Mission - Philosophy
“Children should be given two things: roots and wings.” Goethe
We are both a German and an international school pursuing a “two systems – one school” philosophy.
Education is our craft. We give our students the tools to master their future in our global world, developing their talents to become balanced, responsible and informed world citizens.
We undertake to act in accordance with the following ten principles:
1. We provide a coherent education with an international perspective.
“Learning, living, giving” while maximizing the synergies of our two school sections, is a guiding educational principle from Pre-school up to Grade 12 "Reifeprüfung" or IB Diploma. Our education is based on reformatory ideals in line with European traditions. The German Section allows a return to the German-speaking school system. Our European Section uses English as the language of instruction, is open to other mother tongues and allows movement within the IB system. Both sections are open to all students and offer a global perspective.
2. We see education as an ongoing process.
Our teaching aims to provide students with a reliable framework of general knowledge and a rounded education, and to encourage a willingness to learn that reaches beyond school. That is why our teachers are both coach and partner to their students and want to waken a passion for life-long learning. Our structured education starts in Pre-school.
Our teaching aims to provide students with a reliable framework of general knowledge and a rounded education, and to encourage a willingness to learn that reaches beyond school. That is why our teachers are both coach and partner to their students and want to waken a passion for life-long learning. Our structured education starts in Pre-school.
3. We impart the fundamentals of learning.
Our education seeks to instil discipline and a willingness to achieve as fundamental principles of learning. We place a high value on the essential tools of learning competence in reading, writing, numeracy and processing of information. Within an all-day school programme, GESS sets high standards while treating each student as an individual. We challenge and encourage our students both collectively and in streamed groups, supporting their individual needs and strengths.
4. We nurture ‘future-proof’, life-long learning skills and abilities.
Taking responsibility for one's own work, expressing oneself well, thinking logically as well as critically, applying skills, being a team player, and creativity are all essential requirements for success in both further education and a career. An early encounter with German and multilingualism in general, information technology and the natural sciences are equally important. We attain the EU standards on learning at least two European foreign languages. Our curricula, multi-disciplinary and holistic work methods impart these key qualifications.
5. We encourage personal and social competence.
Social competence is just as important for building character, as is acquiring knowledge. Hence, we foster community spirit, solidarity, sociable behaviour, the ability to criticize and accept criticism, and tolerance of all people, regardless of religion or culture. The diversity of students on our campus contributes considerably to this goal. We promote community activities und instil a respect for the environment.
6. We aim for a balanced education.
Physical and artistic activities are also vital to developing character. We value sports, the arts, music, drama, design, and technology and the role they play. We support initiatives for exhibition, demonstration, exchange and competition within these fields.
7. We seek encounters within the Asian community.
An understanding of the people and cultures of our host country and of Asia is a key focus of GESS and enriches the fabric of our school. We promote this objective in the course of lessons, community service projects, field trips and school partnerships.
8. We value parental cooperation.
Working hand-in-hand with parents is of great importance to us. We therefore provide extensive information and support collaboration in and among all school bodies.
9. We want students to help shape school life.
For students, the familiar surroundings of GESS are more than just a place of learning: it’s their home away from home. As such we encourage them to take the initiative and responsibility in shaping their school life.
10. We plan for the school's continued development.
We are a school that never stops learning and we are open to new ideas. Level-headedness, critical reflection, quality assurance and continuing education are vital for this process. We have a dedicated and qualified faculty and staff. We value and take advantage of the cooperation between German and English speaking colleagues. We look for and encourage networking between German speaking and international schools in Asia. Our facilities are spacious and our state of the art equipment is updated regularly. Together with the School Association's Board of Governors and the teaching staff, the school management carries out the school's aims and develops them further, with due regard for uniformity, sustainability, transparency and economy.