A Preschool Surrounded By Nature: GESS Offers A Bilingual IB PYP Programme With Play-Based Learning

Looking for a bilingual IB PYP preschool for your little one? German European School Singapore (GESS) combines play-based learning with forest-school adventures that keep young learners curious and engaged. Read on to find out how.

German European School Singapore (GESS) isn’t your average bilingual preschool: it combines the academic benefits of an IB PYP-preschool programme with a forest-school programme that nurtures curiosity in young learners. Pair this with English, German and bilingual pathways and an established 55-year legacy, and you’ve got an environment where your little ones can thrive. Find out more about their programme for kids aged 2 to 18, and how you can see it all for yourself!

IB PYP Preschool with forest-school programme

Over at GESS’ IB PYP preschool, the curriculum follows a play-based approach and a forest-school programme that nurture children’s curiosity and encourage them to inquire and explore the world around them. Kids are exposed to a wide array of subjects, from outdoor learning and library lessons to music, art, sports and swimming, with each lesson thoughtfully designed to help them make real-world connections.

Beyond the classroom, the campus features multiple outdoor and sports facilities, including an award-winning outdoor playground and purpose-designed jungle learning area. In these outdoor spaces, kids can engage in water and sand play, providing a sensory-rich experience that helps them build teamwork and social skills and offers a fun counterbalance to the digital world.

Languages are also seamlessly woven into the curriculum. Lessons are conducted in English with daily German activities led by the German Language Team. This exposure and immersion in both languages help children build confidence and communication skills from an early age.

Small class sizes with opportunities for personalised learning

GESS has established a 55-year legacy of providing students with a holistic education. Each class is led by qualified early childhood educators and keeps a small student-to-teacher ratio of 1:5 to 1:10, depending on the age group. This ensures that every child has the chance to have all their questions answered and receive personalised attention from their teachers, creating a supportive environment that makes them feel seen.

The preschool facilities are also thoughtfully designed and feature over 50 dedicated learning spaces, including 23 learning pods and 13 sports facilities. There’s even a covered, heated pool where kids can comfortably enjoy their weekly swimming lessons while learning a new life skill. Plus, there are numerous nature reserves nearby, with Dairy Farm Nature Park right next door! Students have the opportunity to visit these nearby nature parks on class trips, where they can walk nature trails and observe different ecosystems.

GESS offers campus tours all year round, giving parents the opportunity to meet the Director of Preschool and learn more about how the school supports your children’s growth and development. Register for a tour here.

GESS – International School, 2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore 677621, Tel: (+65) 6461 0881, https://www.gess.edu.sg/