Located on Hong Kong Island, German Swiss International School (GSIS) is a leading dual-language international institution that offers an enriching educational experience. It nurtures curiosity, fosters cultural understanding, and promotes academic excellence in a diverse, multicultural environment, catering to students from kindergarten through secondary school.
Inspiring curiosity and enjoyment
When asked to describe the students at GSIS, Ms Alexandra Freigang-Krause, the principal of GSIS shares, “Our students are naturally curious and take a genuine interest in learning.” From her observations, she believes that GSIS students exhibit a remarkable urge to learn. This curiosity is nurtured by a supportive school environment. She emphasizes, “At GSIS, we aim to create an atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable, allowing students to thrive academically and personally. We value interaction during lessons, encourage discussions, and, most importantly, ensure that every child is taken into account.”
A vision for holistic development
GSIS is committed to a holistic approach to education, focusing on the development of the whole student. Freigang-Krause explains, “Education at GSIS is not solely about academics. We emphasize sports, arts, music, and physical activities to foster creativity and physical well-being. We believe that education encompasses not only the cognitive aspect, but also all areas of development - physical, mental, and beyond - to provide students the opportunity to realize their full potential.”
The school offers a wealth of programs and events, including orchestras, drama performances, concerts, art exhibitions, and sports teams, which provide students ample opportunities to explore and excel in diverse areas. For example, to encourage students to challenge themselves, the school organises Discovery Week, where secondary students can participate in specially designed programs that push their boundaries. These may include an overseas trip involving house building in Cambodia, coral conservation in the Philippines, or adventure treks in Nepal.
As for sports, a variety of competitive sports teams are offered to students, including football, cricket, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, and many others. The school also provides opportunities for specialized individual sports such as fencing, rock climbing, and squash, which allow students to fully explore their passions and interests. In addition to local competitions, GSIS students will even have the chance to compete internationally axgainst teams from other countries.
Two streams, one community
Two streams are offered at GSIS, including the German International Stream (GIS) and the English International Stream (EIS). The GIS requires no prior knowledge of German. There are three possible entry points for non-German speakers. First, there is the bilingual Kindergarten. In Primary, GSIS offers their unique CLIPPY programme. In Secondary, the Fast Track programme offers another chance to welcome non-German speakers into GSIS. Students will earn the German International Abitur (DIA), a diploma that is recognized and accepted by leading universities globally. As for the EIS, it provides a rigorous and multifaceted academic curriculum that delivers the British IGCSE examinations and the highly regarded International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Irrespective of the chosen stream, students enjoy the best of both worlds, as GSIS offers a range of cross-stream activities that promote interaction. As Freigang-Krause highlights, “Our cross-stream activities, including arts, sports, and music events, create a platform for students to collaborate and learn from each other.” For instance, the annual art exhibition showcases the talents of students from both the GIS and EIS, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual respect across the two streams.
Embracing diversity and providing multilingual education
Intercultural competence is a cornerstone of the GSIS community. With students from various nationalities, the school naturally cultivates a culturally inclusive environment. “Our students come from many different nations, and this diversity is an asset. We strive to teach students about cultural differences and how to appreciate them,” says Freigang-Krause. The school organizes events and programs that emphasize cultural understanding and tolerance, ensuring students are well-prepared for a globalized world.
Speaking of language education, students at GSIS surely enjoy advantages and more opportunities as multilinguals. The school furnishes robust language education, offering instruction in German, English, Mandarin and other languages (Latin, French and Spanish). As Freigang-Krause underscores, “Our language programs are designed to ensure students are proficient in multiple languages, preparing them for global opportunities.”
Looking ahead: future plans for GSIS
As the newly-appointed school principal, Freigang-Krause has her goal focused on enhancing cross-stream activities and promoting sustainability within the school. “I aim to foster more cross-stream initiatives and integrate sustainability into our curriculum,” the principal asserts. By addressing contemporary challenges and promoting sustainable practices, GSIS prepares students for a future where they can make a positive impact.
GSIS continues to be a beacon of holistic education, nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world. As Freigang-Krause aptly concludes, “We want our students to feel at home in a cosmopolitan setting. We are an international school that is committed to fostering global citizens.”
