German Swiss International School
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| Established | 1969 |
|---|---|
| School type | Private, international, kindergarten, primary, secondary, vocational, co-educational. |
| Principal | Dr. Jens-Peter Green |
| Faculty | Not applicable |
| Students | approx. 12501 |
| Years | Kindergarten, Klasse 1-13, Years 1-13, Berufsschule |
| Location | 11 Guildford Road Hong Kong |
| Information | (852) 2849-6216 gsis@gsis.edu.hk |
| Website | http://mygsis.gsis.edu.hk/ |
The German Swiss International School (Deutsch-Schweizerische Internationale Schule) was established in 1969 as the first international school for German-speaking expatriates in Hong Kong. It had 73 students in its opening year, but now has more than 1,100 students from over 30 different countries. Over the years, it has developed a reputation for excellent academic results. Its current Principal is Dr Jens-Peter Green.
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[edit] Structure
GSIS is comprised of four schools - a kindergarten, a primary school, a secondary school and a Berufsschule (vocational training school). The kindergarten, primary and secondary schools are separated into two 'streams', the German stream and the International stream. The teaching medium in these streams is German and English, respectively. The German stream students follow the German education system, taking the Abitur in their final year. The International stream students follow the British system, including IGCSEs and A-levels, but many students also independently take Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs), for applications to universities in the United States. In addition, the school is currently exploring the merits of the International Baccalaureate (IBs).
Class divisions are not based on academic performance. In the first three years of Secondary school, the classes are randomly divided; from the fourth year, students are separated by alphabetical order.
One perceived problem with this school is that stronger students often leave GSIS during their secondary years to go to boarding schools in the United Kingdom or the United States. [citation needed]
[edit] Academics
Academics at German Swiss are famous for being of an extremely high standard, even compared with ESF and other international schools in Hong Kong (which already score far above the UK average in public examinations). In June 2005, GSIS achieved a pass rate (grades A* to C) of 98.9% (70.2% UK) at GCSE, with 40% at A* (6.6% UK).At AS-Level, the pass rate (A to E) was 98.9% (87.3% UK), with 48.4% at A (17.9% UK), while at A-Level the pass rate was 98.1% (96.2% UK), with 50% at A (22.8% UK). More importantly, saying this as a student (I am one myself from GSIS) GSIS has much harder Maths, French and English compared to other international schools like CIS (Chinese International School) and QBS (Quarry Bay School).
The International Stream currently follows the British Curriculum. Students take their GCSEs/IGCSEs at the end of Year 11, their AS-Levels at the end of Year 12, and their A-Levels at the end of Year 13. In the upper forms, German and Mathematics are divided into ability groups. The top group or sometimes two may take their exams early. Some candidates are entered for German GCSE and Chinese GCSE in Year 9, and Mathematics IGCSE in Year 10. Students may also opt to take their French GCSEs in Year 10. German is a major part of the students' education at GSIS, and is a compulsory subject until the end of Year 11, at the end of which the students must sit the GCSE German examination. Mathematics, English Language and English Literature are also compulsory GCSE subjects. There are no compulsory AS- or A-Level subjects.
The German Stream follows the German Curriculum, and students are obliged to sit the Abitur exams.
The German Swiss International School has achieved consistently high standards, and has and has had various graduates studying at prestigious universities in the UK and the US, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, Imperial College, Yale University, Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Brown University, Carnegie Mellon University and Cornell University.
[edit] Technology
In recent years, the German Swiss International School has invested greatly into new technology throughout the school. Most of the funding comes from the Mothers' Committee, which raises money through various events, such as the annual Christmas Bazaar. The school's 25 metre swimming pool is heated with a solar panel heater, and most of the classrooms have been installed with a projector and an interactive whiteboard, each with its own computer, DVD/VCR player and cassette/iPod recorder, enabling teachers to use various types of media when teaching.
New student and staff cards have been barcoded, allowing easy borrowing of textbooks and library books throughout the year.
[edit] Location
Located on The Peak, German Swiss borders a country park, and enjoys a wonderful view. The surrounding air is less polluted than those found in other areas in Hong Kong.
Bus No. 15 to Central (via Wanchai) and minibus No. 1 to Central provide transport links from the school to the centre of Hong Kong. Parking is a problem, and the school encourages parents and students to take public transport during major events such as the Christmas Bazaar or concerts.
[edit] Dress Code and School Rules
Like most schools in Germany[1], GSIS students do not wear uniform. This is unusual for Hong Kong, where most schools, including international schools, mandate the wearing of uniform for students. However, there is a strict dress code, which states if disobeyed, the students may face punishments as great as suspension.
Dyed hair is allowed in GSIS. However, students can only dye their hair in natural colors (black, brown and blond). "Revealing" clothing is not allowed to be worn to school. Piercings are allowed, but only ear piercings can be shown. Belly rings must be covered. Tattoos are also prohibited, but if already done, must be covered up. Smoking and drinking are banned on school grounds.
Across the road from the school, is a small shopping complex with a supermarket, a florist and the school's newly constructed cafeteria. Primary and Middle School students are not allowed there during school hours. Senior students are allowed there when they have a free period.
