Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of school is GESM, in three sentences?
Since GESM is a "German school", does this mean that it is for Germans only or mainly for Germans?
What does GESM have to offer for international students?
Which section should I choose for my child - the German or the International Section?
Is it possible to change from one section to another?
What are the advantages of the German International Baccalaureate Diploma at GESM over the diplomas of other international schools in Manila?
What are the characteristics of a “German education”?
Will my child be obliged or limited to study in Germany after finishing school?
What about languages in general at GESM? What kind of profile does it have in terms of language instruction?
What are the benefits of a bilingual education?
What Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) are offered by GESM?
How can my child get to school?
Whom should I address with questions concerning admission?
Are there school uniforms at GESM and is there a dress code?
What is the state of safety and security in school?
What is the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA)?
What kind of school is GESM, in three sentences?
The German European School Manila offers a complete school education from Preschool to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or Career Programme. Coeducational and secular, GESM provides students with comprehensive learning programmes according to German, European and International standards in the multicultural environment of Eurocampus Manila. It is also part of the worldwide network of UNESCO-associated schools which are committed to Human Rights, Democracy, Sustainability, and Global Citizenship.
For more information please refer to our Vision and Mission statement, and our Pedagogical Concept.
Since GESM is a "German school", does this mean that it is for Germans only or mainly for Germans?
This assumption cannot be more wrong. Students of any nationality and background can enter the International Section, the German Section, or the IB DP/CP Department of our school. "German School” means that our school is officially recognized, supervised, and subsidized by the German government. A third of our students are German passport holders, and the largest part even of them are "third culture kids", i.e. from mostly bi-cultural families.
What does GESM have to offer for international students?
We offer every student a unique opportunity for holistic development (includes academic learning, languages, and personality formation) regulated by German standards but in a multicultural setting.
International students may also enroll in both the International and German sections of the school . Contrary to what one might expect. GESM is a school for any pupil interested in our educational programme which is unique in Manila.
Our International Section comprises two-thirds of all GESM students coming from a variety of different nationalities. They are united in their
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interest in the educational programme we offer (Primary Years Programme, Cambridge IGCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the Career Programme
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interest in the German language and culture
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experience of the multicultural character of the Eurocampus
In the IB Diploma Programme and the Career Programme, students can enter from other schools even without having learned German before.
Admission to the German Section is also open to all. As a matter of course, entering this section from Kindergarten or even the first grade is the most ideal way in case the child does not speak German yet. For older children who don't speak fluent German but would like to be admitted into the German section anyway, an arrangement can be made so that the child receives supplemental intensive language courses alongside the regular curriculum.
Which branch should I choose for my child - the German or the International Section?
If you are looking for an international profile comparable to other international schools in Manila, with German as a plus, and strong German-European concepts in education as a unique feature in the Philippines, then our International Section will suit you best.
However, if you are aware of the particular value of education fully in line with internationally recognized German curricula, then the German Section will be the best choice.
Among the benefits are
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The unique opportunities of studying, living, and working in a German-speaking country or a German-speaking environment within the growing German-Philippine business relations.
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There are also rewarding opportunities for dual studies and vocational training. (Dual studies means students learn at a university and work at a company, getting a salary, and combining theory, science, and practice.)
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Vocational training means the unique opportunity offered by Germany to get solid professional training after class 9, 10 or 12, with "dual schooling" (on-the-job training and high school) with regular payment of up to 1000 Euros a month, depending on the profession and the stage of training (first, second or third year).
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After the apprenticeship, students can gain a professional degree or even study at university. Germany is known for the quality of its vocational training courses.
Identified as one of the Next-11 countries, the Philippines is considered as one of the upcoming, largest, and fastest-growing economies, and German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) are among the Philippines' top trading partners in Europe.
Is it possible to change from one section to another?
Yes, it is. If you want your child to change sections, it possible to do so upon entering grade 1, grade 6, and grade 8.
In the IB department (11th and 12th grades), students from both sections merge into one.
What are the advantages of the German International Baccalaureate Diploma at GESM over the diplomas of other international schools in Manila?
Each international school has its own special profile and strengths.
But if you are looking for a school
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focussing on language and cultural immersion
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fostering your child's interest in music and arts
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offering a good variety of afternoon/after-class programmes
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espousing modern educational methods according to German and European standards
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opening opportunities for studying abroad especially in Germany or German-speaking countries,
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offering professional training combined with academic subjects (IB Career Programme)
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leading to paid dual-studies or vocational training in Germany
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preparing your child to live, study and work in a German-speaking environment, in German-speaking countries or in one of Germany's international companies.
then GESM is the best choice for you. Click here for more reasons why.
What are the characteristics of a “German education”?
In a nutshell: Employability is important, but personal development comes first.
German education is generally more concerned with the natural development of human beings according to their “inner principles of growth”, and promotes a holistic approach to learning. Personality growth is seen as the core of education, rather than the mere acquisition of specific knowledge and skills. The individual student is in the center and this is one of the reasons why school uniforms are not required.
Education in a German school is geared towards developing children into autonomous individuals and world citizens by honing their independent reasoning abilities in an environment of academic freedom. Bildung is the German term for "education", but it means so much more than merely imparting knowledge or professional skills, and captures the idea of supported personal and academic growth far better than its English translation.
Under this principle of freedom, GESM also maintains its secularism. We are not affiliated with any religious denomination but are open to dialogue with all manner of faith.
Will my child be obliged or limited to study in Germany after finishing school?
Not at all. As an "Excellent German School Abroad" and an IB World School, GESM prepares your child for a promising future in a global environment. Our graduates regularly achieve above-average results in the IB Diploma and our accredited school certificates enable our students to get admitted to the best universities not only in Germany and the US but worldwide.
What are the benefits of access to cultures and languages?
Contrary to previous beliefs that children should focus on just one language in their formative years, research and experience support the idea of having children learn more than one language as they grow up. The skill of speaking an additional language enhances a child's abilities in many ways from problem-solving skills to collaboration and creativity, and it helps in analysing and consciously unfolding the potential of their native language, too.
Various studies have shown an improvement of the brain’s so-called "executive system” in bilinguals as they are more able to “block out irrelevant information and concentrate on the task at hand.” They are also better at “switching between different tasks without being confused.”(de Lange, Catherine My Two Minds. New Scientist. 5 May 2012)
Experts say that bilingualism should start as early as possible. One approach is through immersion schooling, where subjects such as maths are taught in the additional language or children receive equal instruction in two languages. Bilingual immersion schooling is particularly successful because children are learning from their peers, which is both intensive and motivating.
Learning a foreign language also opens up the door to the culture embedded within this language - and helps children transcend beyond their own, reflect on themselves, and grow.
What about languages in general at GESM? What kind of profile does it have in terms of language instruction?
Classes are taught in German in the German Section and in English in the International Section. The English Section offers German as the first foreign language (Grades 1-10); and vice versa (English is taught in the German section from Grades 2-10). The Sections are arranged symmetrically, mirroring the structures of the other. Additional language classes are offered based on each student's needs.
German is mandatory for almost all students with the exception of students entering at a very late grade or at the IB level (Grades 11 and 12).
Moreover, classes in French and Spanish are also offered to students in later grades.
What Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) are offered by GESM?
GESM offers a multitude of extra-curricular activities (ECAs) ranging from music and arts to science and sports. More information on our ECA programmes can be read here.
Whom should I address with questions concerning admission?
Our admissions team will be happy to assist you with any queries you might have regarding applications, academics, joining GESM, and everyday school life. For general inquiries and administration queries please contact our Secretariat.
How can my child brought to and from school?
Our school is a full-service school: Depending on your needs, a school bus can pick your child up in the morning and drop him or her off in the afternoon right at your doorstep. For more information about our school bus services, have a look here.
Are there school uniforms at GESM and is there a dress code?
No, our students do not have to wear school uniforms in the strict sense of the word. There are sweaters and shirts they could buy, and these should be worn on field trips or as advised by their teachers.
Every German school has a dress code and as in many other private schools the expected standard is "smart casual". More information on this is available in the Parents' Handbook and in the Student Behaviour Manual.
What is the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA)?
The Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen, ZfA) of the Federal Office of Administration supports over 1,200 schools worldwide, including 140 German schools abroad – mainly in public-private partnership – and approximately 1,100 schools in the respective educational system in which the German Language Certificate (DSD) can be acquired. On behalf of the Federal Foreign Office and in close cooperation with the federal states, the ZfA provides them with personnel, financial, and pedagogical assistance. The ZfA, which was established at the Federal Office of Administration in 1968, reports to the Federal Foreign Office.
The ZfA is responsible for the placement, financial support, preparation, and further education of teachers. About 2,000 teachers placed by the ZfA are employed at German schools all over the world.
What about safety, health, and security?
Students are supervised according to the Philippine laws and DepEd orders. We follow a zero-tolerance policy for any act of abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying, and other forms of abuse. In case of complaints, please address directly the headmaster of GESM who will take the adequate measures indicated by the school's regulations.
School premises are monitored 24 hours on 7 days a week by professional security staff.
GESM has a School Clinic with professional nurses.