Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers to your questions
The most important questions of parents have been collected here.
After-School Activities and Excursions
What extracurricular activities are offered?
Extracurricular activities give students the opportunity to explore their talents, try out new things, and pursue special interests in a more informal setting. Excursions are an integral part of the school program. In addition to remedial lessons anchored in the curriculum, IGS offers a wide range of artistic, musical, athletic, and craft-related activities. These activities take place in the afternoon from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, either led by teachers or external professional providers
Books and Library
Can books be borrowed from the library?
Students and parents can borrow books and games from the school library.
Cafeteria and Catering
What meal options does the school cafeteria offer?
The cafeteria offers a balanced selection of healthy meals. Students can choose between a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian option every day. In addition, fresh salad is available daily.
The weekly menu is published for parents.
The weekly menu is published for parents.
Classes and Grade Levels
What grade levels are offered at IGS?
The school is divided into:
– Primary School (Grades 1 – 4)
– Secondary School I (Grades 5 – 10)
– Secondary School II (Grades 11 – 12)
Currently, grades 1 – 8 are open at IGS. Grades 5 and 6 serve as an orientation stage. The school will gradually grow to include grades 9 – 12.
The U6 section (under 6 years old) welcomes children aged 3 – 6 years. A preschool program for future schoolchildren is implemented as part of the school’s entry program.
– Primary School (Grades 1 – 4)
– Secondary School I (Grades 5 – 10)
– Secondary School II (Grades 11 – 12)
Currently, grades 1 – 8 are open at IGS. Grades 5 and 6 serve as an orientation stage. The school will gradually grow to include grades 9 – 12.
The U6 section (under 6 years old) welcomes children aged 3 – 6 years. A preschool program for future schoolchildren is implemented as part of the school’s entry program.
Digital Media
How do digital media support teaching?
IGS uses educational software in various areas of teaching, enabling students to learn at their own pace, sometimes independently of location.
ICT lessons are integrated into the timetable from grade 1 onwards. With playful enthusiasm, students begin solving simple programming tasks at an early age.
Tablets are available for primary school students. From grade 5 onwards, students bring their own notebooks or tablets (Bring-Your-Own-Device policy). Additionally, the school offers devices for loan when needed for specific lessons.
ICT lessons are integrated into the timetable from grade 1 onwards. With playful enthusiasm, students begin solving simple programming tasks at an early age.
Tablets are available for primary school students. From grade 5 onwards, students bring their own notebooks or tablets (Bring-Your-Own-Device policy). Additionally, the school offers devices for loan when needed for specific lessons.
English Language
Do children learn English at IGS?
The school program at IGS is bilingual. In addition to German as the main language of instruction, selected subjects are taught in English. As a result, students acquire a high level of proficiency in both languages at an early age.
Students with no prior knowledge of English can join a special entry program.
Students with no prior knowledge of English can join a special entry program.
German Language
Does my child need to speak German to be admitted to IGS?
Admission is possible even without prior knowledge of German.
A special entry program is available for students without German language skills.
A special entry program is available for students without German language skills.
Graduation
What qualifications can be obtained at IGS?
The target qualification is a bilingual diploma.
With this diploma, students earn an international university entrance qualification, which can also be recognized in Germany under certain subject requirements.
With this diploma, students earn an international university entrance qualification, which can also be recognized in Germany under certain subject requirements.
Nationalities
Where do the students come from?
Our students come from diverse backgrounds. We welcome children from the following groups:
Foreign nationals legally residing in China
Residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan legally residing in China
Chinese nationals who legally reside abroad and hold a foreign passport
Children of highly qualified talents, provided they meet relevant regulations
This diversity enriches our school environment and fosters an international learning atmosphere.
Foreign nationals legally residing in China
Residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan legally residing in China
Chinese nationals who legally reside abroad and hold a foreign passport
Children of highly qualified talents, provided they meet relevant regulations
This diversity enriches our school environment and fosters an international learning atmosphere.
Physical Education
Is physical education part of the curriculum?
All students participate in physical education classes in the school’s gymnasium. Additionally, the extracurricular program offers further sports activities.
Psychological Support
Is there a contact person for learning difficulties or giftedness?
A school counselor is part of the IGS team.
School Bus
Is there a school bus service?
The school bus picks up the children directly at their front door and brings them to IGS on time together with their friends. The bus routes are planned based on the registrations. Seats can be requested through the school office.
School Day
How long is the school day?
The school day starts for all students with an open arrival from 7:30 am. The first lesson begins at 8:00 am. School ends at 3:50 pm, with the option to participate in extracurricular activities from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Teachers
Who teaches at IGS?
Qualified native-speaking teachers teach both in the U6 section and throughout the school.
Transfer to the German School System
Can students easily transition into the German school system if families return to Germany after two or three years?
Yes, as we follow the German curriculum, with additional regional adaptations. Our program meets all central requirements of the German educational system based on the curriculum of the federal state of Thuringia.
Teaching Curriculum
What curricula form the basis of teaching?
In grades 1 – 10, lessons are based on the curriculum of the federal state of Thuringia, with regional adaptations. The program is bilingual, with selected subjects (such as ICT, Art, Music, Ethics) taught in English.
The U6 section follows the quality framework for kindergartens and preschools at German Schools Abroad, as well as an internal language learning concept.
The U6 section follows the quality framework for kindergartens and preschools at German Schools Abroad, as well as an internal language learning concept.