What To Know About The German International School Sydney

The German International School Sydney (GISS) prides itself on being a local school with an international education from preschool through to year 12. 

In Years 11 and 12 GISS offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) which is recognised worldwide as the best university preparation programme currently available to students completing post-secondary education. In recent years, their IB students have continuously achieved IB scores well above the world average. It is no surprise that GISS has been awarded the title of ‘Excellent German School Abroad’.

The co-educational setting, global attitude towards learning and multicultural environment are what sets GISS apart as a truly bilingual school, not to mention their beautiful location on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Here’s what you need to know about this unique learning setting.

Philosophy

GISS is the only recognised German School Abroad in Australia. A true commitment to upholding German, European and Australian cultural values is embedded within the school’s culture; as well as advancing an ideology of global tolerance and appreciation for the world and all of the cultures within it. 

The core values of the school are what make it such a rich and unique learning environment for young minds. The school is committed to celebrating different cultures, opinions and standpoints, guiding students to appreciate openness, honesty and respect alongside aiming for the highest quality of educational standards and fostering a peaceful, understanding and nurturing environment. 

Bilingual Education

It’s no secret that a bilingual education opens so many doors for young people; not to mention assisting in their learning in a profound way. It’s been proven that learning an additional language enhances everything from problem-solving skills to collaboration and creativity.

The aim of offering a bilingual education at GISS—alongside developing proficiency in both the English and German language—is to promote a culture within which international-mindedness is pursued and celebrated, and to create open-minded and confident global citizens.

GISS offers an immersion approach to bilingual learning; whereby children receive instruction in both languages in authentic, real-life situations. 

All Children Welcome

It is not necessary to be familiar with the German language as GISS boasts a successful intensive language immersion programme, leading to bilingual competency in both English and German. This method allows children to acquire a second language passively, by engaging them in authentic experiences in both languages.  As children vary in their ability to absorb a second language this program style provides the opportunity for each child to develop their level of competency at their own pace.

Continuous Learning

GISS offers a program of continuous learning, right through from preschool to Year 12 and the International Baccalaureate. 

The preschool program does a whole lot more than simply prepare your child for school; the objective is to equip them with the tools they need to lead a fulfilled, happy and successful life by building resilience, responsibility and respect into their mindset, as well as instilling a lifelong love of learning in all pupils.

The holistic learning focus of GISS’ primary and secondary school program aims to hero students’ social-emotional and academic development through a teaching and learning framework that combines wellbeing with education. 

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme that GISS follows for senior school is a true international university preparation programme and the hallmark for academic excellence worldwide. The holistic nature of the programme heavily complements the learning frameworks that are adhered to throughout the entirety of a GISS education. 

Local School, International Education

The founding principle of GISS is to offer a local school; which feels close, safe and nurturing for all of its students, alongside an international education which encourages worldly thinking and the fostering of German, European and Australian cultural values within a multicultural setting. The school is dedicated to developing each individual student's full potential—to enable them to live a life brimming with fulfillment and opportunity. 

 Join one of GISS' open days or book an individual school tour with registrar Antje Eildermann here.

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