Haut-Lac

Philosophy

Students at Haut-Lac live and learn in a bilingual and multicultural environment. They are provided with a rich and varied dual-language academic and extra-curricular programme. Our aim is to give each student the opportunity to develop his / her full potential in the two working languages of the school, French and English. The development of organisational skills is highlighted from an early age to enable students to meet the challenges of the demanding bilingual programme. The concept of intercultural awareness is consistently promoted and students are helped to realise the importance of effective communication as the key to local integration and global understanding.

We believe that a bilingual educational programme enhances cognitive development and encourages students to be more organised in their work, more imaginative in their thinking and more sensitive to the needs of others. Families are encouraged to appreciate the fundamental importance of the continued promotion of their mother-tongue(s) and their native culture in relation to their children’s personal and linguistic growth. Our students are supported at all times to become increasingly more competent in the different languages to which they are exposed, allowing them to actively and confidently apply their skills and abilities within their everyday lives.

Bilingualism in Practice

At Haut-Lac all students are encouraged to work and learn in two languages, English and French. The bilingual academic curriculum at Haut-Lac begins in the Infant / Primary school with the implementation of an internally developed approach based on linked learning.

This leads into the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme in the Secondary school, adopted because the values it promotes closely correspond to our school’s philosophy, and culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme which prepares students for entry into further education.

In the Infant / Primary school the children in the bilingual classes follow their programme with a 50/50 language split (one day / one day). Students whose projected time of stay is too short to acquire the necessary proficiency to fully access Haut-Lac’s bilingual curriculum may be given the opportunity to study predominantly in English, whilst still having one lesson in French per day from the age of three.

At the Secondary level, the choice of principal language determines the structure of a student’s programme of studies. The proportion of French and English represented in any individual’s timetable can be adapted at different stages in response to his / her abilities and requirements. Diploma level students have the option to work towards obtaining a bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Extra-curricular activities in French and English, or a combination of both, form an integral part of school life. These experiences support the progress made within the academic programme and help students feel at ease in either language environment. German is introduced in the upper Primary school. Spanish is a subject option at IB MYP level.

Location

• Haut Lac is located in the beautiful village of St.-Légier.
• Ch. de Pangires 26
• 1806 St-Légier-La Chiésaz
• Switzerland

Crèche

Opened in November 2014 in Vevey, the crèche Les Marronniers is part of Haut-Lac International Bilingual School.

An experienced team of practiced, friendly, and competent professionals who actively listen to and take care of the children, adopt a bilingual (English/French) method using the “one person/one language” approach.

A theme-based programme linked to activities such as storytelling, handicrafts and outings reinforces their acquisition of vocabulary and language learning.

The strength of this bilingual nursery education lies in the encouragement of personal growth. Children are guided to develop at their own pace, undertaking activities appropriate to their individual rhythm and readiness for new experiences.

Opening hours: 07h30-18h30 non-stop

Infant and Primary School:

The Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is a co-educational day school for children welcoming children from the age of 3 to 11 years into its Infant and Primary sections.

The school building for this age group is situated opposite the Praz Dagoud playing fields in the commune of Saint-Légier, and is surrounded by beautiful views of the lake or the mountains from every floor, an enchanting environment for your children to learn and to grow in.

In Haut-Lac all children work and learn in two languages, either in the Bilingual section where they follow a programme with a 50/50 language split, or in the predominantly English section, where they still have one lesson in French per day from the age of three.

Haut-Lac puts the child at the centre of its activities and although there are many different nationalities and languages (45 and 25 respectively in 2013-2014), differing levels of ability, and varied curriculum experiences on arrival, we aim to guide the development of each and every child so that they can reach their maximum potential through an exciting, motivating, hands on and holistic programme of study.

The school believes not only in the importance of French and English, maths and science as vital components in any child’s education throughout their primary years, but also in the overarching impact of arts, sports and cultural awareness in creating well balanced children.

We aim high for every member of our community, parents, teachers and children. We work hard, we play hard and our community spirit and team work are second to none.

Secondary School:

The Haut-Lac Secondary school offers a programme of study from 11 to 18.

Passing through the IBMYP (International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme 11-16) and culminating in the IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma).

The focus for our students is to learn through a holistic approach. We strive to challenge our students academically orienting them towards a bilingual Diploma, however, we also underline the importance of using all their potential talents to the full whether that be in the world of music, art, sport or service to the community.

Our aim is to turn out mature independent individuals who know how to approach our ever-changing world with the tools to make their place in it.

Individual Educational Needs:

We know that some students will need additional support during part or all of their school education to ensure access to the whole curriculum. Therefore, the Individual Needs department at Haut-Lac aims to support and/or extend students by ensuring that their specific learning needs are addressed so that each student can achieve his/her potential.

Haut-Lac maintains a team of trained specialist teachers and assistants to work with those of our students who require support and/or extension.

Once a student’s specific learning needs have been identified, learning support and/or extension is provided by the class/subject teachers and the Individual Needs Team.

Learning support may be provided within the classroom setting, in small groups or on an individual basis dependent on the individual student’s needs. The opinion of outside specialists is sought where necessary. The Individual Needs Coordinators work closely with all academic staff to ensure that relevant information and advice about a student’s specific needs is shared together with suitable techniques and differentiation strategies.

All stakeholders in the student’s education are involved in planning the student’s individualized educational plans. As the needs of the students change so does the plan of support. Regular monitoring ensures that support and /or extension continues to be provided for as long as required.

High above Vevey, nestled between Montreux and Lausanne in the heart of the Lavaux wine-growing region, St-Légier is a charming village with panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the French Alps.

Small herds of sheep and cows still graze peacefully on private land harking back to its former rural origins. St-Légier is a perfect base from which to explore the region. There is a thriving tourism industry, in large part boosted by the stunning Unesco World Heritage site, Lavaux: 30km of terraced vineyards stretching from Vevey to Lausanne.

The so-called “terraces” enjoy a Mediterranean-style climate. There are no less than 8 wine producing areas along their route: Lutry, Villette, Epesses, St-Saphorin, and Chardonne, to name but a few, each one worthy of a detour.

Nestlé, Philip Morris, Kudelski and Logitech also have their headquarters in the region. Between them they employ a sizeable chunk of the local population, as well as numerous expatriates. Naturally, there is an extensive network of buses, trains and boats which makes it easy to get around.

A stone’s throw from St-Légier, the town of Vevey boasts numerous boutiques, shops, eateries and other metropolitan fare: cinemas, theatres, and bars.

The historical old town encourages you to wander and explore the interconnected alleyways and alcoves. You can stroll along the lakefront with an ice-cream in the summer, and sip mulled wine under the awnings of the Market Square in winter.

Montreux Riviera lies a short distance from Vevey. It is breathtakingly rich in natural beauty. Exotic plants and trees seem to spring out of nowhere. Its temperate climate and quality of life attracted the first wave of visitors around 200 years ago.

Wealthy Europeans, especially the English, were seduced by descriptions of Montreux and its castle in Lord Byron’s novel, Le Prisonnier de Chillon (1816). Together with La Nouvelle Héloïse (1761), by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, this caused people to flock to the region.

Today, Montreux still attracts wealthy tourists, many of whom stay at the Montreux Palace, a luxury 5 star hotel built in 1837. Montreux is also host to one of the biggest music gatherings on the Swiss calendar, the annual Montreux Jazz Festival.

The line-up always includes a host of international stars as well as young, up-and-coming artists. During the festival the town comes alive with open-air food stalls, arts and crafts markets, and of course, live music.