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.

High-Quality Personalised Education

We understand what inspires each student, how they learn best, and where their strengths lie. With a personalised approach, we help them build strong academic foundations and essential life skills. Our students grow into confident, independent thinkers ready for success in high school and beyond.

Supporting Every Step of the Journey

Middle school brings big changes, but no student faces them alone. Our teachers provide regular check-ins and mentoring to ensure every child feels seen and supported. With the right guidance, students build resilience, self-awareness, and essential life skills.

Discovering Passions, Building Strengths

Students explore their interests and discover strengths through choice-based learning. Our ENCORE and BeyondClassrooms Programmes offer real-world experiences in areas such as STEM, the arts, languages, and service learning, helping students grow with guidance and support.

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

We follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and raise standards through our ENCORE programme of elective subjects and courses.

The ENCORE programme builds upon the core curriculum, offering students the chance to extend their learning and dive deeper into specialised subjects.

English
There are three levels of instruction designed to support students at different levels of English language proficiency.

Language and Literature for learners at native or near-native levels of English language proficiency.
Acquisition for learners with intermediate plus level.
English As An Additional Language (EAL) is a specialised programme with intensive English support and teaching for students in grades 6 to 8.

Encore Options

Speaking & Debating
Creative Writing
Journalism
GESS TV Production

Mathematics

Maths empowers students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and build a strong foundation for future academic success.

Science

Students study a comprehensive science programme covering all three sciences.

• Biology

• Physics

• Chemistry

Design & Technology

Students learn to work through the design cycle to investigate, design, create, and evaluate products.

Encore Options

• Programming and Robotics

• Engineering and Innovation

• Digital Design and Fabrication

• Master Makers: Advanced Workshop Skills

Individuals & Societies

This is a humanities and social science subject group that focuses on the exploration of human societies, cultures, and their interactions with the environment.

• Geography

• History

• Economics

• Business Studies

Sports

Sports classes focus on promoting physical and health education, incorporating creative movement, ball sports, swimming, and other activities.

Encore Options

Team Sports
Individual Pursuits

Arts
All students study at least one specialist arts programme with options to study more.

Full year music
Popular music
Theatre Arts
Visual Arts

Encore Options

Wind Ensemble
Winds and Strings
Symphonic Collective
The Vocal Project
Elements of Theatre
Exploring Theatre Techniques
Theatre Production
Aboriginal Dot Art & Doodling
Portrait Drawing & Mask Design
Impressionism & Optical Art

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
(delivered within the school day)

This uniquely GESS programme extends beyond the standard MYP curriculum, allowing students to pursue their passions in different forms.

Based on interest, students are free to choose between foreign languages, creative and performing arts, design and technology, advanced sports, and English. The classes are hands-on, immersive, and project-based, encouraging students to be engaged and well-balanced learners.

Flex Programme
(delivered within the school day)

Based on learners’ needs – whether they require support, more challenging work, exploration, or self-directed opportunities – educators design and deliver accordingly in the Flex Programme.

Learning extension: For students who are higher-skilled and would like to be challenged more.
Subject support: To support students with learning gaps in specific subjects.
Exploration: Opportunities to explore different domains through clubs and societies.
Self-Directed: Student-led projects in areas such as sustainability, service learning, and more.

Individual Support

Coaching and Mentoring

Teachers coach and mentor 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 Homeroom Club

(delivered after school)

These sessions help students in two key ways. Those 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

We follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and raise standards through our ENCORE programme of elective subjects and courses.

The ENCORE programme builds upon the core curriculum, offering students the chance to extend their learning and dive deeper into specialised subjects.

English
There are three levels of instruction designed to support students at different levels of English language proficiency.

Language and Literature for learners at native or near-native levels of English language proficiency.
Acquisition for learners with intermediate plus level.
English As An Additional Language (EAL) is a specialised programme with intensive English support and teaching for students in grades 6 to 8.

Encore Options

Speaking & Debating
Creative Writing
Journalism
GESS TV Production

Mathematics

Maths empowers students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and build a strong foundation for future academic success.

Science

Students study a comprehensive science programme covering all three sciences.

• Biology

• Physics

• Chemistry

Design & Technology

Students learn to work through the design cycle to investigate, design, create, and evaluate products.

Encore Options

• Programming and Robotics

• Engineering and Innovation

• Digital Design and Fabrication

• Master Makers: Advanced Workshop Skills

Individuals & Societies

This is a humanities and social science subject group that focuses on the exploration of human societies, cultures, and their interactions with the environment.

• Geography

• History

• Economics

• Business Studies

Sports

Sports classes focus on promoting physical and health education, incorporating creative movement, ball sports, swimming, and other activities.

Encore Options

Team Sports
Individual Pursuits

Arts
All students study at least one specialist arts programme with options to study more.

Full year music
Popular music
Theatre Arts
Visual Arts

Encore Options

Wind Ensemble
Winds and Strings
Symphonic Collective
The Vocal Project
Elements of Theatre
Exploring Theatre Techniques
Theatre Production
Aboriginal Dot Art & Doodling
Portrait Drawing & Mask Design
Impressionism & Optical Art

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
(delivered within the school day)

This uniquely GESS programme extends beyond the standard MYP curriculum, allowing students to pursue their passions in different forms.

Based on interest, students are free to choose between foreign languages, creative and performing arts, design and technology, advanced sports, and English. The classes are hands-on, immersive, and project-based, encouraging students to be engaged and well-balanced learners.

Flex Programme
(delivered within the school day)

Based on learners’ needs – whether they require support, more challenging work, exploration, or self-directed opportunities – educators design and deliver accordingly in the Flex Programme.

Learning extension: For students who are higher-skilled and would like to be challenged more.
Subject support: To support students with learning gaps in specific subjects.
Exploration: Opportunities to explore different domains through clubs and societies.
Self-Directed: Student-led projects in areas such as sustainability, service learning, and more.

Individual Support

Coaching and Mentoring

Teachers coach and mentor 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 Homeroom Club

(delivered after school)

These sessions help students in two key ways. Those 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

Application guide

Junior Engineering Academy

Learning Support

Brochures

School brochure

Preschool brochure

IB Primary brochure

IB Secondary brochure