Chantemerle

About us

Established in 1966 by the Wegmüller family, Chantemerle is a private boarding and day school in Switzerland.

Established in 1966 by the Wegmüller family, Chantemerle is a private boarding and day school in Switzerland. During the school year, Chantemerle prepares students ages 4 to 16 in the key moments of their education, leading them to internationally recognized diplomas.

Chantemerle also specialises in French Immersion programs, as well as Summer and Winter language camps.

The school is beautifully located in the French part of Switzerland between Geneva and Montreux, overlooking lake Léman and the Swiss alps, in the charming and picturesque village of Blonay which is renowned for its 13th century castle and its antic steam train that passes at the foot of the property.

Chantemerle can accomodate up to 60 pupils. This relatively small capacity allows us to provide personalized attention for each child, as well as maintaining high academic standards.

The school is situated on 7 acres of landscaped garden, with a private forest and river. Chantemerle boasts of an interesting background.

The main building dates from 1914 and its first visitors were French soldiers in need of medical attention during the Great war. Since 1980, Chantemerle has considerably developed and extended its facilities including light and spacious classrooms fully equipped with multimedia facilities.

The south facing wings house most of the boarding pupils in a homely 2-3 or 4 bedded rooms.

Sports facilities include a tennis court, an archery range as well as football, basketball and volley indoor and outdoor courts.

Our main goal is to assist each student in reaching his / her full potential through personal and academic success. We achieve this objective through an individualized and positive teaching approach in a structured and warm atmosphere. Students from all over the world come together to study and live at Chantemerle.

Once they have left Chantemerle, as adults, they continue their lives with the strong sense of solidarity and friendship that characterizes our school.

Diploma

Preparation for French, Swiss and HSC entrance exams and Diplomas

Chantemerle offers 3 programs to choose from

Internationally recognized program from kindergarten to middle school. Chantemerle prepares for the French, Swiss and International High School entrance exams as well as the official language diplomas (DELF, Cambridge and DaF). Reinforced programs in Maths, French, English and German, as well as individual support and tutoring are important parts of our teaching approach. After graduating, some of our students maintain residency at Chantemerle and prepare for the French or International Baccalaureate (IB), or the Swiss Maturity with one of our partner schools.

2-week to 10-month stays designed for non French-speaking students (local expats or foreign students) willing to learn French during their academic school year. After 3 months, students can sit the official DELF exams. Students staying for the whole year attend regular classes with the objective to validate one year of study in Switzerland (Study Abroad Program). Graduating students can return home with a new language without loosing a school year, or continue their studies in Switzerland at Chantemerle or with one of our partner schools.

2-week to 6-week stays. Intensive language courses (English, French or German) with official certifications (DELF, Cambridge and DaF). Maths, Science and Robotic camps. Soccer camps. Many sports, artistic and cultural activities. Discover Switzerland, nature walks and excursions. In the winter, ski camp with the Swiss ski school.

At Chantemerle, we consider personal development as important as academic success. Many extracurricular activities, sports (winter skiing), arts, social and cultural are proposed on campus or outdoors. In particular, our Performing Art workshops (circus, song and instruments, dance and theater performance) allow our students to discover and grow their talents.

Location

Chantemerle is beautifully located in the French part of Switzerland between Geneva and Montreux, overlooking lake Léman and the Swiss alps, in the charming and picturesque village of Blonay which is renowned for its 13th century castle and its antic steam train that passes at the foot of the property.

The school is situated on 7 acres of landscaped garden, with a private forest and river. Chantemerle boasts of an interesting background. The main building dates from 1914 and its first visitors were French soldiers in need of medical attention during the Great war.

• Chemin de Chantemerle 7
• 1807 Blonay
• Switzerland

French Immersion Programme

Learn french as a second language may strengthen college applications

Person Growth Activities

At Chantemerle we believe that personal growth and well being, sports and artistic activities are as important as academic success.

Bilingual Elemantary and Primary Sections

The primary section at Chantemerle offers small class sizes allowing individual and personalized attention. As early as age of four, students at Chantemerle pre-school section begin to explore the stimulating world of learning in an international environment. The preschool is taught by professional and caring French and British teachers.

The aim of the primary section is to achieve basic literacy, numeracy and methodology skills, building a solid foundation for the secondary section. The curriculum is based on the seven key knowledge and competencies of the French National Education, with a particular emphasis on calculus, French grammar, and foreign language skills (English and German).

This rigorous system was established in the 18th century and is regulated by the French Ministry of Education. Updated programs and teaching directives are published several times a year in the Bulletin Officiel de l’Education Nationale (B.O.) that is used as a teaching reference worldwide.

Internal and national examinations (Epreuves cantonales, Cambridge and DELF exams) are regularly implemented across the years to assess knowedge acquisition and to validate our teaching methods.

A large percentage of students who begin at Chantemerle become so proficient in French and English that they are able to continue their studies in any of these two languages. More specifically, international students and local expats who follow our French Immersion Program learn French in one academic school year while following their original class program.

After one year, students may continue their studies at Chantemerle or re-integrate into their original curriculum. German is the other important foreign language taught at Chantemerle and initiation to the German language is offered in cycle 3 of the primary section.

Being outdoors and close to nature is part of students’ life offering a balanced environment to children. We have our own playgrounds, garden and terrace overlooking the lake. Live arts and performance also play an important role in the life of Chantemerle students.

In particular, ballroom dancing as well as circus and clown workshops are organized once a week in preparation of the bi-annual school’s Talent Show. Most of our students also play an instrument (piano or guitar) and are encouraged to sing in the school’s choir.

Secondary Section

An Ambitious Academic Program Leading Preparing For International, French And Swiss High School Programs

Chantemerle’s curriculum is based on the French National Education guidelines with a strong focus in Maths, French, English and German.

Chantemerle’s secondary section accomodates up to 30 students ages 11 to 16 and prepares for the “Brevet National des Collèges” examination. Non-French speaking students can also enter this section through the French immersion programme.

Our educational approach:

To recognise each students’ existing knowledge and potential and to build on it

To build a solid foundation in Maths, French and languages

To develop self-confidence, discipline and autonomy

To teach each student that with the right mindset and hardwork they can learn anything

To involve the parents as partners to help us implement our educational vision

Our main objective:

The main objective at the secondary level is to consolidate the primary foundations and to build the core knowledge and skills necessary for succeeding in high school and University.

Our key strengths:

An internationally recognised curriculum (Education Nationale Française)

An innovative, yet traditional teaching approach

A structured, stable family setting

A unique French immersion program for non French speaking students

A motivated and experienced teaching staff

Program overview:

• The program is based on the 7 key competencies of the French national core curriculum with a strong emphasis on Maths, French writing, English and German. The French “Brevet National des Collèges” as well as the ECR of the canton de Vaud (Epreuve cantonale de référence) help assess students’ knowledge acquisition and to validate our teaching methods.
• Access to high school programs is possible in any school system (International, Swiss French). Students willing to enter public high schools in canton de Vaud can join our 11e HarmoS program. Chantemerle partners with Alphalif in Lausanne to offer full board residency to students willing to prepare the Swiss federal maturity.

2014 results:

• 13/14 success in “Brevet des Collèges”
• 100% success in DELF and Cambridge exams

French immersion program:

• Chantemerle welcomes foreign students as well as local expats willing to improve their French skills. During the school year, permission is usually granted from the student’s main school, as time abroad and additional foreign languages are highly esteemed by universities, and add value to a student’s application.

Chantemerle is a 5-day or 7-day boarding school. Boarding students study, eat and sleep at Chantemerle. Most of them return home for the weekend.

Chantemerle is also a day school for students who live locally. Day students benefit from flexible arrivals and departure times between 07h45 and 19h30. They attend class with the full board students, may have three meals / day and can participate in all the extra-curriculum activities at no cost.

At Chantemerle we believe that personal development, sports and artistic activities are as important as academic success. Every day has its afterclass activity program in place.

Within a warm and friendly atmosphere, students of different ages and nationalities learn to live together with harmony and respect for others. Once they have left Chantemerle, as adults, they will continue their lives with the strong sense of solidarity and friendship that characterizes our school.

Students are housed in pleasant 2, 3 or 4 bedded rooms and are acommodated according to their age, gender and friendship. The children are encouraged to decorate their rooms with personal items. The rooms may also be used as a study area, or to simply relax.

At Chantemerle, the Wegmüller family and certain staff members reside on the premises near the children. This allows children to be well and safely accomodated. Anne White, our school nurse lives in the school and is attentive to any health-related issues that may arise.

Maintaining a strong family link with parents is essential. At Chantemerle, the use of electronic devices is permitted on weekends in order to not distract children during the week, children can be contacted by phone/skype through our computer room.

Healthy eating and learning to eat healthy is important at Chantemerle. Our school recently received the Fourchette Verte quality label which promotes a well balanced meals with particular emphasis on serving fresh fruits and vegetables bought from local farmers. Every Sunday, Chantemerle’s chef bakes our own traditional bread.

Chantemerle welcomes you to discuss any specific dietary requirements for your child.

Learn French as a Second Language May Strengthen College Applications

From September to June: 2-week to 10-month stays, full immersion in a French-speaking environment. This program has been designed for foreign students who want to practice French during their academic school year and experience life in a boarding school.

Students have intensive French classes in the morning, and are invited to attend curriculum classes in the afternoon (maths, sciences, history, arts). Long term students can sit the DELF exam and validate a full study year at Chantemerle. The program is very popular during the ski season between January and March.

This French immersion program has been designed for non French-speaking students (local expats, foreign students, study abroad students) who want to practice French during their academic school year or the summer and experience life in a boarding school.

During the school year, permission is usually granted from the student’s main school, as time abroad and additional foreign languages are highly esteemed by universities, and add value to a student’s application.

Competitive colleges are clearly signaling that a demonstrated proficiency in a second language would strengthen an application. Life in college and after college is becoming increasingly globalized, so strength in a second language carries a lot of weight with admissions counselors.

In the US, Stanford would like to see three or more years, and Harvard urges applicants to take four years. In Switzerland, both the University of Lausanne and the EPFL consider that a B2 level in French (C1 level recommended) is required in order to follow Bachelor’s programs taught at EPFL.

Students can enroll for short and long stays (2 weeks minimum) between September and June. The program is very popular during the ski season (January to April). Students are assigned to their appropiate level and courses are adapted to their age and interest.

Surrounded by French-speaking students of the same age as well as French-speaking teachers, the student in immersion can rapidly progress in French while continuing with his/her academic studies. Students in the French immersion program for at least 3 months are encouraged to present the DELF examination.

The DELF diploma is a set of internationally recognised certificates for French language skills. Starting age 8, each of the seven levels sets a minimum standard of French knowledge and skills, allowing them to be used as a benchmark in a number of situations. Those students with the DELF diploma are exempt from language entrance exams at French and Swiss Universities.

Students enrolled in this program will be invited to participate in Chantemerle’s rich program of afterclass activities and excursions and can benefit from this opportunity to make new friends, learn about different cultures and make memorable experiences.

Chantemerle welcomes boys and girls from all over the world to spend an unforgettable summer studying a new language and discovering Switzerland with plenty of fun activities.

AROUND 60 STUDENTS, AGE GROUPS: Juniors (6 to 11 years), Teens (12 to 16 years)

DATES: from July 23rd to August 6th 2015 (arrivals/departures every Sunday)

DURATION: 2 to 6 weeks (3 weeks is the minimum period length of stay we recommend to see significant progress)

LODGING: Residential full board or day school, 24/7 supervision

PROGRAMS: morning classes (09h00-13h00-24 hours/week), activities in the afternoon, evening and weekends

1. INTENSIVE LANGUAGE COURSES: French (DELF program), English (Cambridge program), German (DaF program), all levels.

2. SCHOOL REVISIONS: METHODOLOGY APPLIED TO Mathematics and French, all levels.

3. SCIENCE ALIVE!: Science camp in English (fun hands-on Science, programming/robotics) for students 12-16

ACTIVITIES: sports and games, creative workshops, circus skills and talent show, visits and excursions across Switzerland, picnics and themed parties, 2-day overnight trip to Europa-Park

PRICES: 2 weeks: CHF 3’300, 3 weeks: CHF 4’400, 4 weeks: CHF 5’500, 5 weeks: CHF 6’600, 6 weeks: CHF 7’700. Prices are all inclusive (full board, courses and materiel, airport transfers, all activities including 2-day trip ti Europa-Park in Germany)

Dates

A Fun and Effective Way to Learn a Second Language

Intensive French, English and German courses. Students improve their grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills while applying them in daily life situations. New: possibility to sit the official DELF and Cambridge certifications during the last week in July. Afterclass activities are numerous, varied and fun!! Play sports, discover Switzerland and have fun at Europa-Park.

Hands-on Sciences & Robotics

Weekly modules, Chantemerle proposes a dual learning experience: bring English language closer to students through hands-on fun science experiments, programming and robotics. This ambitious program has been designed in partnership with anyone4science, an award-winning Irish company, and the University of Lausanne.

Language course in the morning (English, French, German), soccer camp in the afternoon with the Juventus Junior Soccer School. Afterclass activities are numerous, varied and fun!! Play sports, discover Switzerland and have fun at Europa-Park.

Afterclass Activities During the School Year

• At Chantemerle we believe that personal growth and well being, sports and artistic activities are as important as academic success. Every day has its afterclass activity program in place that is coordinated by professional teachers and educators.

Chantemerle’s four traditional sports

At Chantemerle all students are encouraged to participate to the following four sports:

• Team sports (rugby, soccer, volleyball, basketball)
• Self defense/martial arts (ju jitsu/nunchaku)
• Target sports (archery, air shooting)
• Running & swimming

Artistic activities

Live art and performance skills are important at Chantemerle. Twice a year, our students participate in the Chantemerle’s Talent Show where they can put in practice what they have learned during the year.

• Theatre and improvisation
• Breakdance and ballroom dancing
• Singing
• Piano and guitar
• Circus skills

Other sports

• Tennis (private lessons available)
• ski, snowboard, iceskating
• Mountain hikes

Excursions, visits around Switzerland

Many excursions and visits are organized thoughtout the year. Chantemerle owns its own private buses with professional drivers. Our classic trips include:

• Walking in the mountain (Chambery, Morgins, Moléson, Pléaides, Paccots)
• Shopping in the city
• Promenade around lake Geneva
• Visits to Swiss Historic cities (Lausanne, Bern, Bâle)
• Visits to museums (Musée de l’Alimentarium, Musée Suisse du Jeu, Musée Giannada, Fondation Beyeler, Musée de l’art brut )
• Underground Salt Mines of Bex, Chocolate Factory Nestlé, Castle of Gruyères, Castle of Chillon
• Visit of the university of Lausanne and the EPFL
• Overnight excursions at Europa-Park in Germany
• Picnics and blueberry picking

A Major Challenge in Teaching Is to Address the Heterogeneity of Classes and Value Students Differences

School is a challenge for all children affected by learning disabilities. The most common disorders are specific deficits in reading and writing (dyslexia), those related to maths (dyscalculia), attention or hyperactivity problems.

The school plays a central role not only in the diagnosis but also in assisting the child with learning disorders. Chantemerle is not able to provide direct specialist help. However, small classes and informed teachers together with the assistance of specially trained external therapists (as needed) help build confidence and results.

Early diagnosis and monitoring

• The diagnosis of a learning disability must be established as soon as possible, to successfully set up using the most effective for the affected child. To this end, a speech specialist / French speech therapist is attached to the school and participates in diagnostic and weekly monitoring in partnership with parents and teachers.
• Training courses are set up to train our teachers and facilitate the implementation of specific educational activities in the classroom setting and in the boarding school, for example:

Specific Educational Management

• learning methods adapted to the needs of all students
• Special courses and examination management
• Explain to the class the need for educational facilities
• Reassure and encourage