We are looking towards the future with the hope that one day there will be greater gender equality – equality in resources, economic opportunities, platforms and more for all genders!
Even as we do that, here and now, we have the duty to both empower our young girls in the school and celebrate the many women who are doing important work for the growth of the school.
In that spirit, this year, for both International Day of Girls and Women in Science (11 February) and International Women’s Day (8 March), we created a platform for the stories and voices of girls and women in the school.
International Day of Girls and Women in Science
“I remember when I was 5, I clearly said that I want to become a doctor. Right now, I would really like to be a neurosurgeon or a neuroscientist.”
“I have always been interested in biology and when chemistry was introduced as a subject, I really liked it because, to me, it is like a puzzle. And since last year, physics has grown on me because we have really good physics teachers here.”
“I joined the Cyber Mentor programme because my teacher recommended that I do it and I was drawn to it because it allows me to communicate with people in the science field who are already studying what I want to study. I have spoken to many older university students who have given me insights into what I can expect in future.”
– Minxuan, Grade 11
“When I was younger, I liked looking at the stars at night and thinking about the universe. And I like science because it explains everything. Sometimes, things don’t make sense but as soon as you start learning more through sciences, you see the connections between things.”
“I like astrophysics. There is a lot that we already know, but thinking about that, it makes me wonder what else there is to know.”
“I took part in some physics competitions and every lunch break on a couple of Thursdays, we were experimenting in the labs. We had three different questions to answer and we hoped to use these experiments to solve some of them. That was cool.”
“I am currently in the Cyber Mentor programme and you have a mentor you always keep in touch with. My mentor is doing her doctorate in biology and plants and she explains to me the work she has to do and this inspires me to learn more.
– Lily, Grade 9 Student
“I love science because our entire world can be explained by science. One of my favourite quotes is from physicist and chemist Marie Curie and it goes like this: ‘Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.’ This quote describes my passion for science.”
“It is important for there to be more women in the science field because currently women and women’s bodies are not regarded enough in research. For example, we don’t have enough research on heart attack in women and many signs can go undetected. This is why we need more women in science.”
“I want to become a doctor one day. I want to particularly work in labs and do research. I am currently doing as much as I can to get there – participating in science competitions through the school, joining a new Cyber Mentor programme recommended by my teacher and doing a lot of self-study.”
– Sophie, Grade 9 Student
International Women’s Day
Tell us about your work at GESS:
Together with Ms. Ramona Smith, I was one of the first two teachers at the German School Singapore in 1971/72. We developed the methodological and didactic concept of the young school. In February 1973, I was promoted to be the first Principal of the German School Singapore and together with my team I managed to get the school recognised as a German School Abroad in 1975.
A word of advise to young girls:
The world has changed a lot compared to the time when I first started work. However, one thing does not seem to have changed much: You will have to make decisions on your own and for yourself. Set goals, but also remember that the path to success does not come with a red carpet rolled out for you. It is important to be persistent, seek further qualifications. When your eyes are set on big ambitions, recognise that there might be hurdles but you shouldn’t give up easily, but keep pressing on.
– Mrs Barbara Beckhaus
Tell us about your work at GESS:
I am a parent of 3 sons, two of whom have graduated from GESS after starting there in Kindergarten. I have been a Parent Rep, Member of the Parents’ Committee and President of the Board of Governors, and supported the performing arts and school events. However, the most rewarding has been the opportunity to support Grade 11 and 12 students on their path beyond school, working with the amazing University and Career guidance team, coaching where the chance arose and collaborating with amazing parent volunteers.
A word of advise to young girls:
Don’t be limited by other people’s preconceptions about what you can and cannot do: work out who you are, where your passion lies, and then take every opportunity that presents itself to follow your own path. Believe in yourself and in what you are capable of.
– Wanda Preiser
Tell us about your work at GESS:
The thing I am most proud of was being part of the GESS Board, taking the new school campus project from a one-person project – just me – to include a whole team of teachers, architects, pupils, staff, parents, and board members and ending up with this fantastic pupil/teacher-centric campus. There were difficult periods, but being part of such a team made success easier to achieve and overall lots of good fun – I made some great friends and learned so much!
A word of advise to young girls:
If I had to remind young girls of one thing, it would be that we all have ambitions, hopes, and dreams, and that theirs are no less important or valid than anybody else’s, no matter what age or sex. That achieving those dreams starts with taking one step and then another, and to keep going. They should not be afraid to change directions or stop for a while, but to keep looking forward, while also taking time to look around on the journey and enjoy today !
– Gina Fyffe
Tell us about your work at GESS:
I am the President of the GESS Board of Governors and have served on the Board since 2013. Over this time, the school has developed, grown and achieved so much. This is often highlighted by the successful completion and move to our Dairy Farm campus in August 2018.
However, there are so many other achievements that I am proud to have been involved in. One is the review of the GESS brand and identity that took place from 2016 to 2018 which allowed the School Community to reflect on what makes GESS special and most importantly, how the school should be perceived in the greater community. The refreshed logo and now familiar Bauhaus theme are visible through all aspects of the school and bring to life important aspects of our Mission, Vision and Guiding Statements creating a last impression of GESS.
Another is seeing the positive change in how GESS is perceived in relation to other International Schools in Singapore. When I first joined the Board, and became Chair of the Subcommittee responsible for marketing, GESS was not amongst the top 20 International Schools in Singapore and had a very low brand awareness. There was limited awareness of our European stream, our preschool and that our IB programmes were taught in English. Fast forward to 2021 and GESS is now recognised amongst the top 10 schools in Singapore and for offering both German and IB programmes and is ranked as first choice for expatiates seeking a European style education in Singapore. These achievements have only been possible due to the hard work of GESS’ many talented teachers and staff, although special credit should be given to Kirsten Mönch and her marketing team for ensuring that GESS’ stories are shared far and wide and in a way that brings to life the special spirit of GESS.
We should all be proud that GESS is now recognised as the fantastic school that it always was and is today.
A word of advise to young girls:
Dream Big – you can achieve almost anything that you want to, all you need is a positive, can-do attitude coupled with hard work, dedication and a commitment to succeed. I look forward to the day I am reading about your achievements.
– Rachel Ward
