French and English
The academic programme is taught in English. However, all students study French at levels ranging from beginners to first-language speakers. We also offer a supplementary French programme to challenge speakers of French as a first language. Outside the classroom, children benefit from being immersed in a French/English bilingual school community located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Depending on their level, students are prepared for internationally-recognised examinations to validate their language skills – the DELF suite of qualifications (see below). The students find this very exciting and motivating.
Cambridge Exams
The Cambridge English for Schools exams are designed to make learning English fun and motivating for learners. Covering reading, writing, listening and speaking, the exams can help your child:
- Improve in English and get better grades at school
- Understand books, television, films, songs and the internet in English
- Travel and make friends around the world
- Study at university or college, at home or in another country
- Have a career using English in your country or abroad
La Garenne students are placed in a class suitable for their level of English on arrival. The courses are integrated into the regular English programme and students work towards gaining a qualification at the end of the year. Cambridge Examinations are recognised by schools, universities and employers across the world.
DELF French Language Diploma
The French Ministry of Education’s DELF French Language Diploma provides official certification of proficiency, practice and mastery of the French language and is equivalent to the Cambridge English examinations. DELF is recognised globally. Most students from Year 5 and above are entered for one of the first two levels of the DELF exam. Our students are the youngest participants in the whole of the canton of Vaud and consistently achieve a 100% success rate. More information is available at www.delfdalf.ch
Intensive English
The Programme of Intensive English (PIE) is designed to cater for students who need to boost their English skills when they first start at La Garenne. The programme enables students to acquire the academic English skills necessary to integrate quickly into mainstream lessons.
Students receive guidance and language coaching from a specialist teacher. The timetable is designed so that PIE students can attend subjects which have the least need for fluency in English, such as sports and Visual Arts. This ensures that students can still mix and make friends with the other students without delay.
