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Academic Excellence

La Garenne’s academic programmes are crafted to inspire a lifelong love of learning, helping each student to discover and develop their unique talents. Our students follow an international curriculum guided by teachers who are passionate about helping them succeed. Learning at La Garenne is highly personalised, something of which we are very proud. Your strengths, interests, and goals will shape the way that the learning experience is tailored to you, and how you are supported and challenged.

Small class sizes, meaningful feedback, and a broad academic programme give our students the space to explore ideas, grow confidence, and build skills that will serve them for life. Most of our students obtain places at their first choice of world-class universities on undergraduate programmes.

As part of a diverse school community from a very young age, our students learn so much more than academics. We help them develop all aspects of who they are as a person: intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically – preparing them for success on whatever path they choose next.

Reception

age 4 to 5

La Garenne’s youngest residents – both boarding and day students – enjoy a family atmosphere in our pre-school. Our Early Years specialists create a warm, homely environment where your child can thrive and develop at their own pace. We pay close attention to the needs of our youngest learners, making sure that they feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to explore. Every part of the day is structured to support their development: from playtime and rest, to creative activities and classroom learning that are both interesting and fun.

Your Child's First School Years

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Starting school is a big step – not just for your child, but for you as a parent. At La Garenne, we understand and value the trust that you place in us, and we are here to make this important transition as smooth and as positive as possible. Our approach is rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets essential standards for learning, development, and care. With 90% of brain development taking place before the age of 5, these first years lay the foundation for everything that follows. Knowing how important it is for your child to spend time outdoors, we include Forest School learning, with regular lessons outdoors in the beautiful Alpine environment that surrounds us. These experiences help children build confidence, develop curiosity, and grow through exploration, movement, and meaningful connection with nature. By enrolling in our Reception and Lower Primary programme, your child is joining a warm, structured, and nurturing environment with small class sizes and dedicated, personalised support. We help each child to build confidence, form friendships, and discover the joy of learning – all whilst feeling safe, seen, and at home.

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Reception

Reception is where your child’s learning journey gets into its full stride, in an environment that is safe, joyful, and full of possibilities. Learning and daily activities are guided by the seven EYFS learning areas, creating a vibrant space where imagination thrives and a love of learning takes root.

We gently support each child with thoughtful structure, clear boundaries, and consistent encouragement. Good manners and respect towards others are part of daily life, and we welcome these behaviours with warmth and positivity. Praise, celebration, and recognition help your child feel proud of their efforts, both academically and socially.

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The seven areas of the EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE

All seven areas of the EYFS curriculum are carefully planned to ensure a broad, balanced, and progressive learning environment. Your child acquires new skills, knowledge, and understanding across the following seven areas:

01Personal, Social, and Emotional development
02Physical development
03Communication and Language
04Expressive Arts and Design
05Mathematics
06Literacy
07Understanding the World
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The three prime EYFS areas – communication and language, physical development, and personal growth – are in our focus from day 1. As your child grows, we introduce the four specific areas: literacy, mathematics, expressive arts, and understanding the world. If your child is new to the English language, they are fully immersed in this class. Together, EYFS learning areas create a rich, vibrant, and balanced programme that helps your child to thrive in every way.

Promoting kindness and respect for others is a daily focus at La Garenne. We live by clear values: tolerance, honesty, reliability, perseverance, and mutual support, and teach them to every student. These principles are part of both our curriculum and daily life, helping each student to practise and carry them into the wider world.

Primary School

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During the primary years, children begin to explore who they are as learners, friends, and individuals. La Garenne Primary School students follow a proven academic programme based on the English National Curriculum (ENC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which offer both structure and creativity. These internationally respected frameworks encourage critical thinking, global awareness and active learning through real-world themes. You can expect our teachers and staff to support your child in every area of their development: academic, emotional, and social. Your child explores the world through their innate curiosity, which we complement with lessons, hands-on learning, and engaging with other students. As your child gains confidence, they will begin to understand their own strengths, take ownership of their learning, and build the foundations to become their best self.

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Primary

Our teachers and staff are fully focussed on each student’s individual development. Class teachers guide the daily learning and create a stable and purposeful classroom environment, while our specialist teachers lead engaging lessons in French, Art, Music and Sport. They quickly get to know your child as a learner – what they like and dislike, where they excel and where they struggle – and provide them with support tailored to where it is most needed, and designed for learning and growth.

From Reception to Year 6, we help your child take on more responsibility, build resilience, and show kindness and compassion in their everyday interactions. Close communication between you and our school, small class sizes, and individual care help your child feel seen, supported, and at home – all within a beautiful, secure Alpine setting.

Our programme helps your child to develop essential life skills such as independence, creativity, inquiry and problem-solving through play, exploration, and hands-on learning.

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Closely following the Forest School programme, we take learning beyond the classroom, using the outdoors throughout the year and in all kinds of weather. These regular woodland experiences build confidence, resilience and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Request a Primary School Curriculum Handbook

Secondary School

IB MYP - IGCSE - Diploma Programme

age 11 to 18

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The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an academic programme developed by the International Baccalaureate organisation. It aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and mutual respect. The MYP is considered a challenging yet inclusive programme that is designed to support the unique abilities and learning needs of each student. At La Garenne, we have opted for the three-year MYP in Years 7, 8, and 9. It frames the Middle School journey for our students as they develop skills and knowledge, culminating in the MYP Community Project. This carefully curated blend of interdisciplinary learning and academic challenge is excellent preparation for the rigorous International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme as students begin their High School journey in Years 10 and 11.

At this crucial stage, students begin to tailor their subject choices to align with their personal learning goals and future educational plans. After successfully completing the two-year IGCSE programme, students can choose between two distinct study paths for their final two years of study at La Garenne during Year 12 and 13: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD), paving the way for entry to the top universities around the world.

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Secondary school

THE IB LEARNER PROFILE

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded individuals who strive to create a better and more peaceful world. This goal is reflected in the IB Learner Profile:

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Inquirers

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Knowledgeable

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

Thinkers

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Principled

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Open-minded

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

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Caring

We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

Risk-takers

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives – intellectual, physical, and emotional – to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Reflective

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) – ages 14 to 16
As part of the academic pathway in the Secondary School, students spend Years 10 and 11 in the academically rigorous and globally recognised IGCSE programme. This is their first opportunity to select subjects that reflect their interests and future goals. The international version of these UK-based qualifications is known for being challenging yet accessible to students of different abilities. The IGCSE is the ideal preparation for the IB Diploma Programme, offering students valuable experience in high-level academic work and formal assessments.

Click below to request your copy of our Middle Years Curriculum Handbook.

Handbook Request

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IB Diploma Programme and High School Diploma Programme

age 17 to 18

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After completing the two-year IGCSE Programme, students choose between two distinct academic pathways for their final two years at La Garenne: The International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD). Both programmes offer a personalised learning experience, dedicated support, and a strong foundation for academic achievement, with subject choices linked to their IGCSE pathway and performance.

The IBDP is a comprehensive, internationally-recognised curriculum that prepares students for university and beyond. It challenges students to become independent thinkers and active global citizens. Through its core components – Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge – students explore their interests, broaden their perspectives, and grow into adaptable, confident and purpose-driven individuals ready to meet the complexities of the modern world.

The HSD supports academic success while offering greater flexibility for students who balance school with other priorities, such as extracurricular commitments or career preparation. The HSD is particularly well-suited for students with an interest in business or hospitality, or those planning to apply to universities in the United States. With personalised course options and clear goals, students tailor their studies to align with future ambitions.

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IB Diploma Programme

You have a choice – both paths lead to a successful future
Both the International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the High School Diploma (HSD) offer a rigorous academic experience and are equally respected by universities and employers worldwide.

If you are aiming for a globally recognised qualification and want to keep your university options open, the IBDP is the right fit. You will dive deep into six subject areas, explore real-world issues, and develop strong research and writing skills. It is an excellent choice if you enjoy academic challenge and want to become a confident, independent thinker with a global outlook.
And if you are already exploring a specific career path such as business or hospitality, or plan to apply to universities in the United States, the HSD will suit you better. This programme offers more flexibility, allowing you to focus on your interests while making time for hands-on experiences, sport, creative projects, or other passions. You will still be challenged academically, but with more room to shape your own schedule and direction.

In both IBDP and HSD programmes, courses are carefully selected with guidance from academic staff to ensure each student meets their personal and university-entry goals. Whichever programme you choose, it will be tailored to your strengths, goals, and personal interests, helping you grow into the person you aspire to be.
Our High School curriculum is designed to help students grow into principled, open-minded global citizens who understand the world, respect its differences, and contribute meaningfully to it. With students from many nationalities and backgrounds, our learning environment encourages diversity of thought, international-mindedness, and personal growth.
As you approach graduation, you will receive expert support in preparing for university. From choosing the right programme to refining your application, writing personal statements, and preparing for interviews, our University Guidance Specialists will be there every step of the way. Whether your ambitions lie in Europe, North America, or elsewhere, you will be fully supported to reach your goals.

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The curriculum we offer is a perfect fit for La Garenne. Our belief in nurturing the talents of each learner to ensure that, through close support and personalised provision, they can graduate to become open-minded and principled global citizens. Furthermore, given the diverse international population of our student body, the programmes that we offer match our commitment to celebrating our differences and encouraging international-mindedness, respect and understanding.

Students at La Garenne are closely guided and supported regarding applications for university and our staff is always on hand to discuss questions that you or your child may have.

If you have any questions about the IBDP, the HSD, or how to plan your final years at La Garenne, please contact us.

Click below to request your copy of our Senior Years Curriculum Handbook

Handbook Request

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Innovative Teaching Methods

Innovative teaching is central to the learning experience. One of the many approaches used at La Garenne is the Harkness Method™, which places students around an oval table and encourages thoughtful dialogue, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving. Teachers are facilitators, guiding students as they explore, question, and discover through the Socratic seminar. In small classes of no more than 15 students, everyone has a voice.

In a world overflowing with information, knowing how to question, analyse and interpret what you see and hear is more important than ever. Techniques such as the Harkness Method™ help our students to develop critical thinking skills, express their views with confidence, and engage deeply with real-world issues, learning not just what to think, but how to think.

Higher Education and Futures Programme

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From the moment you enter Secondary School, you begin shaping your path toward the future. Whether you already know what you want to study or are still exploring your interests, you will receive expert guidance every step of the way. Over the years, we have helped our students gain admission to top universities across the world - including in Switzerland, the UK and the USA - always with a focus on the right fit for each individual.

Our Higher Education and Futures Programme helps you understand your options, set realistic goals, and build a strong, competitive application, wherever in the world you choose to study. Together with your teachers, counsellors, and family, you will create a clear yet flexible plan that aligns with your strengths and ambitions.

During your final years, you will meet our Higher Education and Futures staff on a regular basis, receive help preparing your university applications and personal statements, and explore career and course options that match your goals. We work closely with you and your family to ensure that deadlines are met, decisions are well-informed, and each application reflects your unique strengths.

Personalised Learning

Every student has unique learning needs. Some start from scratch, some take intensive courses to improve, and others are ready to explore advanced topics. This is why each student follows their own personalised learning path.

You will follow a programme designed around your learning profile. One that builds on your strengths, supports you in areas of challenge, and keeps you motivated and growing. This might mean working at a different pace in certain subjects, receiving individual or small group support, or diving deeper into the topics that inspire you.

Every student completes a range of baseline assessments early in their time at La Garenne, helping teachers understand not just their level of knowledge in key subject areas, but also how they think and how they approach their studies. With that knowledge, our educational specialists compile a programme that is tailor-made to the needs of each student, no matter where they are on their school journey.

Intensive English

Our students come from diverse countries and backgrounds. For many, English is a new language. But it should not stop you from making progress and forging new friendships.

To support you, we have developed a strong and engaging programme to build your English skills and give you confidence in the classroom and beyond.

Recognising that each person learns at their own pace, we offer an Intensive English Programme for those who will benefit from additional support. You will receive focused English support until you reach at least B1 level, even if that means postponing other subjects for a short time. This tailored short-term boost will help you expand your communication skills and allow you to fully enjoy your school experience.

French

We are located in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, and that gives you a unique opportunity to learn French from native speakers in a natural, immersive environment. French is a compulsory subject for every student until the age of 16, and it plays an important role in daily life, both at school and in the community. Learning an additional global language enriches your international experience and helps you connect more deeply with the world around you. Many La Garenne graduates confidently speak multiple languages, French included.

 

At first, the idea of speaking French alongside English and your mother tongue might sound challenging. But you will be surprised at how quickly French becomes part of everyday life, when you start chatting with friends, shopping or watching videos. Our lessons are designed to make learning fun, practical, and interactive, so that French becomes something you enjoy using, not just something you study.

 

French Language Diploma (DELF)
La Garenne is officially certified to offer the French Language Diploma DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française), an internationally recognised qualification awarded by the French Ministry of Education. This diploma provides official certification of proficiency, practice, and mastery of the French language and is equivalent to the Cambridge English exams. It is essential if a student wants to continue their education in a French-speaking school or university.

 

DELF is available to most students from Year 5 and above who are entered for one of the first two levels of the exam. Our students are the youngest participants in the entire canton of Vaud and consistently achieve a 100% success rate. More information is available at www.delfdalf.ch.

Cambridge English Qualifications

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Cambridge English Qualifications are internationally recognised courses which help you develop real-world English skills for school, university, and life. At La Garenne, you will follow a clear path from beginner (A1) to advanced level (C2), aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

These courses are not just about passing exams. You will gain the confidence to speak, write, read and listen in real-life situations. The Cambridge approach helps you build your English step by step, with regular milestones to keep you motivated and proud of your progress.

Our teachers use official Cambridge training materials and resources to support your learning. And because Cambridge is also the world’s leading provider of teacher training, our staff stay up to date with the best techniques to help you succeed.

No matter what your goals are, Cambridge English qualifications are respected by thousands of universities, employers, and institutions around the world. Learn more: www.cambridgeenglish.org