Admission

Thank you for your interest in the SISS Primary.

The State International School (SISS) is the only State International School in Hesse. This means that the school follows the educational and administrative regulations of the State of Hesse in Germany.

Children in Germany begin their primary education when they reach six/seven years of age; the cutoff date for school beginners in the State of Hesse is the 30th June. Children who turn six after the 30th June will start school in August of the following year.

At SISS Primary, all students are invited to take an admission assessment before they can be offered a place at the school. The main criteria for acceptance at the SISS Primary are English language abilities. General school readiness is a requirement for those children who are applying for Flexible Lower Primary Year1 (see Admission)

The language of instruction is English and 85% of the lessons are taught in English (following the English National as well as the IPC curriculum). In order to be able to cope with the curriculum, the command of the English language (native speaker level) is a requirement for admission.

The student’s ability to follow lessons in the age-appropriate year group will be evaluated according to SISS grade level expectations during the admission assessment. Due to differences between international school systems, we reserve the right to make internal decisions about the child’s placement in the appropriate SISS year.

Please read “Conditions of admission” and “Process of application” for further information. For more details regarding the financial terms please see Financial Terms in the Download Section.

People of all nationalities and faiths should feel welcome and at home at SISS. We believe that a genuinely religious ethos is based on universal values which are formative for people of all faiths and is respectful of traditions other than our own. The presence of children from different/ other cultural backgrounds and denominations is seen as an enrichment of the educational experience offered by the school and as a practical expression of the commitment to inclusive education. Throughout the academic year there are opportunities for families from different cultural backgrounds and faiths to share their traditions (e.g. Diwali celebration, Ramadan, Sugar Feast). This is considered as a genuine, hands-on opportunity to learn about certain traditions from peers, parent volunteers or teachers.

We also wish to uphold the host country’s culture, traditions and “characteristic spirit” which to some extent have their roots in a religious context. Certain events are extracurricular (e.g. “Schuldorf Schulfest” ,“Halloween Spooktacular”, “Feuerfest”, “International festival”). Other festivities are part of the curriculum ( e.g. “Carnival”, “Lanternwalk” in Lower Primary, “Christmas market” / “Christmas production” for the whole Primary School,”). During the preparation period for these events some lessons, e.g. in IPC, Art, Music, Assembly, will be dedicated towards the event. Depending on the character of the event this can include practicing and rehearsing lines, poems, songs and/or dances as well as props or gift making activities (cross curricular approach). Out of respect for the sensitive areas of other faiths and cultures, our aim for our whole school production around Christmas is to present a variety of contents with a focus also on non-religious aspects. No-one will be expected to pray, say or do anything against their beliefs.

At the SISS we consider school festivities and celebrations as a valuable and enriching experience in the child’s education. The children work together to put on a production or be part of an event. They develop social and emotional skills such as teamwork, confidence and patience.

We strongly believe that involvement in festivities and celebrations benefits the whole school community. It accomplishes a community feeling and supports a cooperate identity

Uta Wetterich 2017

Natural environment and space to experience for children in school

Where was your absolutely favourite place to play as a child?

Remember how exciting it was to explore the world outside.

Experience adventures, make discoveries – that’s all part of growing up.

It is the way that children learn about themselves and the world around them.

Sadly children today are unable or not allowed to go out to play and engage freely in play activities that a generation ago would have been taken for granted. Children should have the opportunities to explore, experiment, and experience the wide, wonderful world around them.

By providing outdoor activities Adventure Playgrounds create opportunities for children to learn cooperation, meet physical challenges and gain self-confidence.

As the all-day care of the SISS we initiated and set up an Adventure Playground on the school campus called Playgarden.

Together with the children and adolescents we create a space in our Playgarden, which is unique and special, with many fantastic benefits.

Among other activities each day we offer many different projects with the main topics crafting, nature and environmental education which also addressing sustainable thinking and acting. (see Supervision Program)

Our Playgarden is a lively, growing project!

We are looking forward to meeting you and your child there.