INTERNATIONAL GERMAN SCHOOL HEFEI
Two Pathways, One School: German Bilingual and English International.
Welcome to the International German School Hefei
From Kindergarten to Grade 12, IGS Hefei offers families a choice of two academic pathways: a German–English bilingual programme and an English-medium international programme for learners from across the world.
Our curriculum in both pathways combines strong academic standards with a global outlook, fostering language proficiency, critical thinking, and the personal skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Whether your family is relocating from Germany, another country or already lives in China, IGS Hefei provides a solid foundation for academic and personal success and supports smooth transitions into German and other international school systems.
Join us in shaping a vibrant, international learning community in Hefei.
Our curriculum in both pathways combines strong academic standards with a global outlook, fostering language proficiency, critical thinking, and the personal skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Whether your family is relocating from Germany, another country or already lives in China, IGS Hefei provides a solid foundation for academic and personal success and supports smooth transitions into German and other international school systems.
Join us in shaping a vibrant, international learning community in Hefei.
Heide Schaffer
Head of School
Head of School
MESSAGE from the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the IGS Hefei. We are excited to partner with you in nurturing your child’s potential. Our goal is to create a vibrant learning community where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
IGS Hefei is more than a school; it’s a place where children flourish. We offer a stimulating environment characterised by care, creativity, and a global perspective. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including a STEAM floor, Makerspace, and a performing arts centre, inspire innovation and exploration.
Our highly qualified teachers are dedicated to igniting a lifelong love of learning. They serve as learning facilitators, guiding students towards their full potential. Our curriculum emphasises critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and practical skills. Through excursions, performances, and real-world experiences, students gain invaluable insights.
Ready to embark on this extraordinary educational journey with us? We warmly invite you to visit our campus and discover the IGS Hefei spirit.
Heide Schaffer, Head of School
MISSION STATEMENT
The International German School Hefei (IGS) aims to create a place of cultural exchange and encounter where learners acquire the skills needed to thrive and lead self-determined, fulfilling lives with heightened sensitivity and responsibility for themselves and the environment.
This goal is rooted in a balanced development of motor, cognitive, and emotional skills, particularly the cultivation of perception, linguistic awareness, media literacy, and critical engagement with various knowledge domains and ways of thinking.
The programme encourages learners to act authentically, creatively, respectfully, and be solution-oriented, while appreciating cultural differences.
GreenShift – Page-Building Gutenberg Blocks
SCHOOL PROFILE
Benefits of Two Systems.
Both of our pathways are designed to provide a well-rounded education that meets international standards and reflect our strong focus on STEAM, foreign languages, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Through our field-tested language support programmes, learners with limited German or English can join our school community at different stages and receive the tailored support they need to succeed.
Our German bilingual pathway is rooted in the German education system, ensuring a strong foundation in core subjects from Grades 1–10. For upper secondary (Grades 11–12), IGS Hefei is preparing to offer an internationally recognised qualification that opens doors to universities in Germany and around the world.
Our English-medium pathway is built on the Cambridge International Curriculum, providing a clear, progressive framework in core subjects from Primary through Lower Secondary (Grades 1-8). It combines academic challenge with a strong focus on critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. For Grades 9–10, IGS Hefei is preparing to offer the IGCSE, followed by International A Levels in Grades 11–12. Both qualifications are widely recognised by universities and colleges around the world.
To foster a truly holistic education, both pathways are complemented by co-curricular activities, and additional learning opportunities that support the balanced academic, social, and personal development of every learner.
Through our field-tested language support programmes, learners with limited German or English can join our school community at different stages and receive the tailored support they need to succeed.
Our German bilingual pathway is rooted in the German education system, ensuring a strong foundation in core subjects from Grades 1–10. For upper secondary (Grades 11–12), IGS Hefei is preparing to offer an internationally recognised qualification that opens doors to universities in Germany and around the world.
Our English-medium pathway is built on the Cambridge International Curriculum, providing a clear, progressive framework in core subjects from Primary through Lower Secondary (Grades 1-8). It combines academic challenge with a strong focus on critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. For Grades 9–10, IGS Hefei is preparing to offer the IGCSE, followed by International A Levels in Grades 11–12. Both qualifications are widely recognised by universities and colleges around the world.
To foster a truly holistic education, both pathways are complemented by co-curricular activities, and additional learning opportunities that support the balanced academic, social, and personal development of every learner.
Dual Curriculum Pathways
We offer two high-quality pathways. Both lead towards internationally recognised qualifications and smooth transitions to schools and universities worldwide.
Bilingual & English-Medium Instruction
Families can choose between a German bilingual pathway (core subjects taught in German with subsidiary subjects in English) and an English-medium pathway (all subjects taught in English, with foreign language options). In both pathways, daily lessons build strong speaking, reading and writing skills.
Balanced, Future-Ready Curriculum
Our programmes combine a strong foundation in core subjects with a modern focus on STEAM, languages, and social studies. This balanced approach builds problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking for the 21st century.
Innovative Approaches to Teaching
Teaching at IGS Hefei goes beyond textbook learning. In the German pathway, Learning Landscapes structure longer blocks of independent and small-group work, including units of student self-reflection. In the English programme, Discovery Pathways offer project-based units where learners research, create products and present their results to classmates and parents.
Systematic Language Support
We offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) and German support (DaF) in small groups or in-class support. New learners receive a clear language plan, regular assessment of their progress and targeted help so that they can follow subject lessons confidently.
Cultural Exchange & Intercultural Learning
IGS Hefei is a hub for international families and the local community. Our diverse student body and school events foster intercultural understanding, global awareness, and a strong sense of belonging.
PROGRAMME
Guiding Each Step of the Educational Journey.
From Kindergarten to upper secondary, both our pathways are planned as clear, connected stages. At each level, learners build on what they have mastered before so they are well prepared for the next grade, later school transitions and, eventually, university or vocational pathways.
Kindergarten & Preschool
(Age 3-6)
In our Kindergarten and Preschool, children learn through play, stories and exploration. Teachers plan short, hands-on activities that emphasise enquiry-based learning and cultural exploration, fostering curiosity and a love for learning from an early age.
From the academic year 2026/27, IGS Hefei will offer two Kindergarten pathways: a German Kindergarten preparing children for Grade 1 of the German bilingual stream, and an English Kindergarten with a dedicated bridging programme into Cambridge Primary Grade 1.
In both groups, children develop early literacy and numeracy: they work with picture books, songs and first writing exercises, and play games that build counting, sorting and pattern-recognition skills. The English Kindergarten introduces children to reading and writing in a play-based setting without formal assessments, so that they gain confidence before starting Grade 1.
Social-emotional development is a core focus. Daily routines, circle times and cooperative games help children learn to share, take turns, express their feelings and show empathy. Creative activities and indoor/outdoor movement sessions support both fine and gross motor development and give every child the chance to explore their interests and strengths.
From the academic year 2026/27, IGS Hefei will offer two Kindergarten pathways: a German Kindergarten preparing children for Grade 1 of the German bilingual stream, and an English Kindergarten with a dedicated bridging programme into Cambridge Primary Grade 1.
In both groups, children develop early literacy and numeracy: they work with picture books, songs and first writing exercises, and play games that build counting, sorting and pattern-recognition skills. The English Kindergarten introduces children to reading and writing in a play-based setting without formal assessments, so that they gain confidence before starting Grade 1.
Social-emotional development is a core focus. Daily routines, circle times and cooperative games help children learn to share, take turns, express their feelings and show empathy. Creative activities and indoor/outdoor movement sessions support both fine and gross motor development and give every child the chance to explore their interests and strengths.
Primary School
(Grade 1-4)
In Primary, children move from play-based learning into more structured lessons while still experiencing a lot of hands-on, exploratory work.
In both of our pathways, learners have daily lessons in English or German and Mathematics and gradually take on subjects such as Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, and ICT. The German stream uses Learning Landscapes—longer work phases with stations and choice tasks—while the English stream offers Discovery Pathways, where children work on small projects, create posters or models and present their results.
Teaching groups are small, allowing teachers to differentiate tasks and give individual feedback. Regular reading times, mental maths routines and short reflection circles help children build strong basic skills, good learning habits and confidence for the next stage of schooling.
In both of our pathways, learners have daily lessons in English or German and Mathematics and gradually take on subjects such as Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, and ICT. The German stream uses Learning Landscapes—longer work phases with stations and choice tasks—while the English stream offers Discovery Pathways, where children work on small projects, create posters or models and present their results.
Teaching groups are small, allowing teachers to differentiate tasks and give individual feedback. Regular reading times, mental maths routines and short reflection circles help children build strong basic skills, good learning habits and confidence for the next stage of schooling.
Secondary School
(Grade 5-10)
In Secondary, learners are taught by an international team of subject specialists. Lessons follow clear weekly timetables with core subjects such as English, German, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, complemented by Art, Music, PE and, where applicable, a second or third language.
From Grade 5 onwards, expectations gradually increase: learners work with subject-specific textbooks, complete longer projects and presentations, and learn how to take structured notes, revise for tests and organise their work independently. In the German pathway, the curriculum is aligned with the German education system for Grades 5–10; in the English pathway, students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework until Grade 8 and then move into the two-year IGCSE programme in Grades 9-10, leading to internationally recognised qualifications.
Throughout Secondary, we systematically prepare students for later advanced qualifications. Regular feedback, study-skills units and counselling support smooth transitions back into the domestic German system or into other international schools and programmes (including future A Level or IB options).
From Grade 5 onwards, expectations gradually increase: learners work with subject-specific textbooks, complete longer projects and presentations, and learn how to take structured notes, revise for tests and organise their work independently. In the German pathway, the curriculum is aligned with the German education system for Grades 5–10; in the English pathway, students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework until Grade 8 and then move into the two-year IGCSE programme in Grades 9-10, leading to internationally recognised qualifications.
Throughout Secondary, we systematically prepare students for later advanced qualifications. Regular feedback, study-skills units and counselling support smooth transitions back into the domestic German system or into other international schools and programmes (including future A Level or IB options).
Upper Secondary Programme
(Grade 11-12)
IGS Hefei is a Candidate School* for the IB Diploma Programme. The school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that IGS Hefei believes is important for our students.
This is why for learners coming through the German pathway, IGS Hefei intends to implement a bilingual globally recognised qualification that is designed to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of higher education and beyond. While our certificate would be accepted by top universities worldwide, specific course requirements would need to be met for it to be recognised as a university entrance qualification in Germany.
For learners following the English pathway, IGS Hefei also intends to offer an international A Levels option as the natural continuation of the IGCSE programme. A Levels are taught in English, typically over two years, and allow students to specialise in a small number of subjects, providing a strong profile for applications to universities around the world. The school is currently working towards full Cambridge International accreditation, which we expect to complete in early 2026; the final list of subjects and starting date for A Levels will depend on accreditation timelines and student demand.
This is why for learners coming through the German pathway, IGS Hefei intends to implement a bilingual globally recognised qualification that is designed to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of higher education and beyond. While our certificate would be accepted by top universities worldwide, specific course requirements would need to be met for it to be recognised as a university entrance qualification in Germany.
For learners following the English pathway, IGS Hefei also intends to offer an international A Levels option as the natural continuation of the IGCSE programme. A Levels are taught in English, typically over two years, and allow students to specialise in a small number of subjects, providing a strong profile for applications to universities around the world. The school is currently working towards full Cambridge International accreditation, which we expect to complete in early 2026; the final list of subjects and starting date for A Levels will depend on accreditation timelines and student demand.
*Only schools authorised by the IB Organisation can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
The most valuable thing one can give a child is love and a good education.
EDUCATIONAL PRINCIPLES
How We Make Decisions About Learning.
Our educational principles describe how we work with children and young people every day. They guide teachers and learners when planning lessons, projects and open learning environments, and help us make consistent decisions in new or unfamiliar situations – for example, when trying out a different teaching method or responding to a student’s individual needs.
Fostering an Appreciation for Cultural Diversity
In our classrooms you will hear German, English and often a third language. Children share traditions, stories and celebrations from their home countries, and topics such as “identity” appear in different year groups. School events (e.g. international food days, project exhibitions, language weeks) give students regular chances to experience and value other cultures – and their own.
Creating a Welcoming Space for Every Student
Each class has a homeroom teacher who looks after day-to-day wellbeing and is the first contact for families. Small class sizes, clear rules against bullying and a quiet place for individual support help new students settle quickly. Regular check-ins, parent meetings and cooperation with our support team ensure that every child is seen and has access to the help they need.
Nurturing Well-Rounded Individuals
Our timetable combines solid academic subjects (e.g. Maths, languages, Science, Social Studies) with Art, Music, PE and project time for every learner. Students are encouraged to try out new interests through clubs and enrichment activities, from sports and music to coding or creative projects. This mix allows children and young people to discover their strengths and build confidence beyond pure test results.
Expanding Horizons through Real-World Learning
Learning at IGS Hefei is regularly taken outside the textbook. Classes visit museums, companies and cultural sites in and around Hefei and work on projects linked to real questions (for example, “How can we reduce waste at school?”). Older students conduct small research projects, interviews or surveys and present their findings to classmates, teachers and sometimes parents.
Encouraging Social Engagement and Responsibility
From Primary onwards, students take on age-appropriate responsibilities – class jobs, buddy systems, student council, or helping to organise school events. Service projects and charity activities (such as collections, awareness days or environmental campaigns) are built into the school year. In class, learners discuss why these actions matter and how their decisions affect others, locally and globally.
LEARNER PROFILE
Cultivating Your Child’s Full Potential.
Our learner profile describes the habits and skills we deliberately build in everyday school life so our students can grow academically, socially and personally.
Principled Learners
We help students learn to do the right thing even when it is difficult: they admit mistakes, keep agreements and treat others fairly. Through class rules, reflection talks and small service projects, they practise taking responsibility for their choices and for the people around them.
Curious Minds
In lessons, students are invited to ask their own questions, test ideas in experiments and projects, and follow up on topics that interest them. Regular enquiry tasks, research assignments and reading time help them build the habit of wanting to understand “why” and “how”.
Global Citizens
Every day, students work and play with classmates from different countries and language backgrounds. They learn multiple languages, compare cultures in Social Studies and language lessons, and take part in international projects or theme days that encourage them to see issues from more than one perspective.
Creative Problem-Solvers
From Primary onwards, learners are given real problems to work on – from designing posters and models to planning solutions for school or community issues. They brainstorm, test different approaches and present their results, learning that there is often more than one good answer to a challenge.
Confident Communicators
Students regularly present their work, take part in discussions and collaborate in pairs and groups. They practise expressing themselves clearly in different languages, using tools such as posters, slideshows or short videos, so that they can share ideas with different audiences.
The work of education is divided between the teacher and the environment.
Maria Montessori
CAMPUS & FACILITIES
Inspiring Learning Environment.
Our campus is designed for up to 360 students, keeping distances short and the atmosphere personal. Classrooms are light, modern and sized for small groups, so teachers can work closely with each learner.
Different areas of the school support different types of learning: rooms for science and practical work, spaces for art and music, and flexible areas for group projects, presentations and exhibitions. This allows us to link classroom teaching with experiments, creative work and real-world tasks.
Shared spaces such as the library, common areas and outdoor zones are used for cultural events, clubs and community activities, helping students and families to meet, collaborate and feel at home on campus.
Different areas of the school support different types of learning: rooms for science and practical work, spaces for art and music, and flexible areas for group projects, presentations and exhibitions. This allows us to link classroom teaching with experiments, creative work and real-world tasks.
Shared spaces such as the library, common areas and outdoor zones are used for cultural events, clubs and community activities, helping students and families to meet, collaborate and feel at home on campus.
Learning & Innovation
Science & STEAM Facilities
On the upper floor, we have dedicated science rooms where students can carry out practical work in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Modern lab equipment, safety setups and digital tools allow classes to run regular experiments and STEAM projects that link science with maths, technology and everyday life.
Makerspace
Our Makerspace is a flexible workshop room with workbenches, hand tools, craft materials and basic robotics/technology kits. Teachers use it for project work where students design, build and test things – for example models, simple machines, displays or small coding and robotics activities.
Classrooms & Digital Tools
Our classrooms are bright, modern and set up for small groups. Each room has a board and display screen or projector, with access to shared devices and reliable Wi-Fi. Teachers use a mix of books, notebooks and digital tools for research, presentations, quizzes and collaborative tasks, so technology supports learning without dominating it.
On the upper floor, we have dedicated science rooms where students can carry out practical work in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Modern lab equipment, safety setups and digital tools allow classes to run regular experiments and STEAM projects that link science with maths, technology and everyday life.
Makerspace
Our Makerspace is a flexible workshop room with workbenches, hand tools, craft materials and basic robotics/technology kits. Teachers use it for project work where students design, build and test things – for example models, simple machines, displays or small coding and robotics activities.
Classrooms & Digital Tools
Our classrooms are bright, modern and set up for small groups. Each room has a board and display screen or projector, with access to shared devices and reliable Wi-Fi. Teachers use a mix of books, notebooks and digital tools for research, presentations, quizzes and collaborative tasks, so technology supports learning without dominating it.
Cultural & Social Spaces
Grand Performance Theatre
Our theatre seats around 600 people and is used for school assemblies, concerts, plays, parent information evenings and guest talks. A professional stage, lighting and sound system give students regular opportunities to perform and present in front of a larger audience, and the space can also be shared with the wider community for selected events.
Arts Studio & Gallery
The arts studio is a bright room with large windows, tables for group work and plenty of storage for materials. Here, students work with paint, clay, drawing and mixed media. Finished pieces are shown in the adjoining display area, so that artwork from different age groups is visible to classmates, staff and visitors throughout the year.
Library & Study Rooms
The school library offers fiction and non-fiction in English, German, Chinese and other languages, along with a cosy reading corner for younger children and quiet tables for older students. Small side rooms can be used for group projects or individual study, making the library a central place for reading and research.
Our theatre seats around 600 people and is used for school assemblies, concerts, plays, parent information evenings and guest talks. A professional stage, lighting and sound system give students regular opportunities to perform and present in front of a larger audience, and the space can also be shared with the wider community for selected events.
Arts Studio & Gallery
The arts studio is a bright room with large windows, tables for group work and plenty of storage for materials. Here, students work with paint, clay, drawing and mixed media. Finished pieces are shown in the adjoining display area, so that artwork from different age groups is visible to classmates, staff and visitors throughout the year.
Library & Study Rooms
The school library offers fiction and non-fiction in English, German, Chinese and other languages, along with a cosy reading corner for younger children and quiet tables for older students. Small side rooms can be used for group projects or individual study, making the library a central place for reading and research.
Well-being & Community Areas
Central Atrium
Our central atrium is a shared space where students and staff meet between lessons, hold small exhibitions and gather for informal events. It is used for class displays, information stands and occasional performances, and gives the school a clear “centre” where people naturally come together.
Garden & Outdoor Spaces
The campus includes small garden areas and outdoor paths where students can get fresh air during breaks or use the space for simple observation tasks in Science. The terraces on the upper floors provide additional outdoor space for class activities or quiet reading when the weather allows.
Cafeteria
The cafeteria is where students and staff eat lunch together. A rotating menu offers warm meals and a balanced, nutritious diet. We work with families and providers to take common dietary needs into account and to encourage healthy everyday choices.
Indoor Gym
Our indoor gym includes a marked volleyball court and space for a range of activities such as basketball, badminton and general PE. Classes use it for regular sports lessons, after-school clubs and small internal tournaments, giving students the chance to stay active throughout the school year.
Our central atrium is a shared space where students and staff meet between lessons, hold small exhibitions and gather for informal events. It is used for class displays, information stands and occasional performances, and gives the school a clear “centre” where people naturally come together.
Garden & Outdoor Spaces
The campus includes small garden areas and outdoor paths where students can get fresh air during breaks or use the space for simple observation tasks in Science. The terraces on the upper floors provide additional outdoor space for class activities or quiet reading when the weather allows.
Cafeteria
The cafeteria is where students and staff eat lunch together. A rotating menu offers warm meals and a balanced, nutritious diet. We work with families and providers to take common dietary needs into account and to encourage healthy everyday choices.
Indoor Gym
Our indoor gym includes a marked volleyball court and space for a range of activities such as basketball, badminton and general PE. Classes use it for regular sports lessons, after-school clubs and small internal tournaments, giving students the chance to stay active throughout the school year.
Accessibility & Transportation
Location in Hefei
Our campus is located in the centre of Hefei with good road connections to key residential areas, parks and cultural sites. Classes regularly use the city for outings – for example to museums, exhibitions or green spaces – so that learning can be linked to the local environment.
School Bus Shuttle
We operate a school bus service on fixed routes with set pick-up and drop-off points. All buses are equipped with seat belts, and younger children are handed over directly to a parent or guardian at their stop. Routes are reviewed regularly to keep journeys as short and straightforward as possible.
Our campus is located in the centre of Hefei with good road connections to key residential areas, parks and cultural sites. Classes regularly use the city for outings – for example to museums, exhibitions or green spaces – so that learning can be linked to the local environment.
School Bus Shuttle
We operate a school bus service on fixed routes with set pick-up and drop-off points. All buses are equipped with seat belts, and younger children are handed over directly to a parent or guardian at their stop. Routes are reviewed regularly to keep journeys as short and straightforward as possible.
ENROLMENT
Become Part of Our Learning Community.
Find out all you need to know about our admission process, school fees, and how to register your child to join our vibrant educational community.
NEWS & EVENTS
Highlights from IGS Hefei’s Vibrant Community.
Latest News
Kindergarten Project Work:“Airplanes & Travel”
Last month, we were able to introduce an important tool of our pedagogical work while diving into an exciting new … Read More
A Touch of Home
Our traditional German Christmas market enchanted the school community The air was filled with the scent of cinnamon, delicious … Read More
Kindergarten Baking Day
Around the time of St. Martin’s Day, it is a cherished tradition in Germany to bake small goose-shaped cookies called Martinsgänse—a … Read More
International Reading Day at the IGS
Our school celebrated a heart-warming Vorlesetag filled with stories, voices, and creativity! Under the theme“Reading Aloud, Speak Your … Read More
Putting Our Odd Socks Forward
This year our school took a fresh approach to the national anti-bullying initiative by extending Odd Socks Day into a full Odd Socks Week, … Read More
Upcoming Events
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