Parent's Review of The German European School Singapore in Singapore
What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)
The German European School Singapore
In what town or city is this school located?
Singapore
How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)
One half European (English Speaking), the other half German.
What grade levels are represented at this school?
k-12
How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)
School bus, although you can drive your children to school.
How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?
Facilities are ok - sports facilities very good for a school of this size. The Primary has lots of outdoor space and the kids are encouraged to use it. ECA programme good. It is the oldest international school in Singapore - and as a result, some buildings could do with modernisation, but the campuses are both well very maintained - clean and safe. Nice playgrounds in the Kindy and Primary. Outdoor emphasis is obvious and refreshing in Singapore.
What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?
They seem to have students from a wider range of nationalites that the other schools and the transition is usually well managed. The predominant nationality is German but Dutch second I think - ten a vast array of Europeans. The BEST aspect is that they have a strong mother - tongue programme. They try to cater for all languages and this aids the transition academically and socially for the kids. For German families transition is very easy as German curriculum taught in that section. The European section is all IB.
How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?
Excellent. Never come across such a strong and active PTA. The school is not for profit, so parents are the governors and have a real input into all aspects of the school. Loads of community events at school and a new family 'buddy system' which is much appreciated by all the newbies.
What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?
Parents describe this school as the best kept secret in Singapore. Many families do not take it in on their school rounds as they think it is German (the name implies this of course). In fact, the english speaking half is bigger I believe. It is an IB World School, good, happy teachers, parental board of governors - visit and see . My two children love it.
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Comments about this Report
guestas being new to the european section and singapore, we were never introduced to the family "buddy system", our child never had a "buddy system", and the German as a foreign language (GFL) is a 5hr per week programme and a bit too intense for a foreign language. The communication is only effective if you as the parent communicate with the staff first, otherwise they do not communicate. Not sure how it compares with other international schools, but as our first school here it is a disappointment.
guestVery happy with GESS European Section. Both children had "buddies" to help them and the teachers were very helpful. We like the emphasis on sports and the outdoors. Very clean and well maintained campuses. Good school community. It's a breath of fresh air amongst the 'For Profit' international schools in Singapore.
guestWe had to complain to the MOE about GESS - the school was illegally taking "non-refundable deposits" for enroling students. This was made illegal in the mid 2000's but GESS was still doing it in 2011. I understand that they're also not returning those deposits to the families unless asked to do so (by the family), whereas they, by my understanding of the law, should have returned all deposit monies secured for enroling a child immediately. I've heard good and bad things about this school in the German community, our experience was good teachers, lousy administration, handle with care.
