When Haut-Lac was founded thirty years ago, Switzerland was a very different place.
We were a much less technologically-savvy society, ignorant of how much and how quickly the world was set to change. The values we instill in our students have therefore had to evolve over time to compliment these constant developments.
When you've been around for thirty years as an international school, you eventually begin to build quite an extensive alumni network.
You may have noticed an extra buzz around Haut-Lac these days. Or heard talk of something called C-I-S. What is it and why is it important?
Twenty years after moving to St-Légier, Haut-Lac International Bilingual School has become synonymous with the beautiful village. With its jaw-dropping situation over Lake Geneva, staff and students are treated to a new iteration of the iconic view every day through every season.
However, we were not always to be found nestled in this quiet paradise. Over the years, we have filled many buildings with the laughter and buzz of international school life. Do you remember attending school in any of these old haunts ?
As Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year (complete with festivities, of course), we've been digging into the archives. Now is a great time to reminisce over the many years of events, activities and shows we’ve shared with our students, teachers and families, so keep an eye out for throwback articles in the run up to the big milestone.
I was sitting in an Italian translation class at university one day, when my teacher asked the bilingual students to raise their hands. Educated at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School as I was, I put my hand up. I spoke English and French at home in Switzerland and was studying Italian at university.
The teacher proceeded to say that true bilingualism is only achieved when one can do everything to the exact same level in both languages. Incorrect as his assumption was, it is only one of many untruths spread about bilingualism.
Did you know Haut-Lac International Bilingual school is in its 30th year?
As a result, we have built an extensive network of past students who have made their lives and careers in every corner of the globe.
Whether you spent just one year at Haut-Lac or your entire schooling from our Les Marronniers nursery to your graduation day with us, you are an Haut-Lac alumnus. The following benefits are therefore yours!
School is a time of great exploration. Yet it can also be a time of great fear, or of self-consciousness.
Public speaking, answering questions in class and trusting one’s own voice are all hurdles many students learn to overcome during their school years. It’s not always an easy journey though.
That is why, at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School, we provide pupils with tools and experiences to help them have faith in their own opinions and ideas.
It’s been a month since the Haut-Lac Boarding House opened its doors. And in that month, a comfortable relationship has formed between our international boarders and their experienced house parents to create an Haut-Lac home from home. Yet living in this communal way is more than just a fun teenage adventure. It is a unique experience that will equip the students with the following key skills for later in life.
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, 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.
Haut-Lac student-athletes Victoria and Axel are enjoying a month’s rest after a very successful ski season with elite ski team, Ski Valais. We therefore managed to catch up with them to find out more about their sport, and of course to congratulate them. It’s not easy achieving such superb performances in slalom, giant slalom and super G, whilst staying so committed to their IB MYP studies.
Following on from this introduction to the Mantle of the Expert, MoE trainer Tammy recounts the journey of pedagogical discovery and deeper understanding she took along with six other Haut-Lac colleagues.
Have you ever been on a roll only to suffer a setback? With her horse Utino de la Cense II in recovery, Haut-Lac student-athlete Helena had to rethink her training for the upcoming show jumping season. We caught up with her to find out how things were going.
