Learning to learn: Our English/German bilingual kindergarten offers a stimulating and supportive learning environment for children aged five to six years. We nurture their innate curiosity about the world by offering diverse learning possibilities in our day school concept.
Kindergarten Curriculum
We combine the Swiss curriculum (Lehrplan 21) with the British curriculum as well as with curricula developed by SIS in key areas to enrich learning with relevant and meaningful content and, at the same time, promote bilingualism. The curriculum is designed to let students spend 50 % of the time immersed in English environments and 50 % of the time in German learning environments. Our kindergarten is the ideal preparation for the transition into the bilingual SIS primary school. Our kindergarten curriculum consists of the following six areas:
- Personal and Social Development
- Language Development
- Mathematics
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
- Physical Development
- Creative Development
Bilingual Kindergarten
The children are supervised by one German- and one English-speaking teacher who use their native languages to communicate with their students. Each language is used on alternating days. As such, German and English are heard and spoken in almost equal measure throughout the entire daily routine at our day school. Language is acquired through the immersion method, which enables children to fully delve into a language and thus helps them quickly find their way in our international community. In the SIS kindergarten, we emphasise learning through play and discovery, centred on age-appropriate topics. Starting with an exploration of their immediate environment and finding their place in a group, the children’s curiosity to learn is gradually sparked with child-friendly subjects and appropriate levels of independence.
FAQ
Will my child's learning progress be hindered by bilingual teaching?
No. Scientific studies and the experiences at our schools have shown that learning in two languages promotes cognitive flexibility and also development. The best results are achieved through extensive early immersion prior to the start of formal…
More questions?Full-Day Concept
We want to actively support families by offering useful and flexible services and trying to adapt to their busy schedules. Your child can be at school daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Before- and after-school care is offered in cooperation with FitzGerald Bilingual Day School. Lessons take place Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Daily from 3. p.m. to 4 p.m. (except Wednesday), we also offer classroom supervision included in the school fees. On Wednesday afternoons, children are supervised free of charge until 4 p.m.
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., students can choose from a range of leisure activities or clubs, or they can go outside for some fresh air and enjoy themselves.
Eventful School Days
Regular trips, games, exercise and movement play an important role. Furthermore, the children take part in activities and projects with other classes, and celebrate local and international festivals and traditions. They also gain their first, age-appropriate experiences in the areas of digital technology, programming and media as well as communication and e-safety.
Engaging Learning Spaces
The premises of our kindergarten are on the first floor of our school building. A large classroom contains a learning as well as a playing area. During break time, the children can play on the spacious terrace.
Extracurricular Activities
For a Varied School Day
Extracurricular Activities
For a Varied School Day
As a school, we are committed to doing everything we can to support children as they grow up and to provide a valuable complement to their family life. This includes offers such as lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, flexible drop-off and pickup times, a school bus and exciting activities, even during school holidays.