German International School Sydney - Terrey Hills NSW
An International Baccalaureate World School
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- Early Learning
- Primary School
- Secondary School
- Primary - Year 12 School
- P-12 Campus
- Non-denominational


- Community
- Languages
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Basketball
Bilingual, Multi-Cultural Co-Education
The German International School Sydney (GISS) offers the highest quality co-education in a continuous bilingual and multicultural environment for students from Preschool to Year 12. Our vision is to develop your child’s full potential and enable them to live a fulfilled life in tomorrow’s modern, fast changing global society.
Dedicated and forward thinking teachers provide holistic learning concepts aiming for every single student to achieve the best results they can. Students with no prior knowledge of the German language are welcome, as the school features a successful intensive language immersion programme leading to a high bilingual proficiency in both English and German.
From Kindergarten to Year 10 the School teaches a combined curriculum of both the New South Wales Syllabus and the German State Thüringen, following the NSW school calendar year.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) offered in Years 11 and 12 is a comprehensive two year programme involving a curriculum model which is focused around six academic subject groups. The IBDP is recognised worldwide as the best university preparation programme currently available to students completing post-secondary education.
GISS holds regular Open Days, however, prospective families are welcome to contact the school directly to arrange private school tours and to discuss their child’s individual needs. Furthermore, from Kindergarten to Year 10, students interested in joining the GISS community are invited to participate in classroom activities for a couple of days to meet fellow students and teachers, by appointment.
To arrange a school tour or trial day please visit: www.giss.nsw.edu.au or call: 02 9485 1900
Our focus is to encourage our students to study a broad curriculum to achieve individual academic success while also fostering personal development in preparation for life after school.
All children are welcome and it is not necessary to be familiar with the German language as we boast a successful intensive language immersion programme, leading to bilingual competency in both English and German. This method allows children to acquire a second language passively, by engaging them in authentic experiences in both languages. As children vary in their ability to absorb a second language this program style provides the opportunity for each child to develop their level of competency at their own pace.
Key School Facilities:
1. Indoor Sports Hall - The sports hall is mainly underground and with its stage can also be used for performances and assemblies for up to 400 people
2. Outdoor multisports field - A covered outdoor multisports field was added in 2015
3. Next door Swim School - The School uses the neighbouring Terrey Hills Swim School for parts of its physical education program
4. Varies outdoor play areas with sun covers
On Tuesdays during regular school hours, we offer a variety of co-curricular activities (AGs) for Kindergarten to Year 7 students. For more information visit: https://www.germanschoolsydney.com/en/school-life/co-curricular-activities
Acceptance: We provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Multi-lingualism: We have an appreciation of diverse languages and cultures.
Kindness: We create a nurturing environment where everyone treats each other with respect, empathy and consideration.
We are committed to unlocking each student’s potential, to inspire and challenge them to become responsible, reliable and confident bilingual adults.
2021
- GISS has been ranked in the top 100 schools in New South Wales (NSW), Australia according to an independent academic analysis by Better Education. Our secondary school placed #3 on the Northern Beaches, and #66 in NSW. While our primary school placed #17 on the Northern Beaches, and #275 in NSW. Read more
- Three students of a class of 20 graduating in the Nov 2021 session achieved scores of 40, 43 and 44 respectively, securing them positions on our Hall of Fame honour board. Our class average for this IB cohort was 34.6 (ATAR 92.5). Read more
2020
- GISS Secondary students come 2nd in NAPLAN tests on the Northern Beaches. GISS also made it into the top 50 schools in NSW. Read more
- Our Class of 2020 achieved a 100% pass rate with a class average score of 33, which is an ATAR of 90. Read more
2018

Our school is located in beautiful Terrey Hills on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Students from three to eighteen years old attend our school from Kindergarten through to the Year 12 International Baccalaureate (IB). All of our students have different personalities with diverse interests and individual pathways. They come from many different countries and speak either German or English or even both. They are part of a school community that not only carries but also inspires them.
Our pedagogical vision is to teach each child the values and competencies to face the challenges and changes in tomorrow’s world, and to lead a fulfilled life. We therefore work with a consistently bilingual, international, highly differentiated syllabus where the best pedagogical approaches are combined, where both the Australian and European cultures come together, and where we commit to the highest standard of quality. We offer an environment in which our students are accepted and encouraged, where Mathematics, Science and Technology play a major role, but where there is also enough space to develop sports, musical and artistic talents, and individual interests.
Many of our students are local. Even without prior knowledge of German, they are welcome to enrol in our school at any year level. We are a recognised NSW independent school that leads our students to achieve the IB, a world-renowned school qualification that enables and qualifies our students to study at the best universities worldwide, including Germany and Australia.
At the same time, as a recognised "Excellent German School Abroad", we encourage that our students from German-speaking countries develop their own language while they simultaneously acquire high-level English skills. This creates a unique international school community and culture that will enrich our students well beyond their school years.
We invite you to have a closer look at our school. You can do this by either exploring our website, attending one of our Open Days, or by calling us to arrange an appointment.
We look forward to meeting you.
Dr Lorenz Metzger
GISS Principal
(as voted by site visitors)
German International School Sydney - Terrey Hills NSW
Terrey Hills,
New South Wales