“Growing, Learning, Thriving – Differentiation in Action at GISA”

How do you actually do that?
The German International School Accra (GISA) continues to grow and flourish – on its way to achieving its first Intermediate Secondary Certificates (Mittlerer Schulabschluss) in 2028.
In our combined Grade 7/8 class, 16 young learners from Germany, Switzerland, Ghana, and the United Kingdom study together – a truly diverse group that brings GISA’s guiding principle “Building Bridges” to life every single day.

The students come with very different backgrounds: some are native German speakers, others speak German as a second language, and some only started learning German in March this year – including children from the Excellence Scholarship Program (ESP). Academic levels also vary: some students follow the Gymnasium curriculum, others the standard track.

Individual, digital, and collaborative learning
So how does it work in practice? Through differentiation, independence, teamwork, and targeted support.
In today’s mathematics lesson, students worked on different but connected topics: the Grade 7 learners calculated angles, while Grade 8 explored geometric transformations such as reflection, translation, and rotation. Meanwhile, one particularly gifted student challenged himself with problems from the Mathematics Olympiad.

The class worked in a flexible mix of individual and team settings – some with pen and workbook, others digitally with laptops and e-books. Learners moved between rooms and were supported not only by two teachers but also by two dedicated interns, who guided, explained, and encouraged them.

A vibrant example of modern learning
This lesson perfectly captures what makes GISA unique: learning in diversity, individual support, and innovative teaching practice.
Here, students don’t just learn mathematics – they learn how to shape the future.