.

Learning Extension: For students with higher achievement levels who seek additional challenges.
Academic Support: Targeted support to address learning gaps in specific subjects.
Exploration: Opportunities to discover different areas through clubs and activities.

Individual Support

Mentoring and Coaching

Teachers mentor and coach students to develop the executive functioning skills they need as they progress to high school. Students learn how to plan effectively, take manageable steps towards their academic and personal goals, and monitor 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.

After-School Learning Lab

(delivered after school)

These sessions are designed for those students who require extra support with their learning can use these sessions to clarify doubts, reinforce understanding of concepts, and work on weaker areas. Students progressing at a faster pace can undertake more advanced tasks and assignments that stretch their abilities and extend their learning.

BeyondClassrooms

With our award-winning BeyondClassrooms approach, students can actively connect their learning to the real world and build a portfolio of practical experiences that gives them a competitive edge at graduation.

The many initiatives in the BeyondClassrooms Programme include:

Internships with leading global companies
Industry expert talks
Career counselling and guidance from industry leaders
Junior Engineer Academy
Competitive sports
Over 100 after-school co-curricular activities
Vocal and Instrumental Programme
Student-led Clubs and Societies

Junior Engineer Academy
In Grades 8 and 9, students explore real-world engineering challenges focused on sustainable living, working with experts from partners like Bosch.

Service Learning and Sustainability
Middle School students complete three service projects each year, including one independent initiative, building their skills as changemakers. GESS is proud to be accredited by The Alliance for Sustainable Schools. Projects include:

Mangrove planting
Beach cleanups
Mental health and environment awareness days
Community engagement and festive volunteering

School Trips and Enrichment

From outdoor adventures to cultural exchanges, our trips help students grow in character, confidence, and global understanding. Highlights include:

Bintan outbound trip
Tioman watersports
Theatre in Malaysia
Social projects in India and Cambodia
Language immersion trips

Wellbeing and Guidance

Homeroom Advisory Lessons
Weekly small-group sessions provide teachers with an opportunity to check in on students’ emotional well-being and lead activities that foster social-emotional skills and community.

Professional Counselling
Experienced counsellors offer a safe, welcoming space for students to discuss personal challenges, from academic stress to peer conflicts—always with an understanding of international school life.

School-Family Partnership
We work closely with families to gain a deeper understanding of each student’s background and needs, while keeping parents informed so they can effectively support their child's learning at home.

Entry requirements

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

Year-round enrolment (students can start on any Friday)
Minimum English level requirement by grade:
- Grade 6 A2 Elementary
- Grade 7 B1 Intermediate
- Grades 8 B2 Upper-Intermediate
English and maths online assessment
Reference letter from previous school
School reports

Curriculum Information

Languages

Personalised Approach

Individual Support

BeyondClassrooms

Wellbeing and Guidance

Entry requirements

Curriculum Information

Our Middle School is built on the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), offering a dynamic, future-focused education that combines academic rigour with meaningful, real-world learning.

At the heart of our programme is a commitment to developing confident, capable and internationally minded learners. Through inquiry-driven lessons and interdisciplinary connections, students learn to think critically, communicate effectively and apply their learning with purpose.

What sets our Middle School apart is the flexibility within a strong academic framework. Students benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum while also having the opportunity to shape their own learning journey—exploring interests, developing strengths and discovering new passions.

This is brought to life through two distinctive programmes: ENCORE and FLEX.

Our ENCORE electives allow students to personalise their learning through a diverse range of courses across the arts, sciences, technology and beyond—encouraging curiosity, creativity and exploration.

Complementing this, our FLEX programme provides dedicated time within the school week for targeted support and extension. Whether students need to consolidate understanding, receive personalised guidance, or be challenged further, FLEX ensures that every learner is supported, stretched and empowered to succeed.

Explore the full range of ENCORE options in the interactive section below and discover how our Middle School supports every student in building a pathway that is uniquely their own.

English

Students develop strong communication, analytical and language skills through differentiated pathways tailored to their level of English proficiency.

Language and Literature for native or near-native speakers
Language Acquisition for students with intermediate proficiency
English as an Additional Language (EAL) for students who require intensive language support in Grades 6 to

Mathematics

Mathematics empowers students to think logically, solve complex problems and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Students build a strong foundation that prepares them for advanced study in the IB Diploma Programme.

Science

Students engage in a comprehensive science programme that introduces them to key scientific principles across multiple disciplines:

Biology
Physics
Chemistry

The programme encourages inquiry, experimentation and critical thinking.

Design & Technology

Students follow the design cycle to investigate problems, generate ideas, create solutions and evaluate outcomes.

This subject develops creativity, innovation and practical problem-solving skills through hands-on learning experiences.

Individuals & Societies

Students explore human societies, cultures and global systems, gaining a deeper understanding of how the world works.

Key areas include:

Geography
History
Economics
Business Studies

Physical Health Education (Sports)

Students develop physical fitness, health education, teamwork and personal well-being through a diverse range of activities, movements, and skills. Our aquatics programme is part of PHE.

The focus is on building lifelong healthy habits, discipline and resilience.

Arts

All students engage in at least one specialist arts discipline, with opportunities to explore:

Music
Theatre
Visual Arts

Additional elective arts opportunities are outlined in the ENCORE section below.

Languages

All students study at least one language, with the option to study both an acquisition and a mother tongue language.

Language Acquisition
Builds students’ proficiency in a new language and understanding of other cultures.

Mandarin
French
Spanish
German

Language and Literature
For students who have advanced knowledge and proficiency.

Dutch
Danish
German
Mandarin*
French*
Spanish*
Portuguese*
Swedish*
Others#

*At additional cost
#Check with the Admissions Team for other language options that may be available

Personalised Approach

ENCORE-Programme

(Integrated into the regular school day)

This unique GESS programme goes beyond the standardised MYP curriculum and enables students to pursue their passions in a variety of ways.

Depending on their interests, students can choose from foreign languages, creative and performing arts, design & technology, performance sports, as well as English. The learning experience is hands-on, immersive, and project-based, fostering engaged and well-rounded learners.

Further details about the ENCORE options can be found further down on this page.

Flex-Programme

(Integrated into the regular school day)

Based on the individual needs of each learner—whether support, additional challenges, exploration, or self-directed learning—teachers design and deliver content accordingly within the Flex Programme.

Learning Extension: For students with higher achievement levels who seek additional challenges.
Academic Support: Targeted support to address learning gaps in specific subjects.
Exploration: Opportunities to discover different areas through clubs and activities.

Individual Support

Mentoring and Coaching

Teachers mentor and coach students to develop the executive functioning skills they need as they progress to high school. Students learn how to plan effectively, take manageable steps towards their academic and personal goals, and monitor 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.

After-School Learning Lab

(delivered after school)

These sessions are designed for those students who require extra support with their learning can use these sessions to clarify doubts, reinforce understanding of concepts, and work on weaker areas. Students progressing at a faster pace can undertake more advanced tasks and assignments that stretch their abilities and extend their learning.

BeyondClassrooms

With our award-winning BeyondClassrooms approach, students can actively connect their learning to the real world and build a portfolio of practical experiences that gives them a competitive edge at graduation.

The many initiatives in the BeyondClassrooms Programme include:

Internships with leading global companies
Industry expert talks
Career counselling and guidance from industry leaders
Junior Engineer Academy
Competitive sports
Over 100 after-school co-curricular activities
Vocal and Instrumental Programme
Student-led Clubs and Societies

Junior Engineer Academy
In Grades 8 and 9, students explore real-world engineering challenges focused on sustainable living, working with experts from partners like Bosch.

Service Learning and Sustainability
Middle School students complete three service projects each year, including one independent initiative, building their skills as changemakers. GESS is proud to be accredited by The Alliance for Sustainable Schools. Projects include:

Mangrove planting
Beach cleanups
Mental health and environment awareness days
Community engagement and festive volunteering

School Trips and Enrichment

From outdoor adventures to cultural exchanges, our trips help students grow in character, confidence, and global understanding. Highlights include:

Bintan outbound trip
Tioman watersports
Theatre in Malaysia
Social projects in India and Cambodia
Language immersion trips

Wellbeing and Guidance

Homeroom Advisory Lessons
Weekly small-group sessions provide teachers with an opportunity to check in on students’ emotional well-being and lead activities that foster social-emotional skills and community.

Professional Counselling
Experienced counsellors offer a safe, welcoming space for students to discuss personal challenges, from academic stress to peer conflicts—always with an understanding of international school life.

School-Family Partnership
We work closely with families to gain a deeper understanding of each student’s background and needs, while keeping parents informed so they can effectively support their child's learning at home.

Entry requirements

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

Year-round enrolment (students can start on any Friday)
Minimum English level requirement by grade:
- Grade 6 A2 Elementary
- Grade 7 B1 Intermediate
- Grades 8 B2 Upper-Intermediate
English and maths online assessment
Reference letter from previous school
School reports

Useful Links

School Fees

Admissions Process

Junior Enginieer Academy

Learning Support

Brochures

School brochure

Preschool brochure

IB Primary brochure

IB Secondary brochure

Middle School - IB Curriculum

Personal Support and Guidance

Pursue Passions

BeyondClassrooms

What our parents and Students say about us

IB Middle school information

Curriculum Information

Languages

Personalised Approach

Individual Support

BeyondClassrooms

Wellbeing and Guidance

Entry requirements

Curriculum Information

Languages

Personalised Approach

Individual Support

BeyondClassrooms

Wellbeing and Guidance

Entry requirements

EXPLORE ENCORE OPTIONS

Arts

English & I&S

Design & Technology

Languages

Advanced PHE

Useful Links

Brochures