Two possible pathways are available at our Upper School: the bilingual Swiss Matura Programme and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The bilingual Swiss Matura is a four-year course which follows on from Secondary 2 or Secondary 3. The IBDP is a two-year course which is preceeded by a preparation year after the conclusion of Secondary 3. These challenging and well-recognised educational pathways allow students access to universities in Switzerland and abroad.
A Broad General Education
At upper school level, students enjoy a general education that is both broad and deep. Our students also learn important social, emotional and procedural skills and attitudes. With this set of skills, they are fully prepared to face the academic, professional and interpersonal challenges ahead in the next phase of their education and on in to the workplace.
Bilingual Swiss Matura
In our bilingual college, students are prepared for the Swiss Matura in ten foundation subjects, one core subject and one supplementary subject. The foundation subjects are German, English, French, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, history and art. As the core subject, students can choose one of the two specialised subjects "economics and law" or "philosophy, psychology, pedagogics". As their supplementary subject the students study biology. In addition to these subjects, students write a self-study research and essay paper towards the end of the course, the Maturitätsarbeit. The large majority of the teaching and assessment for the Swiss Matura takes place in German. To achieve the bilingual Swiss Matura however, our students are taught and examined in history and geography and the supplementary subject of biology, in English.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
The globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is offered as either the regular IBDP in English or the bilingual IBDP. The IBDP is the ideal preparation for university studies in English-speaking countries. Students study subjects in six broad areas of English, German, mathematics, biology, history or geography and a sixth subject of their choice. All subjects (except German) are taught and examined in English. Additionally the IBDP requires three mandatory core elements: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Additional and Extracurricular Activities
Students in our upper school on both pathways have the opportunity to take part in sports lessons on a weekly basis. In addition, we offer extracurricular activities such as day trips, sports days and educational excursions, as well as visits to the theatre, museum or opera.
Transferring from Other Programmes
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is also open to students with a good knowledge of English who have completed the first level of secondary school and, ideally, one or two years of college at a different school.
Digital Skills
In addition to gaining the ability to participate in bilingual classes in a natural way, our students also acquire solid and hands-on computer skills. Laptops are readily available and teachers make use of an online learning platform to ensure a smooth transition from school work to independent study.
What Sets Our Upper School Apart
- two choices for university entrance qualifications: bilingual Swiss Matura and/or IBDP
- possible transfer from other programmes or from upper school to IBDP
- choose from two specialised subjects: “economics and law” or “philosophy, psychology, pedagogics”
- own, modern indoor and outdoor sports facilities
- learning by experience: an enriching programme with national and international learning activities
Student Life
Spaces that Invite Learning and Activities that Endorse Our Culture of Learning
Student Life
Spaces that Invite Learning and Activities that Endorse Our Culture of Learning
We are convinced that the place where students learn has a decisive influence on how they learn. We therefore place great importance on an open school space that provides a welcoming atmosphere to students, staff, parents and guests alike, thus creating a pleasant overall environment. We cultivate multiple signature school events and regularly participate in activities that involve all SIS schools around the globe.