BLOG | OUR PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH

Our Class of 2025 graduates averaged 35 points in the IB Diploma Programme. The global average? 30.58. And that gap tells a story. 

Over the past twenty years, we've refined how we support students at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School so each one gets what they need to succeed. 

Their 100% pass rate speaks for itself, but our approach looks at more than that.

Every young athlete knows the tug-of-war between sport and school. Early mornings on the slopes or in the pool. Evenings filled with training instead of homework. The dream of competing at the highest level feels close enough to touch, yet the fear of falling behind in class is never far away.

At Haut-Lac International Bilingual School in Switzerland, we believe no child should have to choose between chasing medals and earning their IB diploma.

Who best to get advice from on IB studies, applying to university and starting work than people who have been there, done that?

People like the Haut-Lac School ambassadors and graduates, who came back to share their experiences and tips with our current students at the first Haut-Lac Alumni Summit.

Picture this: a school without the constant buzz of notifications, where students actually look up from their screens and engage with the world around them. It might sound like a far-fetched idea, especially to those for whom mobile phones have become an extra limb.

But what if ditching the devices during school hours could open up a whole new world of focus, creativity and genuine connection?

Summer’s out!

Ok, ok, we may be getting ahead of ourselves. There is still a week before secondary students are back on campus at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School. We just thought we’d check in with them to ensure they’re ready for the start of term.

As the new academic year approaches, it’s time to start preparing for the first day of school. Whether you’re a seasoned Haut-Lac School family or about to join our Swiss international community, setting up good habits early on can help make the transition easier.

That’s it! The second cohort of students at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School have completed the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) curriculum. We caught up with them just before they headed off on study leave to find out their thoughts on this more industry-oriented IB programme.

Today is a day for celebrating science, more specifically the women who have and are helping to shape scientific progress around the world. To mark this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we wanted to look closer to home and reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusivity and support in STEM fields.

At Haut-Lac International Bilingual School, fostering a love for literature transcends the boundaries of language and culture.

From infant section picture books to the famous words of Shakespeare and Molière in Secondary, its Swiss and international students are immersed in a rich tapestry of literature as they progress through school on their individual journeys of self and international discovery.

Scene opens on Haut-Lac International Bilingual School’s Praz-Dagoud campus.

Lights come on stage left, where Managing Director Grainne and Primary Deputy Head Sally are waving goodbye to the last of the students heading off for the Christmas holiday.

They stop and turn to face each other.

Sally: That’s all of them safely with their families.

Grainne: Yes. Only the usual end-of-year-round-up with the team to go before we all head off too.

In today's interconnected world, a quality education transcends borders and opens doors to a multitude of opportunities. It is not one size fits all, but rather a personalised route to success based on each student’s learning needs and future goals.

Everyone likes travelling. Whether it’s to see family and friends or just to get away and breathe, it’s most people’s plan A. The problem, however, is that the perpetually flourishing hospitality industry is in great need of qualified hotel managers, event manager, chefs and other personnel to continue creating exceptional experiences abroad.

Sound up your street?

Twenty years’ ago, when I asked my Science teacher why I had to learn about Pavlov and his dog if I didn’t want to be a scientist, she replied “because it’s part of the curriculum”.

In one way, I guess she was right but it was not the answer that was going to get me to go above and beyond in my learning.

What do you do when faced with a problem? Do you sit their and stare at it? At first maybe, but you’d eventually get up and do something else or find someone to discuss it with. Why? Because you need a fresh take on it. A new way of looking at it. A new idea.

“Come, join me for a stroll through the Haut-Lac grounds.”

“Errr, why? Last I checked, school playgrounds don’t make the best walking routes.”

“Yea, normally, but the Haut-Lac gardens are different. If you can tear yourself away from its breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, you will find them to be an ecological learning haven.”