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.
Discovering the library
In an era where screens are everywhere, it’s easy to see why people think libraries are dying. However, with 46'360 book loans in 2023, that is far from the truth at Haut-Lac.
Cosy and bright, the Praz-Dagoud library is a hub of activity with weekly infant and primary library sessions, a multilingual storytelling afternoon, holiday reading challenges and more. It’s through this early exposure to literature that many of the children develop a love of the written word that sticks with them all the way through school and beyond.
It’s a fun, sure-fire approach that enables the children to broaden their horizons and ignite their imagination, generating the curiosity required for learning and problem-solving later.
Developing empathy and understanding
Haut-Lac’s IB English and French literature programmes further cultivate literary engagement by exposing secondary students to a plethora of literary genres, styles and perspectives.
As students question, evaluate and interpret the themes and messages in texts spanning different cultures, histories and human experiences, they develop not just their critical thinking, but also empathy and understanding. They therefore enhance not just their comprehension skills, but also crucial traits for navigating our increasingly interconnected world.
Taking literature further
Similarly to the ethos of the Jaipur Literature Festival, during which writers, readers and thinkers from around the globe celebrate words, ideas and cultures, literature at Haut-Lac extends far beyond the classroom.
Students hone their communication skills and nurture their creativity by participating in local writing competitions like the French writing contest, Plume de Lion, or in workshops with real, modern day authors like Wetu.
Or develop their intellectual curiosity, their public speaking and a strong sense of camaraderie during extra-curriculars like international MUN debates, speed-booking sessions, booktube competitions and more.
Ultimately, the emphasis placed on reading and literary exploration by Haut-Lac International School serves as a gateway for young learners to embark on a lifelong journey of self-discovery.
By fostering a love for literature and encouraging critical thinking, creativity and empathy, the school equips students with the tools they need to understand the world and themselves and empowers them to become informed, empathetic global citizens poised to make a positive impact on the world.
Emma Dowou
Haut-Lac Communications Coordinator