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 1,200 students from over 30 different countries. Over the years, it has developed a reputation for excellent academic results. Its current headmaster is Dr Jens-Peter Green.
| German Swiss International School | |
|---|---|
 | |
11 Guildford Road Hong Kong | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private, international, kindergarten, primary, secondary, vocational, co-educational. |
| Established | 1969 |
| Principal | Dr. Jens-Peter Green |
| Faculty | Not applicable |
| Enrollment | approx. 12501 |
| Information | (852) 2849-6216 gsis@gsis.edu.hk |
| Years | Kindergarten, Klasse 1-13, Years 1-13, Berufsschule |
| Website | http://mygsis.gsis.edu.hk/ |
Structure
GSIS is composed 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 and the 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 divided randomly; 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. However, this perception is contradicted by the fact that the school has a long waiting list and as stated below, still gains the highest A-Level and GCSE pass rate in Hong Kong.
Academics
Academic standards at German Swiss are famous for being very high, 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% in the 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).
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. From Year 9 and onwards, 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 the German stream students are obliged to sit the Abitur exams.
The German Swiss International School is renowned for academic excellence and has graduates going on to study at prestigious universities in the UK and the USA, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, Imperial College, Yale University, University of Southern California, Duke University, Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Brown University, Carnegie Mellon University and Cornell University.
A math teacher, Mr. Elliot, can not teach properly so therefore his children got under 50% in their math tests.
Facilities
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, a DVD/VCR player, a cassette player/recorder and an iPod player, enabling teachers to use various types of media when teaching.
All students and staves have been barcoded, allowing easy borrowing of textbooks and library books throughout the year. Staff and student cards also act as a 'smartcard' for the school cafeteria.
Location
Located on The Peak, German Swiss borders a country park. The surrounding air is less polluted than others 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 may sometimes be a problem, and the school encourages parents and students to take public transport during major events such as the Christmas Bazaar or various concerts.
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 will face punishments.
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.