We welcome you to become a part of this dynamic GIFS Tiger family and please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Early Childhood (pre-K and Kindergarten) is a student’s introduction to the world of full-day academic training. Our program is founded on American education standards and designed to help students develop the skills and habits which will lead them to success throughout their academic careers. The homeroom is the place to learn the fundamentals of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Lessons are designed to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners, and students have the opportunity to access and share knowledge in a variety of ways to ensure that they fully understand the material. Students also learn the social skills and expectations which are necessary to live, play and work in harmony with those around them. With specialist Music, Art, and PE teachers, weekly visits to the library and computer lab and regular field trips to explore the community around them GIFS Early Childhood students are valued and productive members of the school community.
At the high school level at GIFS, Grades 9-12, all students are placed in a rigorous college preparatory program. In Grades 9 and 10, GIFS uses resources that are endorsed by Cambridge International Examinations as directly supporting their syllabuses and curriculum frameworks. These underpin the curriculum in secondary school. Each course takes two full years to complete and is adapted to the academic strengths, interests, and needs of our students. The grading system ranges from A* at the top to G at the bottom, with grades A* to C being recognized as good passes. A minimum of 5 good passes is required for enrollment in the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12.
Here, students sample many disciplines, which may prove to be a passion or interest in the future. In our program, we believe that by offering a variety of courses based on faculty talents and student interest, we can best prepare students for future academic challenges. Students also follow a course of study for personal, social, and health education called Life Orientation. Students are granted one graduation credit per year for one year of a course. Students must complete an array of required courses for a total of 25 credits through high school to graduate with a GIFS high school diploma. Families and students should refer to the School Handbook for specific graduation requirements.
Applications for admission to Gyeongnam International Foreign School are accepted at any time during the academic year that typically runs from late August to mid-June. Admission is open to students of all nationalities in Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Application for admission at all levels requires the completion of the registration form. Applications are made through the GIFS business office. An online application is preferred for the initial application.
The GIFS House System was adopted to nurture the student body as a whole. It is designed to promote school spirit and give a sense of belonging to all staff and students. Throughout the year, a range of house events and activities are organized to encourage healthy competition and peer support. The House System is an inclusive program that requires a cohesive and team-orientated approach from all students. It provides opportunities for leadership, teamwork, individual talent, creative development, physical skill, and intellectual challenge. All competitions reflect this ethos and students are required to work alongside other students from all age groups.GIFS Houses are named after Korean mythical characters: Bonghwang, Gumiho, Haetae, and Dokkaebi. Each student that attends GIFS is assigned to a house in our system. Siblings are kept together in the same house. House events and competitions add fun and camaraderie to our school community.
Gyeongnam International Foreign School realizes one of the most important decisions in a student’s life is choosing the right college or university.GIFS graduates go on to post-secondary studies, the majority of which attend high-ranking universities in the United States, Europe, or Asia. Gyeongnam International Foreign School provides the guidance, tools, and opportunity for students and families to prepare to successfully enter some of the most competitive universities in the world.
GIFS believes that learning with peers is vital for student development not only academically but also socially and emotionally. With that in mind GIFS’ ELL program ideally occurs in the student’s classroom with the collaboration of the ELL instructor and classroom teacher. However, pullout ELL is used when a lack of English skills is preventing a student from succeeding and interacting within the regular classroom environment. At GIFS, the ELL program has two streams. The first stream focuses on regular ELL support and offers classes that teach speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The second stream is for remedial English tutoring in writing and grammar. Students are assessed quarterly to determine their level of the program.
