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The school year commences in late August and concludes in the last week of June. It is divided into three terms, with a holiday of two weeks in October, December and March/April. There is one week break in February.

Students are expected to arrive at school on time. This encourages a positive attitude towards school and also prepares the child for life. Be sure you and your child are aware of class times.

10:20-10:45am Morning Break. Children may bring a small snack to have mid-morning. No glass please.

Children may bring a cold lunch and a drink to school or, alternatively return home during this period. We can heat already cooked food in a microwave. We request that all lunch containers be identified with your child's name. A plastic bottle is ideal for a drink as there is no waste.

Swimming, ice-skating, skiing and regular physical education lessons form an important and regular part of the curriculum, promoting life long physical fitness. All students participate in gym lessons and enjoy swimming once a week from March to October and ice-skating from November to February. Students may also participate in ski days in February and March where they are taught by fully qualified instructors. In the spring, students may join in the Bern Grand Prix running event. Have a look at our website photo gallery to see photos of the various sports activities.

Throughout the school year teachers plan learning experiences for their students which involve trips away from the school. As each field trip away from the school is planned, teachers will inform parents of the nature, purpose and destination of the excursion, usually in the form of a written note. Parents must provide written consent for their child to take part in each planned field trip. There will be a slip at the end of each note for parents to sign and return to school, giving permission for their child to participate in a field trip. If for some reason you do not wish your child to participate in a field trip you must let the school know in writing and keep your child at home that day.

Day excursions are made to places of interest such as the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, significant historical sites, Basel Zoo, local museums, etc.

In school visits will also be organized by teachers who invite special visitors to come and visit the school, such as dental hygienists, a nurse, an author, an artist, etc..

There are a variety of extra-curricular activities for students to participate in out of school times. More information on the following activities is available from the school. Activities include things such as: art workshops, girl scouts and boy scouts, music lessons, karate, tennis, football and dance.

The school aims to foster friendly contact with other international schools joining in shared activities such as music, drama and sports events.

The school participates in local events and customs including theatrical shows, candle making, Fasnacht Carnival, the traditional Bern Onion Market and the Easter Egg Market. The students learn about and experience various aspects of Swiss life and culture.

Parents are encouraged to join the Parent Group, participate in the life of the school and maintain regular contact with the Head Teacher and staff. A separate booklet, 'Handbook For Parents' containing information on daily routines and other useful information can be obtained from the school.

Any parent can go along to the monthly meetings to discuss ways in which to support the teachers and children in the school. Activities have included an international meal and auction, Christmas charity sale, training children for the Bern Grand Prix Running Race and swimming gala. Read the school newsletter and click on the 'Events' link below for more information.