High School - IB Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (IB) programme taught in English, for students aged 14-18 years old.

GESS’ 4-year high school programme combines academics, practical learning, community service, mentorship, and career guidance to prepare your child to thrive in high school, university, and future careers. To make personal success possible for every student with different ambitions, we offer a range of internationally recognized high school qualifications including IB Diploma (DP) and IB Careers Programme (CP).

We help students stay motivated and goal-focused throughout their high school years with individual support, small tutor groups, and one-to-one mentoring. Our integrated University Guidance Programme empowers students to make the right university and career choices for the future. Our students are accepted into leading universities around the world, including the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and the US.

Close Community

Our high school students are part of a close and supportive community of students and educators, forming lifelong relationships and networks. Each of our students receive personalised tuition, mentoring and guidance to ensure they reach their full potential.

Pathways to personal success

Each student is unique, and to fully enable our students to achieve personal success, GESS offers a range of internationally recognised high school qualifications, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma (DP) and Careers Programme (CP).

A world of choices

With a wide range of subjects and languages offered in our high school programme, we ensure our students can make the right choices for their future.

The exclusive BeyondClassrooms programme gives our students additional tutoring and mentoring as well as real-world experiences and internships in business, sustainability, science, engineering and more.

What our parents and Students say about us

"GESS is a great school because teachers are able to identify students’ talents and give them opportunities to grow"

Family Tan

"GESS has given me a big leg up for my future aspirations"

Kausar, Alumni

See more testimonials

A CAMPUS IMAGINED BY OUR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

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

Instantly book a school tour or online meeting today!

High School information

Average class size

24 students per class

12 students per tutor group

School day

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

*Some subjects are taught 15:00 - 16:30

Lunch

Freshly cooked food and snacks served in the canteen

High school campus

State of the art high school campus facilities and equipment

University guidance counselling

Dedicated university guidance lesson each week in grades 11 and 12

Tutoring and support

Mentoring, counselling and individual tutor support

Curriculum Information Grades 9-10

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

IB Careers Programme (CP)

University acceptances and results

Co-curricular and sports programmes

Entry requirements

Curriculum Information Grades 9-10

The recently updated lower high school programme focuses on the academic and study skills students need to be successful. The programme is skills-based and rigorous, ensuring your child is fully prepared for the IB Diploma. The curriculum follows the internationally recognised IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework with a broad range of subjects taught by accomplished educators in specialist classrooms, labs and sports facilities.

Subjects

English
Mathematics
Languages
Sciences
Design Technology
Specialist Arts Programme in music, visual arts or drama
Physical and Health Education

In grades 9 and 10, your child will be mentored and guided by an experienced homeroom teacher who teaches at least one subject. This ensures that your child is closely guided and supported all the way through high school.

Language Programmes High School Brochure

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

Your child will be immersed in a rich and engaging learning environment, carefully designed to prepare your child for their next step in life. Our experienced educators will guide, support and challenge your child, allowing them to achieve more and reach their goals. They will benefit from state-of-the-art learning facilities and a dedicated high school area with space for studying and socialising. Supporting your child's academic progress and well-being is a committed team of educators including pastoral care and university/careers guidance counsellors.

GESS International School has invested greatly in our high school programme and our students have access to a large selection of IB Diploma subjects and after-school programmes.

Language and literature

English A
Danish A
Dutch A
German A
Other Mother Tongues (Korean, Mandarin, Hindi, Swedish, French, Spanish and more)

Language acquisition

English B
French B or Ab initio
Mandarin B
German B
Spanish B or Ab initio

Individuals and Societies

Geography
History
Economics
Business Management
Psychology

Science

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Design Technology
Computer Science
Sports, Exercise and Health Science

Mathematics

Mathematics Applications & Interpretations SL
Mathematics Analysis & Approaches SL
Mathematics Analysis & Approaches HL

Arts

Visual Arts
Theatre Studies
Music

All students study 6 subjects in the IB Diploma Programme including 2 languages, 1 science and mathematics. In addition to the subjects below, students will be enrolled in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and Extended Essay programmes. At GESS all our IB Diploma Programme students have a weekly university guidance and social education class.

Please note that undersubscribed courses may not run and the school reserves the right to move a course to another block. All subject choices are subject to final approval by the school.

Language Programmes High School Brochure

IB Careers Programme (CP)

Your child will develop personal and professional skills for the 21st-century working world. This programme best suits students who prefer balancing academics and experiential, career-focused learning. Students will acquire theoretical knowledge and have opportunities to apply the knowledge through a Sustainability Leadership Camp/Experience and Integrative Project Experience with industry-leading organizations. There are 3 components to the programme: career-related studies, IB subjects and the Careers Programme Core.

Career-Related Studies: Business and Sustainability Pathway

Students pursue career-related studies focusing on business and sustainability management at the Sustainability Management School Switzerland (SUMAS). Given predictions that there will be 24 million jobs in the green economy by 2030, this programme enables students to graduate with high-demand knowledge and skills for the future job market. SUMAS professors and tutors deliver the courses online. GESS students will study in a global classroom, connecting with their peers from all over the world.

Our IB Careers Programme students will study:

Fundamentals of sustainability
Leadership
Sustainable innovation

And choose one specialist pathway:

Nature conservation
Sustainable fashion
Sustainable finance and digitalisation
Sustainable hospitality
Sustainable culinary art
Sustainable tourism

IB Subjects

The IB subjects are taught by our GESS IB diploma teachers. Students study 4 IB subjects at standard level or higher level. Mathematics and language are mandatory subject groups. Students can choose the other 2 subjects from any IB subject group based on interest, ability, and desired career pathways.

Careers Programme Core

Careers Programme Core focuses on 21st-century skills for the workplace, interpersonal growth and service learning. Students complete a reflective project on business sustainability.

Graduate Success Pathways

The IB Careers Programme at GESS offers students a personalised pathway to success.

Enrol in many leading global universities*
Fast-track into the SUMAS bachelor's degree programme
Enter employment fully equipped with the 21st-century skills needed to thrive

IB Careers Programme graduates get accepted to world-renowned universities like King’s College London, University of Connecticut, Hult International Business School, George Washington University and more.

*Students are advised to check with their chosen universities on whether they accept IBCP and have special subject requirements for entry. Our University Guidance Counsellors are available to support students in their decision-making.

University acceptances and results

University Destinations

Our IB Diploma graduates are accepted to exceptional universities around the world, including New York University (NYU), University College London (UCL), Boston University, King's College London, ESSEC and Sciences Po, Paris. To find out more about our university acceptances, please visit Our Students page.

IB DIPLOMA RESULTS 2024

GESS is immensely proud of our IB Diploma graduates. Our top score is 42, and 13 students were awarded the prestigious Bilingual IB Diploma. As a leading non-selective international school in Singapore, we are proud of consistently scoring above the world IB Diploma averages.

Co-curricular and sports programmes

Learning continues outside of the classroom with experiential learning, projects and a full range of after-school programmes with expert coaching and guidance. The extensive co-curricular programmes are an excellent way for your child to build their profile for applying to universities.

Over 100 after-school programmes
Over 40 sports programmes and competitive teams
Get a headstart in a global world with our exclusive BeyondClassrooms programme
Internships
Updated Service as Action programme
Enrichment school trips abroad
Spark creativity through after-school arts and music 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 that meet our high school requirements.

Grades 9 and 10

B2 Upper-Intermediate level of English
CEM Baseline online assessment
Online Oxford English Placement Test for applicants from a non-English medium school
No prior knowledge of German language is required
Reference letter from previous school
School reports
Entry into language programmes is subject to minimum proficiency levels

Grades 11 and 12

C1 Advanced level of English
CEM Baseline online assessment
Online Oxford English Placement Test for applicants from a non-English medium school
Reference letter from previous school
School reports
Students must start within the first two weeks of semester 1
Minimum of one language at language and literature proficiency level

Find out about more about the application process

Curriculum Information Grades 9-10

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

IB Careers Programme (CP)

University acceptances and results

Co-curricular and sports programmes

Entry requirements

Curriculum Information Grades 9-10

The recently updated lower high school programme focuses on the academic and study skills students need to be successful. The programme is skills-based and rigorous, ensuring your child is fully prepared for the IB Diploma. The curriculum follows the internationally recognised IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework with a broad range of subjects taught by accomplished educators in specialist classrooms, labs and sports facilities.

Subjects

English
Mathematics
Languages
Sciences
Design Technology
Specialist Arts Programme in music, visual arts or drama
Physical and Health Education

In grades 9 and 10, your child will be mentored and guided by an experienced homeroom teacher who teaches at least one subject. This ensures that your child is closely guided and supported all the way through high school.

Language Programmes High School Brochure

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

Your child will be immersed in a rich and engaging learning environment, carefully designed to prepare your child for their next step in life. Our experienced educators will guide, support and challenge your child, allowing them to achieve more and reach their goals. They will benefit from state-of-the-art learning facilities and a dedicated high school area with space for studying and socialising. Supporting your child's academic progress and well-being is a committed team of educators including pastoral care and university/careers guidance counsellors.

GESS International School has invested greatly in our high school programme and our students have access to a large selection of IB Diploma subjects and after-school programmes.

Language and literature

English A
Danish A
Dutch A
German A
Other Mother Tongues (Korean, Mandarin, Hindi, Swedish, French, Spanish and more)

Language acquisition

English B
French B or Ab initio
Mandarin B
German B
Spanish B or Ab initio

Individuals and Societies

Geography
History
Economics
Business Management
Psychology

Science

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Design Technology
Computer Science
Sports, Exercise and Health Science

Mathematics

Mathematics Applications & Interpretations SL
Mathematics Analysis & Approaches SL
Mathematics Analysis & Approaches HL

Arts

Visual Arts
Theatre Studies
Music

All students study 6 subjects in the IB Diploma Programme including 2 languages, 1 science and mathematics. In addition to the subjects below, students will be enrolled in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and Extended Essay programmes. At GESS all our IB Diploma Programme students have a weekly university guidance and social education class.

Please note that undersubscribed courses may not run and the school reserves the right to move a course to another block. All subject choices are subject to final approval by the school.

Language Programmes High School Brochure

IB Careers Programme (CP)

Your child will develop personal and professional skills for the 21st-century working world. This programme best suits students who prefer balancing academics and experiential, career-focused learning. Students will acquire theoretical knowledge and have opportunities to apply the knowledge through a Sustainability Leadership Camp/Experience and Integrative Project Experience with industry-leading organizations. There are 3 components to the programme: career-related studies, IB subjects and the Careers Programme Core.

Career-Related Studies: Business and Sustainability Pathway

Students pursue career-related studies focusing on business and sustainability management at the Sustainability Management School Switzerland (SUMAS). Given predictions that there will be 24 million jobs in the green economy by 2030, this programme enables students to graduate with high-demand knowledge and skills for the future job market. SUMAS professors and tutors deliver the courses online. GESS students will study in a global classroom, connecting with their peers from all over the world.

Our IB Careers Programme students will study:

Fundamentals of sustainability
Leadership
Sustainable innovation

And choose one specialist pathway:

Nature conservation
Sustainable fashion
Sustainable finance and digitalisation
Sustainable hospitality
Sustainable culinary art
Sustainable tourism

IB Subjects

The IB subjects are taught by our GESS IB diploma teachers. Students study 4 IB subjects at standard level or higher level. Mathematics and language are mandatory subject groups. Students can choose the other 2 subjects from any IB subject group based on interest, ability, and desired career pathways.

Careers Programme Core

Careers Programme Core focuses on 21st-century skills for the workplace, interpersonal growth and service learning. Students complete a reflective project on business sustainability.

Graduate Success Pathways

The IB Careers Programme at GESS offers students a personalised pathway to success.

Enrol in many leading global universities*
Fast-track into the SUMAS bachelor's degree programme
Enter employment fully equipped with the 21st-century skills needed to thrive

IB Careers Programme graduates get accepted to world-renowned universities like King’s College London, University of Connecticut, Hult International Business School, George Washington University and more.

*Students are advised to check with their chosen universities on whether they accept IBCP and have special subject requirements for entry. Our University Guidance Counsellors are available to support students in their decision-making.

University acceptances and results

University Destinations

Our IB Diploma graduates are accepted to exceptional universities around the world, including New York University (NYU), University College London (UCL), Boston University, King's College London, ESSEC and Sciences Po, Paris. To find out more about our university acceptances, please visit Our Students page.

IB DIPLOMA RESULTS 2024

GESS is immensely proud of our IB Diploma graduates. Our top score is 42, and 13 students were awarded the prestigious Bilingual IB Diploma. As a leading non-selective international school in Singapore, we are proud of consistently scoring above the world IB Diploma averages.

Co-curricular and sports programmes

Learning continues outside of the classroom with experiential learning, projects and a full range of after-school programmes with expert coaching and guidance. The extensive co-curricular programmes are an excellent way for your child to build their profile for applying to universities.

Over 100 after-school programmes
Over 40 sports programmes and competitive teams
Get a headstart in a global world with our exclusive BeyondClassrooms programme
Internships
Updated Service as Action programme
Enrichment school trips abroad
Spark creativity through after-school arts and music 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 that meet our high school requirements.

Grades 9 and 10

B2 Upper-Intermediate level of English
CEM Baseline online assessment
Online Oxford English Placement Test for applicants from a non-English medium school
No prior knowledge of German language is required
Reference letter from previous school
School reports
Entry into language programmes is subject to minimum proficiency levels

Grades 11 and 12

C1 Advanced level of English
CEM Baseline online assessment
Online Oxford English Placement Test for applicants from a non-English medium school
Reference letter from previous school
School reports
Students must start within the first two weeks of semester 1
Minimum of one language at language and literature proficiency level

Find out about more about the application process

Useful Links

School Fees

Application guide

BeyondClassrooms

Learning Resources

Learning Support

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General

Admissions

Curriculum

Communication

General

How many students study at GESS International school?

There are 1800 students studying in total. In high school, there are currently 250 students studying in the English IB curriculum section.

How international is your school?

At GESS International School, students in our international section speak over 70 different mother tongue languages and there are over 65 nationalities represented. Each homeroom class in grades 9 and 10 has a carefully planned mix of nationalities, language profiles and academic backgrounds.

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. High school students can either take the school bus or easily access the campus by public transport. There are 9 bus routes and 1 MRT station within walking distance of the campus.

Admissions

Is there an application deadline?

For grades 9 and 10, you can apply all year. For the IB Diploma programme, applications are accepted up to the start of the school year.

We accept applications for the current and next school year.

When can my child start school?

In grades 9 and 10, students can start on any Monday of the school year.

For grades 11 and 12, students must start within the first two weeks 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 entrance test?

Yes, there is a CEM entrance test for English and Maths. This is included in the 200 SGD application fee.

Do you have waiting lists?

Yes, some grades have waiting lists. We recommend submitting early applications for the IB Diploma Programme to ensure your child has a full range of subject choices available.

Can I visit the school?

Yes, we offer on-campus school tours Monday to Friday from 08:30-16:30 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

Are there assessments?

Yes, there are a variety of assessments, evaluations and exams throughout the school year.

Is there a minimum pass mark to progress to the next grade?

Students need to maintain an average overall grade of four or above across all the subjects taken, with no single subject grade falling below a four.

Is there homework?

Yes, homework is given each week. On average there are 20 minutes of homework per subject, per week.

Do you offer Mandarin?

Mandarin is offered during the regular school day at both acquisition and near/native level. The Mandarin acquisition programme (learn a new foreign language) starts in grade 6 at beginner level. Students joining grade 9 need at least 4 years of previous Mandarin study and for grade 10, at least 5 years of previous study.

Is there an EAL/English support programme?

Students in high school need to have a minimum proficiency in English. Please see the entry requirements section for more details.

There is no EAL or English support programme in high school.

Communication

What is a homeroom teacher?

Also known as a form of class teacher, the homeroom teacher is you and your child's main point of contact in grades 9 and 10. As part of our partnering with families approach, you and your child will develop a strong relationship with your homeroom teacher. In addition to the homeroom teacher, your child will be taught by subject teachers.

In grades 11 and 12, your main point of contact is the dedicated Diploma Coordinator. There are three coordinators: pastoral care, academic and university guidance.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

You can contact the child's homeroom teacher, subject teacher or Diploma Coordinator. Communication is mainly by email and meetings can be arranged by appointment. Additionally, you can view what your child is studying, assessed work and reports in our Learner Management System called Managebac.

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 high school, there are currently 250 students studying in the English IB curriculum section.

How international is your school?

At GESS International School, students in our international section speak over 70 different mother tongue languages and there are over 65 nationalities represented. Each homeroom class in grades 9 and 10 has a carefully planned mix of nationalities, language profiles and academic backgrounds.

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. High school students can either take the school bus or easily access the campus by public transport. There are 9 bus routes and 1 MRT station within walking distance of the campus.

Admissions

Is there an application deadline?

For grades 9 and 10, you can apply all year. For the IB Diploma programme, applications are accepted up to the start of the school year.

We accept applications for the current and next school year.

When can my child start school?

In grades 9 and 10, students can start on any Monday of the school year.

For grades 11 and 12, students must start within the first two weeks 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 entrance test?

Yes, there is a CEM entrance test for English and Maths. This is included in the 200 SGD application fee.

Do you have waiting lists?

Yes, some grades have waiting lists. We recommend submitting early applications for the IB Diploma Programme to ensure your child has a full range of subject choices available.

Can I visit the school?

Yes, we offer on-campus school tours Monday to Friday from 08:30-16:30 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

Are there assessments?

Yes, there are a variety of assessments, evaluations and exams throughout the school year.

Is there a minimum pass mark to progress to the next grade?

Students need to maintain an average overall grade of four or above across all the subjects taken, with no single subject grade falling below a four.

Is there homework?

Yes, homework is given each week. On average there are 20 minutes of homework per subject, per week.

Do you offer Mandarin?

Mandarin is offered during the regular school day at both acquisition and near/native level. The Mandarin acquisition programme (learn a new foreign language) starts in grade 6 at beginner level. Students joining grade 9 need at least 4 years of previous Mandarin study and for grade 10, at least 5 years of previous study.

Is there an EAL/English support programme?

Students in high school need to have a minimum proficiency in English. Please see the entry requirements section for more details.

There is no EAL or English support programme in high school.

Communication

What is a homeroom teacher?

Also known as a form of class teacher, the homeroom teacher is you and your child's main point of contact in grades 9 and 10. As part of our partnering with families approach, you and your child will develop a strong relationship with your homeroom teacher. In addition to the homeroom teacher, your child will be taught by subject teachers.

In grades 11 and 12, your main point of contact is the dedicated Diploma Coordinator. There are three coordinators: pastoral care, academic and university guidance.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

You can contact the child's homeroom teacher, subject teacher or Diploma Coordinator. Communication is mainly by email and meetings can be arranged by appointment. Additionally, you can view what your child is studying, assessed work and reports in our Learner Management System called Managebac.

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.

Brochures

School brochure

Preschool brochure

IB Primary brochure

IB Secondary brochure