St. George’s International School

About us

St. George’s International School in Switzerland was founded in 1927 by two young graduates of Oxford University, Lorna Southwell and Osyth Potts.

BOARDING SCHOOL

St. George’s International School in Switzerland was founded in 1927 by two young graduates of Oxford University, Lorna Southwell and Osyth Potts. In their undergraduate days at St. Hugh’s College, after the horrors of the First World War, they conceived the idea of founding a school in which children of all nationalities could share their learning and the difficulties of growing up.

Southwell and Potts hoped that the students with this experience behind them would as adults understand others better and thus contribute to the promotion of peace in the world. The school is known, however, for its devoted faculty and staff, who take their responsibilities very seriously. Students benefit from the rigour demanded.

Who we are

Founded as a British school, we uphold long established values and maintain high moral standards for students of all nationalities in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. We are accredited to a number of world renowned educational bodies.

We uphold traditional values and maintain high moral standards for students of all nationalities in a safe and spectacular French-speaking region of Switzerland.

Day School Fees Structure

St-George’s Day School Fees

school profile

St-George’s School Profile

MEET US AROUND THE WORLD

• St. George’s International School is happy to meet with you around the world. It is a perfect opportunity to stay in touch with your former school and/or meet our Director of Admissions for an individual meeting regarding your child’s education.
• Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to fix an appointment in your area.

LOCATION

St. George’s school is situated in the village of Clarens, between Montreux and Vevey, on a 45,000 square metre park near Lake Geneva/Lac Léman.

• Chemin de St. Georges 19
• 1815 Clarens
• Switzerland

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

At St. George’s International School, we focus on all facets of the students’ development. Thus, an emphasis on sport accompanies our cultural programmes in Music, Art, and Drama. These vary from year to year, depending on the staff and students’ interests.

Skiing is an integral part of St. George’s International School school life during the Winter Term. Students ski once a week at Les Mosses and have the opportunity to ski further afield at weekends. There is a ski trip each year (the duration and location of the trip varies dependent on Year Group).

Junior Department Clubs and Activities

• Badminton
• Busy Bee Club
• Choir
• Creative Arts
• Dance
• Drama
• Early Birds
• Football
• Fun Footy
• German for beginners
• Gymnastics
• Italian for beginners
• Late Owls
• LEGO ClubNew
• Maths Challenge Club
• Mixed Sports
• Netball
• Orchestra
• School Band
• Spanish for beginners
• Super StoriesNew
• Swim Team
• Swimming
• Table TennisNew
• Uni-Hockey/Ultimate Frisbee

Senior Department Clubs and Activities

• Badminton
• Basketball
• Business and EnterpriseNew
• Celtic
• Music Group
• Cheerleading New
• Cooking New
• Debating
• Duke of Edinburgh International Award
• Film-making
• Club
• Football
• Gardening New
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Language and Forensics Society
• Netball
• Photography
• Radio New
• School Band
• School Production
• Sewing
• Sketching
• Students League of Nations
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Theatre en FrançaisNew
• Urban Fitness New
• Yoga New

Junior School

St. George’s Junior Department is composed of Foundation Stage to Year 6 catering for students aged 3-11 years of age.

A broad and balanced timetable is offered in accordance with the British National Curriculum guidelines, tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. Learning takes places in English and French.

The aim of Foundation Stage (Foundation Stage 1 and Foundation Stage 2) is to provide a broad, balanced curriculum across 6 key learning areas: Creative Development, Physical Development, Communication Language and Literacy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Mathematical Development and Personal Social and Emotional Development.

Emphasis is given to learning through play and to developing each child’s learning. Children are monitored through a process of ongoing assessment to ensure they each maximise their potential. Learning takes place in both English and French.

The aim of Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) is to provide a broad, balanced curriculum which offers a wide range of subjects. Emphasis is given to establishing a solid base in numeracy and literacy, and to developing good study habits.

French, General Science, Topic (History and Geography), Information Technology, Art, Music and Sport are included in the curriculum. Additional English lessons are available for English Language Integration Programme (ELIP) students.

Children are assessed at the beginning and end of the academic year in literacy, numeracy and French in order to assess each student’s academic achievement. Music and part of the sport curriculum are taught in French, with Topic taught in French as an option, depending on ability.

The aim of Key Stage 2 (Year 3 to Year 6) is to provide a broad, balanced curriculum which offers a wide range of subjects. Emphasis is given to establishing a solid base in numeracy and literacy, and to developing good study habits in preparation for commencing the secondary school programme.

French, General Science, topic (Geography and History), Information Technology, Music, Art, and Sport are included in the curriculum. Additional English lessons are available for English Language Integration Programme (ELIP) students.

Children are assessed at the beginning and end of the academic year in literacy, numeracy and French in order to assess each student’s academic effort and achievement.

Towards the end of Year 6 the students are given detailed advice and information regarding the next stage of their academic programme in Lower Secondary School.

Music and part of the sport curriculum are taught in French, with Topic taught in French as an option, depending on ability.

Music: Many opportunities will be provided to allow the children to foster an enjoyment and appreciation of music and performances. Facilities are available for private tuition in certain instruments. Information about charges for these lessons can be obtained from the website. Learning takes places in English and French.

Information Technology: Students receive lessons in Information Technology from Year 1 to Year 6 in the school’s I.T. laboratory. The the use of computers is incorporated into classroom activities, where appropriate, throughout the school, using tablets and interactive whiteboards.

Learning Support: Those children who require extra help and support in their learning may benefit from individual or small group lessons with our Special Needs teachers (these may incur extra cost). Extra support is provided in class by our team of teachers and assistants, ensuring an excellent teacher to pupil ratio.

Religion: St. George’s International School is non-denominational and the school welcomes children of all religious persuasions. School assemblies promote moral values rather than religious values.

English: English is the main language of instruction. We aim to develop the following areas of English: speaking, listening, reading, writing, spelling and handwriting. We aim for all children to be competent in using language in everyday life and also to have experience and an appreciation of its value.

English Language Integration Programme (ELIP) exists to meet the needs of a large spectrum of pupils, from beginners to those who may need some regular curricular support. Children are encouraged to work to their own natural ability and are extended and supported where necessary in their learning.

Mathematics: We use a variety of resources and approaches which involves work on number, algebra, measure, shape and space and handling data.

Science: By developing the skills of observation, investigation and communication, we aim to encourage children to be aware of the importance of science in everyday life, and to develop a greater understanding of the world in which we live.

French: The children will learn the basics of this language through oral work, visual aids and songs. The emphasis will be put on their learning to understand the language and to communicate their ideas in French. Increasing emphasis is placed on written work and reading as the children progress through their time in the Junior Department. Lessons are taught depending on ability. We cater for beginners to francophone, from bilingual Foundation Stage to our specialised and ability-grouped Fench programme in Years 1 to 6.

Topic (Geography & History): We aim to develop the children’s awareness of the past using factual knowledge, to learn an appreciation of historical events and an understanding of cause and consequence. Using varied approaches, we also aim to encourage the development of each child’s geographical skills in the use of maps and fieldwork techniques to gain a knowledge and understanding of people and places. Learning takes place in English or French, depending on the ability of the student and in consultation with parents.

Physical Education: We aim to provide the children with as broad an experience as possible, using a variety of games, gymnastics, dance, swimming, skiing and athletics.

Art & Craft: Using a wide range of art and craft media, our aim is to foster the expressive and creative side of the child’s development. Appreciation of a variety of artistic work is encouraged. Learning takes places in English and French.

Senior School

St. George’s Senior School is composed of Years 7-13 (US grades 6-12) catering for students aged 11-18. The main school building houses all senior school classrooms, science laboratories, assembly hall, library and specialist rooms for Art, Music and Information Technology. Students benefit from small classes. The excellent work done by our highly qualified staff in these small classes is complemented by a well-stocked library, science laboratories, music rooms, art rooms and a fully equipped computer centre.

Key Stage 3 fits with the first stage of secondary education which corresponds to Years 7, 8 and 9. It is taught to students aged 11 to 14.

An International Education

Within an international education perspective, students are taught in small classes by our highly qualified staff. Rigourous academic programmes which combine English curriculum standards are enriched with extensive language opportunities. These, in addition to an extensive co-curricular program as well as variety of extra-curricular activities ensure a complete education. Individual attention guarantees a solid foundation before students embark upon IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes. St. George’s International School is known for its high rate of success in public examinations and entrance into universities worldwide.

International General Certifi cate of Secondary Education fi ts with the second stage of secondary education which corresponds to Years 10 and 11. It is taught to students aged 14 to 16.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a high-profile qualification provided by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board (CIE).

What are the benefits of the IGCSE?

The Cambridge IGCSE provides an excellent foundation for a range of higher level courses, including the IB Diploma. It is recognised by schools, universities and institutes around the world.

Cambridge IGCSE is designed to achieve high levels of academic and personal skills, developing students’ confi dence, responsibility, reflecti on, innovation and engagement. It offers students a fl exible course of study that gives them the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them.

The Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum:

The curriculum off ers a variety of routes for learners with a wide range of abilities, including students whose first language is not English.

Students preparing for further education follow a broad and balanced curriculum from the following subject areas:

Languages Humanities and Social Sciences Sciences Creative, Technical & Vocational Mathematics

The curriculum develops learner knowledge, understanding and skills in:

Subject content Applying knowledge and understanding to familiar and new situations Intellectual enquiry Flexibility and responsiveness to change Working and communicating in English Cultural awareness

Download IGCSE Program for more information: SG-IGCSE Program

Founded in Geneva, Swittzerland in 1968, the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) has developed four different educational programmes. The IB Diploma Programme is the last of these and is a challenging two-year curriculum aimed at students aged 16 to 19. This IB qualification is welcomed by leading universities around the world.

What is the profile of the IB Diploma Programme?

The Diploma students develop their academic and personal strengths by:

asking challenging questions learning how to learn developing a strong sense of their own identity and culture building communication skills and understanding of other cultures

IB Diploma students are encouraged to be Inquirers, Thinkers, communicators, Risk-takers, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Knowledgeable, Balanced and Reflective.

Download the IB Diploma Programme Brochure for more information: SG-IB Diploma Programme Structure of the IB programme

Students study 3 subjects at Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level, selected from six different group areas. This allows students to explore some subjects in depth and thers more broadly over a two-year period.

Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature Group 2 Language Acquisition Group 3 Individuals and Societies Group 4 Experimental Sciences Group 5 Mathematics Group 6 Arts (or another subject from Groups 2 to 4)

How are students assessed?

The IB Diploma is granted through formal assessment. This includes external examinations taken in all subjects in May of Year 13, as well as internal assessment conducted throughout the programme.

Each subject is graded on a scale of 7 (maximum) to 1 (minimum).

This gives a total raw points score maximum of 42 points.

How can students get their IB Diploma?

In order to obtain the Diploma, students must meet defined standards and conditions including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the three Core Diploma requirements which are: Theory of Knowledge, CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) and the Extended Essay.

Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay combine to contribute a possible 3 additional points to the overall score, giving a maximum Diploma score of 45 points.

St. George’s International School IB Diploma Results 2014

Number of students registered: 27 Percentage of students who passed the Diploma: 100% Number of subject entries: 203 Average points obtained by candidates who passed the Diploma: 35 Highest points awarded to a candidate: 40

High School Diploma

St. George’s aims to combine its well-structured, traditional ethos with academic excellence in an international environment. The school fosters mutual respect and understanding whilst cultivating individual talents and potential.

The High School Diploma programme (HSDP) is a two-year course which includes the study of the following subjects from the following groups:

Language (English) Foreign Language (French) Humanities Sciences (Combined Sciences) Mathematics & Technology Arts (Arts & Design, Performing Arts)

Physical Education is compulsory. Community, Action and Service (CAS) is also compulsory.

Download the High School Diploma Brochure for more information: SG-High School Diploma Programme

The majority of pupils receive the High School Diploma in Year 13.

The High School Diploma is awarded to students who have successfully completed four years of high school study and who have met the school’s graduation requirements, as outlined below:

Minimum age of 17 attained before date of graduation Minimum of 26 credits attained in academic work during Years 10-13. The 26 credits must include:

English: 4 Foreign Language: 2 Humanities: 2 Science: 2 Mathematics: 3 ICT: 2

Minimum score of 90/120 in TOEFL, a pass in Cambridge Advanced Examination or a 6/9 in IELTS or IGCSE English (Grade B). Physical Education and extra-curricular activities are required for each year of attendance (credits not awarded).

Welcome to the Boarding Department of St. George 's International School in Switzerland!

The location is truly unique at the very heart of Europe. St. George’s International School is near the lake, not far from the mountains and very close to Montreux and Vevey.

Our experienced boarding staff is living on campus and is available throughout the day in an extended family-like atmosphere. Through this home away from home experience each student benefits from the care, empathy and global understanding he or she shall need to grow more responsible and independent.

This setup enables children from all around the world (over 25 different nationalities in the Boarding House) to learn to live and work in groups and teams adapted to their age, needs and interest.

Our aim is to accompany students on their way to top Universities in the United Kingdom, USA and other countries. Boarding House staff liaises daily with Heads of Houses’ tutors and teachers to ensure proper monitoring of students’ progress.

After school time and weekend are filled with a lot of fun activities (sports and cultural), leisure time, trips around Switzerland and European capital cities.

We look forward to welcoming you for a visit or a Boarding House experience (3-day trial).

A full and varied programme of activities is offered every day on-campus. Boarders also have the possibility to go shopping with their friends in the neighbouring towns of Montreux and Vevey which are 10 minutes away.

Boarding Activities

A full and varied programme of co-curricular activities is offered after school each weekday. Within the boarding department of St. George’s International School, boarders are expected to attend a specific number of clubs per week. For boarders that seek further challenge and competition away from St. Georges School, there is the possibility of joining local clubs in the community.

Weekend activities are organized according to the preferences of the boarders (weather permitting). Our boarding weekend activities include: barbeque along Lake Geneva, biathlon, bowling, camping, cinema trips, concerts, skiing, water sports, and wall-climbing.

Boarding at St. George’s International School offers each student the opportunity to discover Switzerland and Europe by visiting famous landmarks and cities such as Annecy, Athens, Barcelona, Basel, Berne, Berlin, Luzern, Interlaken, Lausanne, Paris, and Zermatt.

Daily Schedule

7.15: Wake up & getting ready 8.00-8.20: Breakfast Buffet 8.20-8.35: Tidy up and getting ready for the day 8.35-16.20: Lessons (mid-morning and lunch breaks too) 16.20-18.00: Clubs and activities with day students on campus (or sorties) 18.30: Dinner 19.00-19.30: Free time 19.30-21.00: Prep time (homework) 21.45-22.00: Bed time

Great adventure and language camp in the fantastic location of Montreux; situated only minutes from the lake and the surrounding mountains, which provide an amazing diversity of sports activities from 3rd July until 30th July.

STAY LENGTH

FROM 2 WEEKS UP TO 4 WEEKS

Our Summer camp options include:

Our Standard Camp combines language tuition in the morning with a fun, challenging and rewarding activities programme in the afternoon.

We are delighted to introduce our ALL NEW afternoon camp options. Our specialist Music, Movie and MasterChef Camps are a great alternative to the standard Adventure Camp.

The Language and Adventure Camp combines language tuition with a fun, challenging and rewarding activities programme.

A mixture of focused, classroom based study and outdoor adventure provide students with both an intellectual and physical challenge. It’s a perfect way to spend a memorable summer!

Our adventure activity programme varies throughout the summer and includes:

Team and Adventure Sports Water Sports Camping Expedition Cultural Excursions Recreational Fun

In the morning, students choose to study a language (French, English, German or Mandarin). We offer 3 levels in English and French (beginners, intermediate and advanced), children are assessed upon arrival to determine which level is most appropriate. Beginners’ classes are offered in German and mandarin.

Language classes will help students initiate in a language or consolidate the skills they already have.

Culture, Sports and Adventure Camp

Our varied programme of activities may include:

Team Sports, football, basketball, volleyball, rugby Alpine Sports, rock climbing, tree adventure, team-building games, hiking, treasure hunt, paragliding Water Sports, rafting, canoeing, canyoning, banana-boating, sailing, wakeboard, swimming, Aquapark Recreational Fun, tobogganing, devalkarting, golf, cycling, tennis, badminton, aerobics, dance, circus training, discos, BBQ’s Creative Arts, drama, music, art and crafts, cooking

All sports activities are organised and supervised by our experienced staff or, by well-known and professional local companies.

All students participate in two weekly excursions. Each week there is a cultural visit to explore a Swiss city or a historic place of interest. Other excursions focus on an outdoor activity such as paragliding, rock climbing, sailing or hiking.

Guided by experienced staff, all boarders undertake a two day camping expedition in the Swiss Alps.

Students hike, setup camp, cook for themselves and participate in a range of outdoor adventure activities. These memorable expeditions, in one of the world’s most spectacular locations, encourage students to work together, develop individual confidence and gain an appreciation of nature.

Each week, there will be two afternoon camp options available. Students may choose one option per week.

The Multimedia Camp is a unique opportunity in Switzerland to develop your musical passion and cinematographic talents with a team of professionals.

Play your favourite instrument, learn new musical skills, record your songs and make a music videos. Learn to make, edit and post your films, write up a script and add special effects!

Music Lessons (individual & band) with professional musicians Individual singing lessons (up to 4 hours private tuition) Video / Photo Shoot: learn shooting and editing techniques Studio Recording: mixing, artistic coaching and recording techniques Write a script Direct a short film Choreography: dance hip hop Trip to the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival

Join our professional chef and learn the art of cooking during this one week course! Develop your culinary skills with fun, original and delicious recipes in our fully equipped kitchen!

Hands-on techniques Fun recipes Easy to make and impress meals MasterChef competition

Experience a different kind of summer in Switzerland with St. George’s Management, Science and Elite Sports Camps!

In partnership with Geneva business School, learn Marketing and Business Management. Get a chance to visit United Nations Organisation’s headquarters in Geneva!

It’s a summer of learning at St. George’s International School! Get your brain and hands busy with robotics, programming and the latest of IT. Solve a mystery case, CIS-style. Visit famous Swiss universities like EPFL!

Sign up and practice! Basketball, diving, football, golf, tennis and more.

Dates & Fees

An additional supplement of 400 CHF will be applied if students opt for the following optional camps: Music, Movie, or Master Chef.

What’s included in the price?

Lessons and learning materials, stationery 3 meals per day for boarders (lunch for day students) Snacks twice a day for boarders (once per day for day students) Accommodation (for boarders only) Laundry service once per week (for boarders only) All sport activities All excursions The use of school and facilities: tennis courts, football and basketball pitches, sports hall, ping-pong tables Language and sport certificates 8% VAT