FAQ’s
1. How many children are in each class?
We have a maximum of 20 children per class. Where applications are received in excess of 20 a waiting list will be opened and parents will be kept fully informed. We strongly advise that families arrange interviews and submit applications well in advance of the anticipated joining date. Please contact our Registrar for further details regarding this issue.
2. When is the best time to join the school?
The best time is at the beginning of the academic year in September. Entry may occur at any time during the school year.
3. Do children arrive and leave during the school year?
This occurs with a relatively small number of pupils.
4. Are there an equal number of boys and girls in each class?
Generally there are equal numbers, but it may vary from year to year.
5. Which nationalities are represented in your school?
We are an International and multicultural school with between 30 and 40 different nationalities. We have approximately 45% German children who are bilingual.
6. Does my child need to speak English?
At Nursery level your child does not need to be fluent in English as he/she will learn to communicate by the end of the year, in preparation for the Reception class. All lessons are taught in English. Pupils for school entry are asked to complete simple assessments in English. We offer termly programmes for non- native English speaking children, who can join the main school once their English has reached an adequate level.
7. What do I do if my child needs to improve his/her English?
We have an ESL (English as a second language) department and extra help is provided as necessary. Your child’s level of English can also be improved during holiday courses .
8. How can I, as a parent, improve my German or my English?
For a minimal extra cost lessons in both languages are provided for parents and their friends during the school day.
9. Do you offer extra-curricular activities?
We offer a full range of lunchtime and after school clubs for all pupils from the age of five. Some of the many clubs offered are Sports, Spanish, Photography, Music, Art, Drama, Golf and Cookery. We offer “Shackleton” (junior Duke of Edinburgh) for age 7 – 14 and the Duke of Edinburgh award for older pupils. These outdoor pursuits include orienteering, rock climbing, camping, and other activities that promote team-building and an awareness of environmental issues.
10. Does your curriculum include Sports?
Sports lessons and activities are offered for all age groups. Pupils from the age of 3 – 6 enjoy a weekly Dance lesson. We also have school football and cricket teams. These teams represent the school in sporting events.
11. In which year do German language lessons begin?
Oral German lessons for non-native German pupils begin at Nursery level. All Pupils from Reception Class onwards are taught five oral and written lessons per week following the Bavarian syllabus.
12. Which other languages are taught?
The core modern foreign languages we offer are English, German and French. Additionally courses in Spanish are available.
13. What is your policy concerning religion?
There are many differing faiths represented in the school. The children study comparative religion, learning about many world faiths. We believe that this will lead to greater tolerance and understanding.
14. What happens if a child needs extra tuition in a particular subject?
This will be provided during lunch time or after school. Homework Club and Prep Hour are supervised by teachers and guidance is provided. Regular Subject Clinics are provided by our teachers after school to further assist pupils with possible weaknesses.
15. What is your policy concerning educational trips?
As part of the school curriculum, all pupils from the age of seven are offered the opportunity of being part of a residential trip occurring during the Summer term. As part of the curriculum, all pupils attend educational visits throughout the academic year.
16. Where do your teachers come from?
Most of our teachers come from the United Kingdom or other English speaking countries. We also have teachers who are native speakers in other languages offered by the school.
17. Please describe the examinations your pupils are entered for.
We offer the General Certificate of Secondary Education in thirteen subjects. This is a two year course. Pupils continue to study for the Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level examinations for a further two years. We also offer the IB (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) as an alternative to the A-Level course,
18. Is it necessary to have passed GCSE qualification, in order to commence to A-Level or IB?
All pupils need a qualification achieved at the age of 16 before commencing the A-level or IB course. Universities require a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C or above. Pupils are individually mentored concerning subject choice.
19. How many GCSE’s are equivalent to a ‘High School Diploma’?
Five GCSE’s are equivalent to the “High School Diploma” – the required subjects are Mathematics, English, a second language, Science and a Social Science are required.
20. How many AS options do pupils select?
Every pupil is mentored individually. Pupils normally study three, four or more subjects.
21. How many A-Level subjects do pupils study?
Pupils study for three, four or more subjects according to their AS results.
22. Can my child join or leave half way through their GCSE or A-Level / IB?
This should be avoided wherever possible. Examination Board or syllabus differences should be taken into consideration.
23. Will my child be accepted at a German University with A-Levels or the IB?
Both A-Level’s and the IB are internationally accepted. Entry into specific courses at a German University will be subject specific. Please contact the Bezirksregierung in Düsseldorf – Tel. No. +49 (0)211-475-5660/5664 for further information.
24. Where do your pupils attend university?
Our pupils attend top universities in many different countries, including: Cambridge; Imperial College, London; St. Andrew’s, Scotland; Manchester; Leeds; Liege and Cologne, to name just a few.
25. Where do most families live?
St. George’s families live in many different areas of Cologne. A large proportion live in Sülz, Rodenkirchen, Marienburg, Hahnwald, Junkersdorf and Mungersdorf. Some families commute from outside of Cologne or their children attend our boarding school.
26. Do you offer boarding accommodation?
Yes. Excellent accommodation is provided at School House which is situated whithin the school grounds.
27. Do you offer hot meals?
Hot meals are available and served in the school dining hall.
28. Do you have a school bus?
A school bus will be organised if there is sufficient interest from parents..
29. Are parents encouraged to become involved with the school?
We have an open-door policy welcoming all parents to meet with the staff to individually discuss any concerns that may arise.
Parents are encouraged to offer their assistance during the school day. Regular coffee mornings and social events occur throughout the year. “The Round Table” actively promotes fund-raising and our school charity. Every parent is encouraged to support the school, as a member of “The Round Table”. Parents may also choose to support our school as “A Friend of St. George’s” in our ‘Förderverein’ (Charitable Trust).
30. Does the school support a charity?
St. George’s supports many charities. The pupils are involved in activities to raise money such as: Marathons, Salvation Army “Tin Collection” Spellathons, sponsored bicycle rides and theatrical performances.
31. May I visit the school?
We cordially invite you to visit our school and experience St. George’s for yourself. Please contact the office – +49 (0)2233-80887-0 – to make an appointment with the School Director who will make you most welcome.