BLOG | OUR PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH

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.

At Haut-Lac International Bilingual School, physical education plays a crucial role in the development of young children. It is not just about staying active. It is an integral part of the curriculum that enables children to both develop their physical and personal skills and shape their character.

We do teach kids how to run or kick a ball, but more importantly we foster a love for movement that will lead to solid foundational skills and healthy habits.

Imagine a classroom where students aren't just reading about science, but actively discovering it. Picture children making predictions, testing ideas and drawing conclusions about the world around them.

This isn’t science fiction – it’s the power of the scientific method in action.

Five secondary students at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School were very fortunate to attend the Villars Institute Symposium at the Villars Palace, in Switzerland. The event brings together global leaders, innovators and youth every year to explore urgent questions on climate action, sustainability and systems leadership.

As spring turns into summer, older students at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School are spending more time out enjoying extra-curriculars, local events, balmy evenings with friends. Whilst we’re lucky to live in a peaceful, close-knit community, it’s becoming increasingly clear our teens are encountering situations that call for stronger awareness and more mature decision-making.

Graduating from Haut-Lac International Bilingual School in 2023 marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my academic journey.

Today, I am studying Natural Sciences at Homerton College, University of Cambridge, with a focus on environmental sciences.

At Haut-Lac School, we believe in fostering both academic growth and student well-being. Our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) curriculum plays a key role in shaping responsible, mindful and emotionally-resilient individuals, who are prepared to navigate the challenges of the modern world.

The humanities encompass the traditional school subjects of history and geography, which are combined and taught together through interconnected themes at Haut-Lac School.

These themes provide infant and primary classes with rich learning experiences, which focus on humanities as learning about places in time rather than as discrete academic subjects. They centre on key concepts and address four main world issues, or ‘C’s: conflict, culture, communication and conservation.

At Haut-Lac School, French is taught through a personalised approach so each student can progress at their own pace. We tailor lessons to individual levels and needs to ensure every student receives the support they need to develop their language skills effectively.

Hello! My name is Victoria. I’m 16 years old and an alpine ski racer.

I started skiing at age three near where we live in Les Paccots, and then began skiing in Morgins. From there, I joined the ski team and skied with Morgins until I was 12. I then joined Ski Valais for four years.

Now, I’m in my second year of FIS (International Ski Federation) racing.

In today’s tech-driven world, the art of cursive writing often feels like a relic of the past. Yet, at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School, we firmly believe that teaching cursive writing remains a vital component of a well-rounded education.

Here’s why we integrate cursive writing into our curriculum and how it continues to benefit our students.

As part of our Child Safeguarding Awareness series, we will be using the Haut-Lac School blog to communicate accurate information on topics that could impact our school community. One such issue is bullying, a term which is frequently used but often misunderstood, especially within the framework of our Child Safeguarding Policy.

At Haut-Lac International Bilingual School, we are deeply committed to providing every child in our care with the right environment and resources to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. As part of our broader Child Safeguarding Policy, attendance plays a key role in safeguarding student well-being and development.

Let’s Take Learning Outdoors!

The “Outdoor Classroom” is an educational approach that involves conducting learning activities outside, in nature, or an outdoor environment, rather than in a traditional classroom.