We give your child a strong foundation, so they can make their own path
Curriculum
Why ZIS Bilingual Pathway
Your child will learn in German and English every day, both in class — with lessons always being taught in one language or the other — and through their participation in after school activities. By taking part in various events for all students and daily interaction with children in the international pathway, your child will be a fully integrated member of our Lower School community.
The ZIS Bilingual is guided by the learning standards of the Swiss Curriculum (Lehrplan 21). In addition, your child will benefit from our high quality international curriculum, alongside the expectations of the Swiss national curriculum. This will provide a rich and balanced academic experience for your child which is fully integrated in the life of our vibrant Lower School.
We focus on developing the whole child - this means that alongside knowledge and skills we also focus on the development of character and the ZIS Character Standards are an integral part of both our bilingual and international pathway at ZIS.
Curriculum
Our teachers and assistant teachers will support your child in language acquisition in both classroom and small group situations:
- The pathway is guided by the learning standards of the Swiss national curriculum (Lehrplan 21) and is taught in English and German, with a greater focus on German initially.
- From the start of Grade 3, we move towards and equal split between English and German for all academic subjects.
- Children in the bilingual program have a German speaking homeroom teacher who teaches the core subjects in German (mathematics, reading, writing, social studies and science).
- Children attend single subjects outside the homeroom setting in dedicated learning spaces. This includes physical education (PE), music, creative arts and library lessons. These lessons are taught by subject specialists in English.
- Early Childhood and Kindergarten children have weekly visits to the forest which are integrated into our science and social studies curriculum.
- Teaching sustainability in our own sustainable food forest.
- Curriculum-based field trips support learning and are linked to classroom activities.
- Guided inquiry, collaboration and communication are central to our approach to teaching and learning.
- We provide an environment for your child that fosters the development of problem solving and critical thinking while they master core subjects.
Your child will be exposed to both languages every day.
Our co-curricular program, which is included in the tuition fees, is an important part of the ZIS Experience for every child. Your child will have the option to participate in after school activities in both English and German providing a rich and varied bilingual and international experience.
Additional Resources
How to Apply
Our Admissions Team is here to help you and to listen to your educational needs. Applications for the school year 2023/24 can be submitted from now. Before submitting an application, please complete the Inquiry Form so that we can contact you to set up a 1:1 meeting.
Applying to ZIS is a three step process. The first step is to complete the online application form and submit the application fee. Further information on the application process and supporting documents is available below: