Minerva Schulen Basel

SIS Swiss International School
Erlenstrasse 15
CH- 4058 Basel

Tel. +41 (0) 61 683 71 40
Fax +41 (0) 61 683 71 41

To contact us by E-mail click here.

Welcome to SIS Basel

It is my pleasure to introduce you, in the following pages, to SIS Swiss International School Basel.

• We offer a stimulating and challenging learning environment for students aged 3 to 20 where children are able to experience a bilingual education in German and English.  
• The curriculum is based upon the standards of the National Curriculum of England and Wales and those of the Canton of Zürich.
• College 1 and 2 classes provide SIS students with extensive and in depth general knowledge, preparing them for the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme. On this level, college students have the opportunity to study for language examinations (Cambridge certificates, DELF) and to choose certain subjects from the range of IGCSE examinations (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). This allows them to gain examination skills and to collect additional certificates for their portfolio.
• SIS Swiss International School is an International Baccalaureate World School. In Years 11 and 12 students follow the academically challenging IB Diploma Programme. The successful completion of the course provides access to national and international universities. Please read more about the IB Diploma Programme in this section of our website. IB Diploma Programme

The immersive method of teaching in German and English was established in Switzerland some 15 years ago as the existing public school system and the English speaking international system did not fulfil the needs of some families. They wished for their children to undertake a bilingual education within a multicultural framework that at the same time fulfils the requirements of the Swiss Education System with a view to linkage to the international certification systems. 

This concept has been fulfilled at SIS Basel. In a turn of the 20th Century listed building qualified, experienced teaching staff give instruction, as a general rule in their mother tongue, to around 300 pupils from 25 countries. Thanks to the immersion method pupils attain a competent level of language and are capable of spontaneous propagation of the German and English language in the most natural way possible. From Primary 4 onwards French is also included in the curriculum. This enables children to use a variety of languages in the home situation. As a matter of fact many students use additional languages in their families.

In addition to acquiring advanced language skills, SIS students become well rounded and efficient users of computer technology as ICT is a cross-curricular theme. Starting in Pre-College 2 each student is provided with a laptop computer for school and home use. Classrooms on this level are equipped with advanced teaching technology.

The school is centrally located in a booming developmental district in Kleinbasel and is easily accessible by means of a range of public transportation. The spacious classrooms have been tastefully renovated with contemporary furnishings, fixtures and fittings. The modernisation and development of the school environs has been undertaken in stages. During the summer of 2007 it has been possible to enlarge and renovate the school refectory. A specialised science laboratory has been installed which allows inquiry based learning to take place. For the instruction of art and design a subject specific room has also been constructed. Recently we have provided a music room, a beautiful library for College students and additional sports facilities for our students. 

The unique profile of SIS Basel as an amalgamation of international and local flavours is attractive to both Swiss and expatriate families alike. The SIS team and I are fully aware of the difficulties surrounding relocating a family out with the extended family and the familiarities of home. We constantly strive to compensate for these losses by providing an enriched, challenging and enjoyable education that provides students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to conquer the challenges of their future. 

I warmly invite interested parents to visit SIS Basel so that I may personally inform them about our school and that they may share with me their expectations. 

Tom Huber
Principal