Primary School - IB Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (IB) programme taught in English, for students aged 6-11 years old.

Our team of educators will make sure your child feels safe, comfortable and has a sense of belonging in our community school. He or she will discover a love of learning in an environment which stimulates and encourages curiosity. Individually supported and guided, your child will grow in confidence.

Your child will learn to be independent, think critically, be open-minded, give and receive feedback, take risks and have a global outlook. These are skills that will prepare them for future success in life.

Personalised education for each child

Our experienced educators effectively use a variety of teaching techniques to ensure each student meets their potential. Using differentiated teaching, our students are fully supported and challenged on an individual basis. Our students are guided to inquire independently into the topics being taught.

A holistic approach

Our students benefit from programmes that educate the whole child, including experiential hands-on learning, core academics, critical thinking, well-being and a large range of daily specialist lessons and co-curricular activities offered after school.

Our community at the centre

As a not-for-profit international school founded by parents, our community of parents and learners is at the heart of everything we do. Each family in our primary school is supported by a fully qualified homeroom teacher and our academic team builds strong partnerships with our families.

What our parents and Students say about us

"Teachers are extremely supportive and take special care to support newly-joined children"

Family Timchenko

"Diversity and Openness has been pretty rich at GESS"

Family Tsai

See more testimonials

A CAMPUS IMAGINED BY OUR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Join us on a guided virtual tour of our international school primary campus and discover how our world-class learning facilities help our students grow.

Instantly book a school tour or online meeting today!

IB Primary information

Maximum class size

24 students per class with an assistant teacher in some grades or classes

School day

Full-day school programme
from 7:50 - 14:55

Lunch

Freshly cooked food and snacks served in the canteen

School bus service

Supervised door-to-door bus service and shuttle bus available

Swimming programme

Dedicated weekly swimming lesson integrated into the timetable

Technology

1:1 iPad programme and technology tuition

Curriculum Information

Languages

Co-curricular, sports and STEM programmes

Entry requirements

Curriculum Information

Our philosophy of education is concept-focused and student-centred. Experienced international school educators guide your child to investigate understandings about the world and how it works. With over 65 nationalities in our primary school, our curriculum is global with local connections made to our students' roots and Singapore. Our integrated approach to teaching subjects results in students making greater connections to the topics and ideas taught.

Subjects

English
Mathematics
Languages
Unit of Inquiry
Physical Education
Swimming
Art
Music

See a typical day in Primary School Primary School Brochure

Languages

English
Being a confident English speaker is key to academic success. Our students grow with a world-class English programme including English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.

Daily Language Lessons
Unlock future possibilities for your child with our daily language programme taught by specialist language teachers.

Mother Tongue Programme

Our school community speaks over 70 mother-tongue languages, and GESS offers a range of integrated and after-school mother tongue language programmes.

Integrated in the school timetable

Danish mother tongue
Dutch mother tongue *New integrated programme for 2023/24*

After School
Over 6 languages are offered including, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese and more.

Find out more about language programmes and options

Co-curricular, sports and STEM programmes

At GESS International School, our students grow and develop through experiential learning and our extensive co-curricular programmes after school. We believe in giving our students the opportunities to discover their passions and interests both in and outside the classroom. Your child can choose from over 100 after-school programmes and activities taught by professionals including:

Build confidence and teamwork with over 20 sports programmes and competitive teams
Spark creativity through integrated and after-school arts and music programmes
Solve problems and build solutions to tomorrow's challenges in our robotics and STEM programmes

Discover more about our programmes and after-school activities

Entry requirements

GESS is a non-selective international school and we welcome students with a diverse range of talents and abilities.

No application deadline
Year-round enrolment (students can start on any Monday)
Grades 1 - 4, no minimum English requirement
Grade 5 minimum A2 Elementary level of English
No prior knowledge of German language required
Application evaluation from previous school reports
CEM Entrance Test in maths and English for grades 3-5
Entry into Mother Tongue Programmes is subject to minimum proficiency levels

Find out about more about the application process

Curriculum Information

Languages

Co-curricular, sports and STEM programmes

Entry requirements

Curriculum Information

Our philosophy of education is concept-focused and student-centred. Experienced international school educators guide your child to investigate understandings about the world and how it works. With over 65 nationalities in our primary school, our curriculum is global with local connections made to our students' roots and Singapore. Our integrated approach to teaching subjects results in students making greater connections to the topics and ideas taught.

Subjects

English
Mathematics
Languages
Unit of Inquiry
Physical Education
Swimming
Art
Music

See a typical day in Primary School Primary School Brochure

Languages

English
Being a confident English speaker is key to academic success. Our students grow with a world-class English programme including English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.

Daily Language Lessons
Unlock future possibilities for your child with our daily language programme taught by specialist language teachers.

Mother Tongue Programme

Our school community speaks over 70 mother-tongue languages, and GESS offers a range of integrated and after-school mother tongue language programmes.

Integrated in the school timetable

Danish mother tongue
Dutch mother tongue *New integrated programme for 2023/24*

After School
Over 6 languages are offered including, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese and more.

Find out more about language programmes and options

Co-curricular, sports and STEM programmes

At GESS International School, our students grow and develop through experiential learning and our extensive co-curricular programmes after school. We believe in giving our students the opportunities to discover their passions and interests both in and outside the classroom. Your child can choose from over 100 after-school programmes and activities taught by professionals including:

Build confidence and teamwork with over 20 sports programmes and competitive teams
Spark creativity through integrated and after-school arts and music programmes
Solve problems and build solutions to tomorrow's challenges in our robotics and STEM programmes

Discover more about our programmes and after-school activities

Entry requirements

GESS is a non-selective international school and we welcome students with a diverse range of talents and abilities.

No application deadline
Year-round enrolment (students can start on any Monday)
Grades 1 - 4, no minimum English requirement
Grade 5 minimum A2 Elementary level of English
No prior knowledge of German language required
Application evaluation from previous school reports
CEM Entrance Test in maths and English for grades 3-5
Entry into Mother Tongue Programmes is subject to minimum proficiency levels

Find out about more about the application process

Useful Links

School Fees

Application guide

Learning Support

Learning Resources

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General

Admissions

Curriculum

Communication

General

How many students study at GESS International school?

There are 1800 students studying in total. In the primary school, there are currently 380 students studying in the English IB curriculum section.

My child doesn't speak German

Most new students do not speak German. There is a beginner German class in each grade. School communication is in English and parents do not need to speak German.

How international is your school?

At GESS International School, there are over 65 nationalities and 70 mother tongues spoken within the student community. Students are carefully placed into homeroom classes to ensure a good mix of nationalities and language profiles.

Where is the school located?

Our international school campus is located in Hillview, Bukit Timah in the centre west of Singapore. Hillview MRT (Downtown Line) is 800 metres from the school. Downtown Singapore is 20-30 minutes by train.

Admissions

Is there an application deadline?

No, you can apply all year. We accept applications for the current and next school year.

When can my child start school?

Students can start on any Monday of the school year.

How much are the school fees?

Enter your child's information here and we will send you a personalised school fee breakdown.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is an application fee of 200 SGD. All other fees are invoiced after you accept the place and sign the student contract.

Do you have waiting lists?

Yes, some grades have waiting lists. We recommend submitting early applications, especially for primary school grades.

Can I visit the school?

Yes, we offer on-campus school tours Monday to Friday from 8.30 am - 4.30 pm and online admissions meetings for families unable to visit our international school campus. Click here to instantly book a school tour or online meeting.

Curriculum

What subjects are taught?

Students at our international school follow a 35-period week. Each lesson is 45 minutes.

Unit of Inquiry lesson - 7 lessons a week
English - 8 lessons a week
Mathematics - 7 lessons a week
German - 5 lessons a week or Danish / Dutch Mother Tongue
Physical Education (Sports) - 2 lessons per week
Swimming - 1 lesson per week
Music - 2 lessons per week
Visual Arts - 2 lessons per fortnight
Self-reflection / Assessment - 2 lessons per week

Is there homework?

Yes, homework is given each week. For more detailed information, please download the primary school brochure.

Do you offer Mandarin?

Mandarin is not offered during the regular school day. There is a once a week after-school Mandarin programme for both native and non-native speakers.

What do you mean by student-centred learning?

To develop confidence, independence and increase learner motivation, students are given the freedom to choose what they want to research or study within the unit of inquiry topic. Our student-centred approach increases learner outcomes.

Communication

What is a homeroom teacher?

Also known as a form or class teacher, the homeroom teacher is the main teacher for the class and will teach your child for most subjects except for specialist lessons. As part of our partnering with families approach, you and your child will develop a strong relationship with your homeroom teacher.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Your child's homeroom teacher is your main point of contact. Communication is mainly by email and meetings can be arranged by appointment.

Are there school reports?

Yes, there are two report cards per year. One for each semester.

Are there parent-teacher meetings?

Parent-teacher meetings/conferences are arranged throughout the school year.

Is all the communication in German?

No, communication in the international section is in English.

General

Admissions

Curriculum

Communication

General

How many students study at GESS International school?

There are 1800 students studying in total. In the primary school, there are currently 380 students studying in the English IB curriculum section.

My child doesn't speak German

Most new students do not speak German. There is a beginner German class in each grade. School communication is in English and parents do not need to speak German.

How international is your school?

At GESS International School, there are over 65 nationalities and 70 mother tongues spoken within the student community. Students are carefully placed into homeroom classes to ensure a good mix of nationalities and language profiles.

Where is the school located?

Our international school campus is located in Hillview, Bukit Timah in the centre west of Singapore. Hillview MRT (Downtown Line) is 800 metres from the school. Downtown Singapore is 20-30 minutes by train.

Admissions

Is there an application deadline?

No, you can apply all year. We accept applications for the current and next school year.

When can my child start school?

Students can start on any Monday of the school year.

How much are the school fees?

Enter your child's information here and we will send you a personalised school fee breakdown.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is an application fee of 200 SGD. All other fees are invoiced after you accept the place and sign the student contract.

Do you have waiting lists?

Yes, some grades have waiting lists. We recommend submitting early applications, especially for primary school grades.

Can I visit the school?

Yes, we offer on-campus school tours Monday to Friday from 8.30 am - 4.30 pm and online admissions meetings for families unable to visit our international school campus. Click here to instantly book a school tour or online meeting.

Curriculum

What subjects are taught?

Students at our international school follow a 35-period week. Each lesson is 45 minutes.

Unit of Inquiry lesson - 7 lessons a week
English - 8 lessons a week
Mathematics - 7 lessons a week
German - 5 lessons a week or Danish / Dutch Mother Tongue
Physical Education (Sports) - 2 lessons per week
Swimming - 1 lesson per week
Music - 2 lessons per week
Visual Arts - 2 lessons per fortnight
Self-reflection / Assessment - 2 lessons per week

Is there homework?

Yes, homework is given each week. For more detailed information, please download the primary school brochure.

Do you offer Mandarin?

Mandarin is not offered during the regular school day. There is a once a week after-school Mandarin programme for both native and non-native speakers.

What do you mean by student-centred learning?

To develop confidence, independence and increase learner motivation, students are given the freedom to choose what they want to research or study within the unit of inquiry topic. Our student-centred approach increases learner outcomes.

Communication

What is a homeroom teacher?

Also known as a form or class teacher, the homeroom teacher is the main teacher for the class and will teach your child for most subjects except for specialist lessons. As part of our partnering with families approach, you and your child will develop a strong relationship with your homeroom teacher.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Your child's homeroom teacher is your main point of contact. Communication is mainly by email and meetings can be arranged by appointment.

Are there school reports?

Yes, there are two report cards per year. One for each semester.

Are there parent-teacher meetings?

Parent-teacher meetings/conferences are arranged throughout the school year.

Is all the communication in German?

No, communication in the international section is in English.