Integration is on a very high level: German European School Singapore

Parent Name:  Gerda Gehrig
Child’s Name:  Philipp Alex Gehrig

How did you first hear about the German European School Singapore?
When we came to Singapore 10 years ago the school had just added the IB Programme and this made our decision easy. We are Swiss and our son was already accustomed to the IB programme, but as a 2^nd Grader was in need of furthering his knowledge in German both orally and also in his writing, grammar and reading skills. GESS fit our requirements nicely and gave him continuity with a great system he already felt comfortable with.

What factors played into your decision to send your child to GESS?
See above! Further, it was/is in the area we wanted to live and the campus’ surroundings of lush greenery, as well as its proximity to the Swiss Club (where we are members), all helped to convince us that this was the right school. Plus, the number of students attending the school made it big enough for social interaction and small enough to still nurture a personal environment where everybody practically knows everybody by name.

Did you take a tour of the school before making your decision? What were your first impressions?
This was a pre-requisite and I was given an impressive and lengthy tour of the campus.

How did your child adjust to the school? Did the school take any special measures to help with the settling in process?
The school was very nurturing and the various teachers at that time took good care to help my son adjust to the new environment. I know that today there is much more being offered (the school grew considerably since then) and no effort is spared to accommodate new students and parents with information sessions, welcome events and buddy matches while being organised.

What in your opinion are the three greatest strengths of the school?
Size of the school, language programme and pastoral care from the teachers.

How does the school include parents in the community?
If you want to be included at the school there are a lot of opportunities, be it as Parent Representative, Member of the Welcoming Team, Events Team, accrediting processes etc. In Primary you can get involved in the Reading Support and much more. Later on in Secondary, the school looks for professionals to share their career paths with interested DP students, the list is ongoing and long.

How does the school keep you informed about your child’s progress?
There are two report cards that come out from Grade 6 to 11. After the reports are out, there are PTC (Parent Teacher Conferences) where you can meet with your child‘s teachers and get a good picture of his/her progress. Furthermore, there are regular updates from teachers about what is going on at school.

What is the number one thing you’d miss if you transferred your child to another school?
There is a very good and warm community feel to the school and all involved (teachers, students, admin) try to be accommodating to various needs and wants. Usually integration is on a very high level amongst these three bodies.

What kind of child (or family) would you say would be the best fit for this school?
Any family from around the world. The name ‘European’ in the school name is a bit misleading, of course there are a lot of European languages being offered, but it is still an international school, meaning everybody can join and feel at home – the IB makes sure of that.

What extra-curricular activities or out of school programmes does the school offer which you have taken part in?
My son has been on the football and the badminton team, he participated with the VIP (musical programme) and his all-time favourite was definitely MUN (Model United Nations).