As the only German school abroad to make it to the final round, GESS is particularly proud to be awarded second place in 2022’s German School Award, presented once a year by the Robert Bosch Stiftung.
Under the motto “Making schools better”, the focus this year was on teaching quality. More than 80 schools had applied and gone through a rigorous selection process, which saw an assessment committee visiting GESS on 14 June. A team of experts from school practice, science and administration conducted classroom visits and interviews with the school management, teachers, pupils and parents. In addition to the quality of teaching, the focus was on the innovative concepts with which the GESS supports its students in their learning in order to prepare them optimally for the future.
After on-campus assessment of the 20 best, GESS was able to distinguish ourselves through forward-looking teaching, good team structures and a multi-professional support centre, providing children with strong support, advice and encouragement. GESS was then captured in a school portrait by a film crew sent by the award organiser.
A delegation from GESS consisting of Principal Stefan Pauli, three students and two teachers flew to Berlin for the award ceremony. At the same time, fingers were crossed in the Singapore staff room, viewing the live broadcast. There was great joy when GESS received the second prize alongside three other schools.
We speak with Mr Pauli on GESS’ award.
Mr Pauli, you have just returned from Berlin. How was the trip?
It was a unique experience not only to be there at the award ceremony with our GESS team, but also to meet the other nominated schools and their representatives. Of course, the fact that we won an award was the crowning glory of our stay in Berlin.
You saw many different school portraits in Berlin. What do you feel makes GESS special, to be awarded its recognition?
I believe the jury summed it up very well. We have overcome many challenges to eventually establish stability and operational viability in recent years, with multi-professional teams working towards the same goal and common good of GESS.
What priorities have we established to keep GESS in such a good position for the future?
The “Bund und Länder Inspection” and the Counsellor of International School report have already given us tasks for the future and our new 5-year plan also ensures that we will be meaningfully engaged. We will pay even more attention to the teaching and learning of our students, with the keywords being “personalised learning”. Existing programmes will be reviewed to see how they can be further developed and improved.
It was also an exciting week in Berlin for our three students Laura Maurer-Stroh, Toan David Huynh Ngoc and Kira Brettmann, with many impressions and interesting encounters. Laura Maurer Stroh, chairperson of the student council, tells us about her experiences.
What was particularly exciting about the award ceremony and your time in Berlin?
It was my first time in Germany, and I was very lucky to have the opportunity not only to visit the beautiful city of Berlin, but also to represent the school at the award ceremony. It was exciting to meet students from the other nominated schools. I left Berlin with some new friends! It was especially exciting when the presenter announced that we had won an award. It was a great feeling to be on stage with my classmates, teachers, and the headmaster.
Describe your experience as a GESS student.
I grew up at GESS and have seen it develop and change into what it is today. I really enjoy the calming and safe environment it provides. Many teachers are understanding and make the curriculum content interesting and relevant to real life. I also like the impact that the student council has on the school and the open communication between the student council and Mr Pauli. The headmaster really cares about his students and listens to the student council with enthusiasm.
What are you learning at GESS that you think is important for your future?
GESS prepares me for life beyond the safety barrier that school provides. We are given a lot of help and support with student counselling, and our classroom learning often deals with and discusses real-life problems. We are also taught values that are important not only for us as students but also for our future lives. We are constantly encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities that benefit the community outside of school.
The GESS takes this award as an incentive to continue implementing its innovative teaching concepts to support its students and give them self-confidence for the future.
