Prevention & Counselling

Empowering, Advising and Supporting Our School Community

Our school social work team supports and guides students in their personal and social development, helping to make our school a positive, child- and youth-friendly place to learn and grow. The team provides a trusted point of contact not only for children and young people, but also for teachers, parents and guardians, and other members of the school community. As a German school abroad recognised for excellence, we are firmly committed to child protection, which is an integral part of our school mission. Our school should be a safe environment for learning and personal development, where everyone’s rights are respected and interaction is free from discrimination and violence. Our Child Protection Policy strengthens prevention, establishes clear procedures and ensures that those affected receive appropriate support. As a German school abroad, we follow German quality standards and continuously review and improve our safeguarding measures to foster a school community in which everyone feels safe, respected and welcome.

Prevention – Building Strength for the Future

Prevention rather than reaction: we empower our students to take responsibility for themselves and others. We place great importance on early, comprehensive prevention initiatives, helping children and young people build confidence, recognise their strengths and act responsibly. Our key areas of focus are substance abuse prevention, violence prevention and anti-bullying.

Violence Prevention

From primary school onwards, students learn to develop positive behaviours, resolve conflicts peacefully and respond appropriately in challenging situations. Through drama-based activities, open discussions and team-building exercises, they develop empathy and self-awareness. In collaboration with a martial arts school, students also learn how to protect themselves safely and effectively in situations where they may be at risk. Our social skills programmes are closely linked to our violence prevention work. They specifically develop students’ social awareness, cooperation skills and flexible approaches to problem-solving, both within the classroom community and through individual sessions. Individual or class-based social skills training may be introduced when a student’s behaviour in lessons or other areas of school life gives cause for concern.

Substance Abuse Prevention

Together with our students, we explore the topics of addiction, drugs and their consequences in depth, particularly during project days in Grade 8. A dedicated prevention trip provides an additional opportunity for students to discuss these issues in a safe and supportive environment. An interdisciplinary project on eating disorders also examines the influence of the media and beauty ideals. In Grade 5, the focus is on the responsible use of digital media. Students develop essential media literacy skills and learn to use the internet and social networks consciously and critically. In Grade 7, the emphasis shifts to the risks of digital communication, particularly cyberbullying and the social impact of online behaviour.

Anti-Bullying

Respectful and considerate behaviour towards one another is a priority at German School Shanghai. There is no place for bullying in our school. Our school social work team helps foster an open and respectful school environment and serves as a trusted point of contact for students, parents and teachers dealing with conflict, exclusion or bullying. Together, we work towards solutions, strengthen relationships and actively promote a school culture free from bullying. Students also explore what bullying is and how everyone can help prevent it from occurring in the first place. One example is the Anti-Bullying Week for Grade 5, during which cooperative activities, films and group projects help students understand the importance of resolving conflicts constructively and building a positive classroom atmosphere.

Everyday Guidance and Support

Listening, providing support and finding solutions: our school social work team offers confidential guidance on a wide range of concerns, from school-related challenges and parenting questions to everyday worries. When conflicts arise, the team acts as a neutral mediator, helping those involved find a way forward. In acute crisis situations, team members provide sensitive and competent support, helping affected students process their experiences and, where appropriate, discuss them with their class. Students can also consult our external school psychologist for additional psychological support. She is available at school once a week and can be contacted at shorter notice when needed. In addition to individual counselling and one-to-one conversations, the school social work team can support class council sessions as required, helping to strengthen relationships and build a stronger sense of community within each class.

Building Trust

A welcoming place to pause, recharge and feel at ease. During every lunch break, students are welcome to visit the Pausenoase (a dedicated break and relaxation space) in the school social work office. It is a place to play, relax, talk and laugh – creating opportunities for trust to develop naturally. Free from lessons and academic pressure, the Pausenoase gives students the chance to switch off, recharge and connect with others.

Holistic Support for Every Learner

We support every child and young person in finding their own path to learning. By identifying, nurturing and challenging individual strengths and talents – including through assessment-informed approaches where appropriate – we aim to give every student the best possible opportunities to develop and thrive. Our goal is to inspire a love of learning, encourage motivation and help students build independence, take responsibility for their own learning and recognise their ability to make a difference.

An Extensive Extracurricular Programme

Whether sparking a spirit of invention, learning languages, getting involved in the community or achieving new sporting goals, our full-day programme incorporates around 300 extracurricular activities, giving students plenty of opportunities to explore their interests, develop their talents and build new skills.