ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
IN SWITZERLAND
Parents Guide
2014-2015
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
IN SWITZERLAND
Table of Content
Welcome Message.............................................................................. 3
Mission Statement............................................................................... 4
Philosophy and Objectives..................................................................... 4
General Information.............................................................................. 5
Junior School...................................................................................... 5
Senior School..................................................................................... 5
Boarding............................................................................................ 5
The Arts............................................................................................. 5
Sports................................................................................................ 6
Extra-Curricular Activities....................................................................... 6
House and Tutor system....................................................................... 6
Prefects and Monitors.......................................................................... 6
Student Council................................................................................... 7
Competitions....................................................................................... 7
Inter-house Competitions...................................................................... 7
Languages......................................................................................... 7
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)................. 8
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme...................................... 9
High School Diploma Programme and High School Graduation Certificate.... 9
Reporting and Assessment – General information................................... 10
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ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
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Welcome
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to St. George’s School in Switzerland.
The aim of this handbook is to provide a source of useful information about St. George’s School which will enable
new families to settle in quickly to the routine of daily life at the school.
Many of the day-to-day procedures are explained and these should be read in conjunction with the ‘Regulations
for Student Conduct’.
Please remember that information can also be found on the school website www.stgeorges.ch and in the student
diaries. Boarding students should also consult the ‘Rule Book for Boarders’.
I am looking forward to personally meeting you at St. George’s School.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Mr I. Tysoe
Principal
June 2014
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ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
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Mission Statement
Founded in 1927, St. George’s School in Switzerland aims to combine its
well-structured, traditional ethos with academic excellence in an international
environment.
Enjoying a safe location, our whole school community endeavours to foster
mutual respect and understanding whilst cultivating individual talents and
potential.
As stated in our motto, «Levavi Oculos», St. George’s School encourages
students to lift their eyes and recognise positive qualities within themselves
and others and to nurture a caring and dynamic attitude in today’s demanding
world.
Philosophy and Objectives
Who we are...
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We aim to play a role, together with the family and other organisations,
in fostering praiseworthy attitudes, lasting values, and desirable behaviour
in order to develop in students a sense of responsibility towards school,
family, local and global contexts
Our methods...
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St. George’s School in Switzerland is a small school (500 students) providing
a complete multilanguage educational programme for students aged 3 to 18
representing more than 56 nationalities.
Founded as a British school, St. George’s School is an international school
which upholds traditional values and maintains high moral standards for
students of all nationalities in a safe and spectacular French-speaking region
of Switzerland.
•
Our aims...
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To provide a caring, supportive and nurturing environment
To respect and value each student’s individuality and ability
To challenge, stimulate and encourage students to pursue goals
To enable the development of physical, social and effective
potentials
To promote awareness of our multilingual society reflected in the
breadth of the curriculum offered.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
To foster intellectual curiosity and develop a desire for learning
To empower confidence and critical thinking
To reinforce social responsibility and a concern for and appreciation
of others
To equip students both academically and socially for progression
to universities and other institutions of higher education and the
world beyond
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We provide a structure of academic, sport, music, art, drama and
pastoral support within the school through the House and Tutor
system
We have established a discipline structure which gives stability and
reinforces positive and praise-worthy attitudes with our Prefects and
Monitors as role models
We work closely with parents in order to foster strategies to assist,
help and advise students
We acknowledge different learning styles and offer effective assessment to identify and develop students’ qualities
We monitor students and provide assistance for those who require
support in their learning
We encourage involvement in all aspects of school life and provide
opportunities for students to contribute to the local community
We continually revise the co-curricular programme so that it reflects
the students’ interests and allows them to develop initiatives whilst
maintaining a balance between academics, sports, creative activities
, music, art and community service
We promote knowledge, understanding, acceptance and respect
for other cultures, beliefs and lifestyles
We endeavour to provide appropriate facilities and materials for
effective learning to take place
We recruit and retain an internationally minded faculty and staff
of the highest quality and encourage their continued professional
development.
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General information
The founders of St. George’s School formulated three fundamental policies
they wanted for their students: sound learning, an appreciation of beauty and
the promotion of peace through international good will. The school still adheres
to these principles today.
Junior School
The Junior School is a self-contained unit with Foundation Stage to year 3
classes based in the Chalet and year 4 to 6 classes in the ground floor of
the annexe in the main school building. This helps the students to integrate
smoothly into the Secondary School.
The various sections of the Junior School can be referred to in the following
ways:
Foundation Stage – Year 2 is known as Infants or Year 1 and 2 are known as
Key Stage 1.
Year 3 – Year 6 are known as Juniors or Key Stage 2
Facilities include a well-stocked library, computer facilities, assembly room and
kitchen. Infant children visit the library every Friday; Junior children visit the
library as often as they need to change a book. Junior students share the
extensive sports and dining facilities with the senior school.
Students are taught in small classes and the emphasis is on excellence in all
aspects of school life.
A broad and balanced curriculum is offered in accordance with the British
National Curriculum guidelines. French, English as a Foreign Language,
Physical Education, Music and Information Technology are taught by specialist
teachers.
From Foundation Stage onwards, a multilingual approach enables students to
develop their literacy skills in both English and French while maintaining their
mother tongue.
Students from Year 2 have also the opportunity to be exposed to French
through Music and PE, and to choose to follow their subject called “Topic“ in
either English or French.
Senior School
The Senior School classes for students in years 7-13 are housed in the main
building.
Facilities include science laboratories, library/media centre, computer centres,
art rooms, music rooms and an assembly hall/theatre.
Students in years 7-9 follow a broad, compulsory programme where emphasis
is placed on acquiring good study habits and skills in the full range of subjects.
Our Learning Centre caters for Special Educational Needs or curricular support.
Students in years 10 and 11 prepare for the International General Certificate
of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The syllabi and examinations are set and
administered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
Students in years 12-13 prepare for the International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme (IBDP), IB Certificates or the High School Diploma Programme
(HSDP). The IBDP is a two-year course of study for students aged 16 – 19.
Administered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) it is recognised internationally as a qualification for university entrance. The HSDP is
also a two year course. It is an accredited qualification giving students Credits
which allow students to begin foundation courses in the United Kingdom or
attend colleges in North America.
The Pre-IB Diploma Programme (Pre-IBDP) is a one-year course that has
been designed for students aged 15-16, entering the school in Year 11, who
want to build a solid foundation before embarking on their two year IB Diploma
programme.
Boarding
During the year girls and boys from the age of 9 are accepted as boarders
on a full-boarding or weekly-boarding basis. Students up to the age of 14 are
housed in our off-site boarding house, “Les Sapins”. From the age of 14, students are housed in the main building in fully separated areas, mainly in double
or triple rooms. There are also single rooms available at an extra charge and
some dormitories for younger students.
Houseparents live with the boarders providing full supervision.
Minor health problems are dealt with in the school surgery; any more serious
illness or accident is referred to the school’s doctors who have their consulting
rooms nearby in Montreux and the local hospital.
There is a laundry on the premises and bed linen and towels are provided.
A full and varied programme of activities is offered after school each weekday.,
Boarders in Years 5-9 are taken out once each week at that time. For the other
year groups, the privilege of going out depends on age and rank.
The school believes that to promote the family feel and integration in the
boarding section the full-boarders should be present during the weekends. As
such parents are only allowed to take their children out of school on weekends
specified by the school. There are 3 exeat weekends in the Autumn Term,
two in the Spring Term and two during the Summer Term. Please see the
school calendar for further details. A full programme of compulsory excursions
is planned for the boarding students.
Day students may board on a temporary basis (space permitting). This is
charged on a pro-rata basis.
The Arts
Music, drama and art occupy an important place both inside and outside of
the curriculum.
In addition to timetabled classes from Foundation Stage up to year 9, a programme of private individual lessons enables a large number of students to
study a musical instrument or singing. The talents of our students and staff
are brought together in the choir, the jazz band and other ensembles which
perform at concerts and school events.
Drama is timetabled within the curriculum for the senior school lower years and
most of the senior school students are involved in an annual musical or play.
In recent years performances of Oh, What a Lovely War!, A Street Car Named
Desire, Cinderella and the Pirates of Penzance have been staged. Children in
the Junior School have the opportunity to perform on stage at least once in
the year.
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Art is an equally important part of the whole school curriculum and an option
within the IGCSE and IB programmes. An annual inter-house Art competition is
organised and visits to art exhibitions and museums are organised throughout
the year.
Sports
A wide-ranging programme of both compulsory and voluntary physical
education is on offer. Team and individual games, gymnastics, athletics, skiing,
swimming (from Year 1), and dance are all taught across the age-range.
During the Term 2 the emphasis in sports is on skiing which forms part of the
curriculum for all students from Year 1.
The school stands in grounds of 45,000 square metres and the sports facilities
on campus include a large sports hall, 7 outdoor tennis courts, basketball
courts, and playing fields.
Swimming is provided on a termly basis for Junior School children and more
information is available directly from the Sports Departments; jhill@stgeorges.
ch (Senior School) and klyon@stgeorges.ch (Junior School)
There is a large indoor municipal swimming pool, which can be accessed
through the school grounds and a nearby athletics stadium which is used by
the Senior School.
for 10-12 tutees. Tutors meet with their tutees twice a day and are available
as the first point of contact for parents wishing to discuss matters relating to
their child.
The senior students in each House are given the opportunity to organise and
lead the House. Two House Captains are supported by two Sports Captains.
All of the students in year 12 are encouraged to take a part in the organisation
of the House Play.
The Junior School Heads of Houses are:
Atalanta
Diana
Minerva
Vesta
Mrs Tomkinson
Mme Smaine
Mme Niel
Miss Pickard
The Heads of Houses are supported by class teachers. A House Captain and
two Vice Captains from amongst the older students are chosen by the staff to
represent each House on a yearly basis.
House points are awarded for a variety of reasons; exceptional work, improvement, trying, kindness, helpfulness etc. Each House Point is coloured in on the
child’s House Point Sheet and when 15 have been reached the child receives
a ‘Dragon’. Every month there is an ongoing competition to see which House
has won the Dragon Cup.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Prefects and Monitors
Students are encouraged to participate fully in the wide range of extra-curricular activities outside the classroom. After-school clubs in the Senior School provide an opportunity for students to participate in team sports, music, recording
studio, movie editing or pursue other interests such as debating, rock climbing,
combat sports and dance. After-school activities in the Junior School focus on
three strands (competitive sport, recreational sport and creative arts), and are
available in French and English. The Activities Letter is sent out in the first week
of the Term 1 and begins on the Monday of the second week of school. In the
Terms 2 and 3 these clubs are fixed in advance and letters sent out at the end
of the preceding term.
Prefects and Monitors are members of the student body who have been chosen as good role models to others and are willing to help make the school a
safer and better environment for all.
House and Tutor system
St. George’s School has a House system, the purpose of which is to provide
pastoral care, to monitor academic progress, to promote moral growth and to
provide a framework for competition within the school.
There are four Houses in St. George’s which are named after four figures from
Greek and Roman mythology: Atalanta (Red), Diana (Yellow), Minerva (Blue)
and Vesta (Green). All students are assigned to one of the Houses when they
join the school. Siblings who join the school at a later date can expect to be
placed in the same House.
Any student in year 12 or 13 may apply to become a Monitor. A student must
have been a Monitor for at least one term before he/she can apply to become
a Prefect.
Prefects and Monitors ensure that rules are being followed and that the school
remains tidy and safe. Becoming a Prefect/Monitor is beneficial to the student
because they are able to gain experience of being in a position of responsibility and authority, and learning how to better interact with people of all ages.
A Head and Deputy Head Boy or Girl is elected to represent the school each
year.
The Junior School choose Monitors from the older pupils. Each class rewards
children on a weekly basis using a merit badge system and House Points. The
merit badge is awarded for a variety of reasons including social, behavioural
and academic. This is awarded to every child at some time during the year. It is
awarded during Friday Circle Time and worn for the following week. At Whole
School Assembly every Monday the merit Badge winners stand and explain
why they were awarded the Badge. The Merit Badge is a positive reward system, used to promote excellence.
The Senior School Heads of House are:
Atalanta Mr. M. Gillan
Diana
Mr. J. Katz
Minerva Mr. D. Chapuis
Vesta
Mr. S. Jones
The Head of House is supported by six Tutors, each of whom is responsible
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
Student Council
The Senior School Student Council is an elected group of students which acts
as a voice for the opinions and concerns of the student body.
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It consists of student representatives from each of the year groups and the
Head boy/girl of the school, and it operates according to a formal structure in
which the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer are voted in each term.
The Student Council meets monthly and discusses issues raised by students,
voting on whether or not the matter ought to be referred to the Principal for
consideration. Representatives are subsequently required to report back any
developments to their respective year groups.
The Junior School Student Council is also an elected group of students which
acts as a voice for the opinions and concerns of the student body. It consists
of student representatives from each of the year groups and meets monthly
and discusses issues raised by students, voting on whether or not the matter
ought to be referred to the Head of the Junior School for consideration. Representatives are subsequently required to report back any developments to
their respective year groups.
ulum Leader in the Senior School and a placement test is given when relevant.
Up to Year 7, Music is delivered in French and, part of the P.E. programme is
also delivered in French to all students.
Competitions
In Foreign Language lessons the emphasis is placed on communication. Students learn to communicate in the target language. Specific objectives are defined in order to develop the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Artistic and creative activities and sports teams representing the school are all
available in addition to the keenly contested inter-house competitions which
encourage the development of initiative, self-reliance, co-operation and responsibility.
Inter-house Competitions
These are held throughout the school, not only to foster House spirit, but also
to encourage students to gain from participation in other activities – helping
them learn to organise, to develop individual skills and talents, and to learn to
work as a team. Inter-house competitions take place in cross-country, outdoor
football, basketball, badminton, indoor football, volleyball, skiing, tennis, rounders, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, art, music and drama.
Languages
The languages of instruction at St. George’s School are English, followed by
French.
There are two different French Sections in the Senior School. Basic users
follow a Foreign Language programme leading towards Foreign Language
IGCSE French at the end of year 11. Bilingual students or students who have
reached level 3 (B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages), follow a bilingual programme “Français Langue Seconde” leading
towards IGCSE First Language in French.
In years 12 and 13, bilingual students can choose IB French A, leading to a
bilingual diploma.
An exception to learning French can be made for students who have not yet
reached an elementary level in English (level A1 of the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages).
Students who have a sufficiently level of French may opt to join a class studying Geography in French in Years 7-9. PE is delivered principally in French with
clarification in English where necessary to all students in Years 7 and 8.
The Bilingual French “Français Langue Seconde” programme is designed for
students whose mastery of French allows them to cope with an advanced
course which also includes the study of different literary genres. Interdisciplinary modules are also part of the curriculum. The course complements other
areas of study by developing skills of a more general application such as
analysis, synthesis or drawing of inferences.
German or Spanish are introduced in Year 8. These courses lead towards the
IGCSE Foreign Language German or Spanish certification at the end of year
11.
In years 12 and 13, the IB programme offers the possibility to continue the
study of any of these languages, depending on demand.
The school actively supports the students’ languages through a Mother Tongue
policy and a Mother Tongue Support programme. Please contact Mrs Bodenmann at lbodenmann@stgeorges.ch for details.
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) lessons are provided when necessary.
The English Language Integration Programme(ELIP) takes into account the
needs of those students who will be at St. George’s School throughout their
studies, as well as the needs of those who come to Switzerland for a shorter
length of time. An initial assessment is made through a placement test and an
interview with the Head of the appropriate EFL Department. A specialist teacher in specific classes teaches English as a Foreign Language.
In both Junior and Senior Schol curriculum, differentiation takes place to address the students’ language needs.
French is a compulsory subject at St. George’s School. In the Junior School,
French is taught from Foundation Stage to Year 6, initially through immersion, songs and games and then with increased emphasis placed on teaching through ability grouping, thus meeting the needs of francophones as they
progress through the school, and offering multilingualism to those long-term
students. Assessment is conducted by the Modern Foreign Languages Curric-
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Junior School
Foundation Stage 1
Foundation Stage 2
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
French is introduced as part of our Bilingual Foundation Stage.
Different sets for Foundation or Higher students are offered from year 1.
An additional bilingual French Français Langue Seconde” set is offered from Years 3 to 6
German for beginners is offered as an after-school club.
Senior School
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Two sections, Foreign Language Section and French Bilingual “Français Langue Seconde”
Section are offered
Geography is available in either English or French
German and Spanish are introduced in year 8
Years 10-11 IGCSE
programme
IGCSE certification offered for French Foreign Language as well as French First Language
students.
Years 12-13IB
programme/HSDP
French First Language students can follow an IB bilingual French programme A or an
advanced B programme.
International General Certificate of Secondary
Education (IGCSE)
Students in Years 10 and 11 prepare for the International General Certificate
of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The IGCSE programme has been designed
for students aged 14 - 16 of all abilities and it has been specifically tailored to
international needs. The syllabi and examinations are set and administered by
CIE (Cambridge International Examinations).
The programme leads to a certificate that is internationally recognised as similar in standard to the British GCSE and International GCE ‘O’ Level Examinations. IGCSE is recognised as evidence of ability by academic institutions internationally and employers around the world and is accepted as a preliminary
requirement for entry into all UK Universities. This certificate corresponds to the
end of the compulsory first cycle of secondary school.
The content of IGCSE subjects is tailored to the multi-cultural, multi-lingual
audience they serve. The IGCSE is an internationally based curriculum allowing
teaching to be placed in a localised context, making it relevant in different
regions. It is also suitable for students whose first language may not be English
and this is acknowledged throughout the examination process.
Mathematics, English Language and Literature, ICT and French form the core
subjects at IGCSE. Subject options include the following: Spanish, German,
Economics, History, Geography, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer
Science and Music. All students continue Physical Education, although they
are not formally examined in it. All students are expected to follow at least one
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
science and one humanity.
On-going assessment takes place in every class with mid-term and end of
term reports for each subject. General examinations in Year 10 take place in
June.
In Year 11, there are Mock exams in December. The final IGCSE examinations
take place at the end of Year 11.
There is a 9-point scale of grades: A* A B C D E F G U and there is
a choice between Core and Extended curriculum papers in some subjects
allowing teachers to decide on the most appropriate level of papers for their
students. The Core curriculum provides a full overview of the subject and is
targeted at students expected to achieve grades D to G, the highest grade
possible being a C. The Extended curriculum comprises the Core curriculum
and the Supplement. This has been designed for the more academically able
and is targeted at those expected to achieve grades A* to C.
For entrance to some universities only grades A* to C are regarded as ‘passes’.
A student’s performance in subjects at the end of Year 11 is a valuable indication of the student’s suitability for higher level courses. IGCSEs provide a sound
foundation for the International Baccalaureate programme in Years 12 & 13.
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International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme
Most students in Years 12 &13 prepare for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IBDP is a two-year course of study for students
aged 16 – 19. It is recognised internationally as a qualification for university
entrance.
Candidates must study 3 subjects at Higher Level (HL) and 3 subjects at Standard Level (SL). Higher Level courses represent approximately 240 teaching
hours and Standard Level about 150 hours. Students are thus able to explore
some subjects in depth and others more broadly.
Diploma candidates must select one subject from each group.
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
Language A1
Second Language
Individuals and Societies
Experimental Sciences
Mathematics
Arts or Electives (chosen from Groups 3 or 4)
In addition to the 6 subjects students must:
ØComplete the Theory of Knowledge course
ØEngage in the CAS programme - Creativity, Action and Service
ØSubmit an Extended Essay, approximately 4000 words, rigorously
checked for plagiarism
The Diploma Hexagon:
Each of the six academic subjects is graded on a scale of 7 (high) to 1 (low).
Up to three more points in total are achievable for the Extended Essay and
Theory of Knowledge giving a maximum score of 45 points for excellent performance in all areas.
To earn the IB Diploma, a candidate must normally have at least a grade 4 in
each of the 6 subjects studied, with a total of points of at least 24. Any student
who does not satisfactorily complete the requirements of the courses in CAS
and Theory of Knowledge, or fails to complete a satisfactory Extended Essay
will not be eligible for the award of the Diploma.
A student who does not complete the full Diploma will be awarded Certificates
in individual subjects.
High School Diploma Programme and High School Graduation Certificate
The High School Diploma programme (HSDP) is a two-year course which includes the study of the following subjects:
Group 1LANGUAGEEnglish
Group 2FOREIGN LANGUAGEFrench
Group 3HUMANITIESDevelopment Studies
Group 4SCIENCESCombined Sciences
Group 5
MATHEMATICS and TECHNOLOGY
General Mathematics, IT
Group 6 ARTS Art & Design, Performing Arts
Physical Education and a CAS Programme are compulsory.
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The HSDP is designed for students for whom the IB Diploma is inappropriate,
who wish to attend university or college after leaving school, most commonly in North America. Successful completion of this course allows students to
graduate from St. George’s.
The majority of pupils receive the St. George’s High School Graduation Certificate in Year 13, regardless of which course they follow. This is awarded to
students who have successfully completed four years of high school study and
who have met the school’s graduation requirements, as outlined below:
- Successful completion of Years 10, 11, 12 & 13 or their equivalent (US
grades 9-11) with completion of Year 13 at St. George’s .
- Minimum age of 17 attained before date of graduation.
- Minimum of 26 credits attained in academic work during Years 10 - 13. The
26 credits must include:
English: 4 Mathematics: 4
Foreign Language: 2
Humanities: 2
Science: 2
Physical Education and extra-curricular required for each year of
attendance (credits not awarded).
-Minimum score of 80/120 in TOEFL, a score of 6 in IELTS, a pass in
IGCSE English or Cambridge Advanced Certificate examination.
Pre-IB Diploma Programme
The Pre-IB Diploma Programme (Pre-IBDP) has been designed for students aged 15-16 who want to build a solid foundation before embarking on their two
year IB Diploma programme. It is a one-year course which includes the study of these subjects from the following groups:
Group 1LANGUAGEEnglish
Group 2FOREIGN LANGUAGEFrench
Group 3
HUMANITIES
Pre-IB Humanities (Geography, History and Economics)
Group 4
SCIENCES
Pre-IB Combined Sciences (Biology, Physics and Chemistry)
Group 5
MATHEMATICS & TECHNOLOGY Pre-IB General Maths, Information Technology
Group 6 ARTS
Art & Design, Performing Arts
Physical Education is compulsory.
Reporting and Assessment – General information
St. George’s School has an Assessment Policy which includes Assessment for Learning (AFL) and Assessment of Learning. AFL in the classroom is based on
the concept that students need to understand the aims and objectives of each lesson and have clear criteria of how they can achieve the learning objectives.
Formative and Summative tests/activities continuously take place and allow teachers to monitor each student’s academic progress. Standardised tests that
describe pupil’s performance against international standards are also considered useful tools for parents and teachers when placing new students, planning
curriculum and/or discussing students’ programmes and subject options.
Subject teachers award grades for effort and conduct.
Academic Effort – Secondary School
Academic
Effort
In determining effort grades, teachers take into account the student’s commitment and engagement, his/her attitude
towards work, as well as his/her sense of independence and responsibility.
A
Very Good
B
Good
C
Satisfactory
D
Weak
E
Unacceptable
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Academic Effort – Junior School (Years 3-6 only)
In determining effort grades, St. George’s teachers take into account the student’s commitment and engagement, his/her attitude towards work, as well as
his/her sense of independence and responsibility.
Excellent
Very good
Good
Needs improving
Unacceptable
Reinforcement of St. George’s School assessment system (Achievement levels and Effort grades) is made via Subject Teachers, Tutors and Parents/ Students
Handbook on website.
Academic Achievement - Junior School
On-going assessment takes place in every class with mid-term grades and
end of term reports for each subject in Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6). Clear descriptors of expectations in each subject are available on our website and can
be interpreted using the achievement grades below. These have been written
with close attention to UK National Curriculum Standards and our own exacting
expectations of St. George’s students.
At the end of each academic year, pupils in Year 1-6 sit standardised tests
(English and Maths). Results are reported back to parents at the end of year
consultation and are included in the June report.
Any new students will take the previous ‘end of year’ assessment tests, taken
by their peer group, upon entry to St. George’s School Junior School
Grades for Academic Achievement range from 1 to 3 as shown below: (Years
3-6 only)
3
2
1
Below average for Year Group
Expected level for Year Group
Above average for Year Group
Levels of Academic Achievement range from 7 to 1, 7 being at the top of the
progression scale.
Academic Achievement is determined according to success criteria for each
subject area and year group. Students are provided with these, they are displayed in School and are available on the School’s website.
Conduct
General Conduct, under the headings Organisation, Punctuality, and Homework, are rated Good, Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Please refer to the Regulations for Student Conduct.
Absences
Lates and absences (authorised and unauthorised) are noted on children’s
reports.
Schedule for Reporting in the Junior School
There are three types of reports:
Mid-term Grade sheet for Years 3 to 6
Grade sheet for Years 3 to 6
End of term Reports for Foundation Stage to Year 6
Academic Achievement – Senior School
Years 7-10
On-going assessment takes place in every class with mid-term and end of
term reports for each subject. General end-of-year exams take place in June.
These are generally written as follows:
Year 11
In Year 11, there are Mock exams in December. The final IGCSE examinations
take place during May/June at the end of Year 11.
Term I:
Years 12-13
On-going assessment takes place in every subject. Year 12 exams take place
in April/May and mock exams in Year 13 take place in December. In May of
Year 13, students take the final IB DP exams.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
Mid-term Grade sheet for Years 3 to 6
End of term Grade sheet for Years 3 to 6
End of term Report sheet for Years Foundation Stage to 6
Term II: Mid-term Grade sheet for Years 3 to 6
End of term Grade sheet for Years 3 to 6
End of term Report sheet for Years 1 to 6
Term III: End of term Report for Foundation Stage to Year 6
(Grades for Years 3-6 are included in this report)
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Schedule for Reporting in Senior School
There are three types of reports:
Mid-term Report sheet (with effort and/or academic achievement grades)
End of term Report sheet (with effort and academic achievement grades)
End of term Reports (with effort and academic achievement grades)
These are written as follows:
Term I:
Mid-term Report sheet for students Years 7-13
End of term Reports for students Years 7-10 & 12
Term II:
Mock Exam Reports for students Years 11 & 13
Mid-term Report sheet for students Years 7-10, 12
End of term Report sheet for students Years 7-10, 12
End of term Reports for students Years 11 & 13
Term III: End of term Reports for students Years 7-10, 12
Schedule for Parent Consultations
Term I:
Parent/Tutor Consultations
Parent/Teacher Consultations
Term II: Parent/Tutor Consultations
Parent/Teacher Consultations
Term III: Parent/Teacher Consultations
• Mobile Phone Rules
• Fire Rules
• Ski Rules
Spaces exist for students to write in their timetable, grades, mention certificates and
dragons received for each term (Secondary School students).
Attendance and punctuality
All Students are expected to be regular and punctual in attendance. Regular
school attendance and being on time to school and each class is important for
the academic development of the students. Excessive or unexcused absence
from school is harmful to such development.
Parents have a legal duty to ensure that their children attend school unless
absence is due to illness or other unavoidable cause.
Please note:
• Any leave of absence from School must always be applied for in
writing to the Principal and unauthorised absences are noted in
registers and reported to future schools/universities.
• Leave of absence should be requested only in exceptional circumstances.
• All students must respect the beginning and end of term dates.
• St. George’s School observes the Vaud Public Holidays of Jeune
Federal, Ascension and Pentecost.
• The School Calendar with details of term and holiday dates is sent
to parents and posted on the School website.
Reporting absence
•
Other Information (in Alphabetical Order)
•
Agendas
Each student receives an agenda at the start of the year. Agendas should be
clearly labelled with the student’s name and should be kept in good order, free
of graffiti.
Junior School pupils receive an agenda and a folder as well as a Reading Card
on which their reading homework is written. Parents are expected to listen to
their children read aloud and then sign the card or write in the agenda.
All students write their homework, when it is set, in their agenda. Parents are
requested to check their child’s agenda for tutor/staff comments and sign their
child’s agenda on a weekly basis.
The Agenda can be used for daily communication with JD class teachers
or Senior School Tutors and subject teachers (teachers and parents to sign
comments to acknowledge they have been read). As an alternative parents can
contact a member of staff using the individual staff member’s school e-mail.
Parents should call the school office on the first day of absence,
stating the reason. A note should be sent on the day the child
returns to school explaining the absence.
In the event of no contact from parents/guardians explaining the
absence, the school would phone on the initial day, following this
with a letter after 3 days of unexplained absence.
Lateness
School begins at 08.35 hrs. All students should arrive at school in time to be in
their classroom/tutor room by 08.35 hrs. Any student arriving later than 08.35
hrs should give a reason for lateness and it should be marked on the register.
Junior School students start at 08.45hrs.
A Junior School (Years 4-6) OR a Senior School student arriving after registration has finished should report initially to the School Office to sign in. Infant
children go directly to Chalet.
Agendas also contain the following:
• Details of school terms and holiday dates for the academic year.
• School Rules, including dress code.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
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Setting work for absent students
When a student is absent for a day, it is his or her responsibility to catch up
on work missed.
When a student is absent for three days or more, and work is requested by
parents, teachers will give work to the Tutor if:
a) they are at a point in their teaching where this is convenient
b) they judge it necessary or even advisable.
Communication
There are many different ways in which information is shared within the St.
George’s School community.
Between staff and students:
• notice boards and TV Screens
• announcements at morning registration
• announcements after lunch
Between school and parents:
Communication between parents and members of staff is encouraged. This
may be by pre-arranged meeting, phone, fax or e-mail communication. Parents and teachers are encouraged to communicate via the student agenda.
The classroom teacher (JS) or tutor (SrS) is the main person to contact in
most cases.
The Head of House is in frequent contact with the parents of boarders.
Other sources of information are the school website www.stgeorges.ch.
Access to pages with specific information relevant to parents is only possible
after logging in with your username and password. Please contact the school
office if you have problems logging in.
Complaints aired directly to the Deputy Head or Head of the Junior School,
Vice Principal or to the Principal will usually be referred to the relevant teacher/
tutor to be dealt with unless it is deemed appropriate for him or her to deal with
the matter personally.
Any member of staff involved will make a written record of all the complaints
made and the date on which they were received. Should the matter not be
resolved within an appropriate time then parents will be advised to proceed
with their complaint in accordance with Stage 2 of this procedure.
Stage 2 - Formal Resolution
If the complaint cannot be resolved on an informal basis, then the parents
should put their complaint in writing to the Junior School Deputy Head/Head
or the Vice-Principal/Principal in the Senior School. The Junior School Deputy
Head/Head, Vice-Principal/Principal will decide, after considering the complaint, the appropriate course of action to take.
In most cases, the Junior School Deputy Head/Head, Vice-Principal/Principal
will meet/speak to the parents concerned, normally within days of receiving
the complaint, to discuss the matter. It may be necessary for the Junior School
Deputy Head/Head, Vice-Principal/Principal to carry out further investigations.
Written records will be kept of all meetings and interviews held in relation to
the complaint.
Once the Junior School Deputy Head/Head, Vice-Principal/Principal is satisfied
that, so far as is practicable, all of the relevant facts have been established, a
decision will be made and parents will be informed of this decision in writing.
Discipline
The school rules are clearly laid out in:
a) The Regulations for Student Conduct
b) The Student Agenda
c) The Rules and Privileges Handbook for Boarders
Copies of these are issued to the students at the start of each year.
Discipline issues arising outside of the official school hours and when children
are no longer under the direct supervision of teaching staff should be dealt
with by parents.
Complaints
Dragons and Mentions
St. George’s has long prided itself on the quality of the teaching and pastoral
care provided to its students. However, if parents do have a complaint, they
can expect it to be treated by the School in accordance with this procedure.
Mentions are awarded twice a term; six mentions are awarded in each House.
These are awarded for good attitude towards school work as well as participation in House events.
Dragon Certificates are competed for by all members within each House,
through the award of Dragons which are given by staff for a diversity of reasons
from a particularly good piece of work to a helpful act.
Children are awarded House Points and Dragons in the Junior School by staff
for a diversity of reasons.
Stage 1 - Informal Resolution
It is hoped that most complaints and concerns will be resolved quickly and
informally.
If parents have an academic complaint they should normally approach the individual teacher or their son/daughter’s tutor with their complaint in writing. As a
matter of course, the teacher/tutor will keep the appropriate Curriculum Leader/Head of House fully informed on the discussions and any actions taken.
If the teacher/tutor cannot resolve the matter in this fashion, it may be necessary for him or her to consult further with the Curriculum Leader/Head of
House.
In the Junior School parents should contact the individual teacher. If the teacher cannot resolve the matter, it may be necessary for him or her to consult
further with the Deputy Head and/or Head of Department.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
Dramatic performances and Prize-Giving
The Senior School play takes place in the Winter (2nd) Term with opportunities
to become involved in acting, props, make-up etc. In the Autumn (1st) Term, the
House Plays take place where students take complete responsibility for every
aspect of the writing and performance. The Junior School performances take
place in Terms 1 and 3 and include Christmas musicals and a Spring music
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•
concert, as well as a Junior School Prize-Giving.
For more information regarding prizes, please refer to the policy.
Dress code
1. Students must be appropriately dressed at all times. Students must
wear the correct uniform during class and on certain formal occasions.
2. Students must wear flat shoes. No student may wear platform or
wedge-heeled shoes, trainers, high heels or flip-flops, other than for
valid medical reasons.
3. Body-piercing, other than one pair of earrings for girls and tattoos are
forbidden.
4. Valuable jewellery, substantial amounts of cash (100Sfr.-+) clothes and
other possessions must not be brought to school. Consequently the
school cannot accept responsibility for the disappearance of any such
items.
5. Only “normal” hair colour is allowed. For boys, long hair below the level
of the shirt collar, shaved heads and beards are not allowed, nor is the
use of hair gel.
6. Any student considered to be inappropriately dressed will be asked to
go home or to the boarding section upstairs to change. Failure to do so
will be considered a serious offence.
7. Students in Yrs 7, 8 & 9 may not wear make-up. Students in Yrs 10,
11, 12 & 13 may wear discreet make-up.
8. Nail varnish is not permitted
Drug testing Procedure
1. From the Summer Term 2010, 2 students from years 9-13 are selected for drugs testing every 2 weeks.
2. When a student has been selected to undertake a drug’s test, either at
random or because there is a suspicion, he/she must provide either a
fresh urine or saliva sample in the container provided.
3. The sample must be immediately handed to the Principal, or in his/her
absence, the Vice-Principal.
4. The initial test is carried out in the Principal’s office in the presence of
the Principal or Vice-Principal, the student, his/her Head of House, and
a member of the teaching staff nominated by the student.
5. The initial test uses a disposable commercial clinical test strip which
gives a result for five drugs (marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine,
opiates and ecstasy) after 5 minutes, and also indicates whether the
sample has been adulterated.
If the result is negative, that is the end of the procedure.
If the result is positive, there are two options:
•
•
•
If the student admits to taking the indicated substance(s), the procedure is terminated and the student is punished according to the
school Rules.
If the student claims a false positive result, the result of the first
test is kept confidential. The sample is sent to the local hospital for
further testing for the drug(s) indicated. There are then two possibilities:
If the result is negative, it is assumed that the first positive was false
and the student is fully exonerated.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
If the result is positive, the student is punished according to
the School Rules.
If the test strip indicates that the sample was adulterated, another sample
must be provided. If the student tampers with his/her sample twice, he/she
is assumed to be trying to hide his/her guilt and is punished according to the
school rules.
A student who does not provide a sample within four hours of being asked
to provide one, with free access to drinking water, will be deemed to have
refused to provide a sample and the sanction will be the same as for a
positive test result.
Facilities
The school grounds and facilities may not be used outside the normal school
hours without the consent of the School Principal. Any accident/damage arising from such use is the sole responsibility of the parents of the children
concerned.
Field Trips
During the course of the academic year there are many obligatory excursions
to destinations within Switzerland and residential trips to various places in
Switzerland and/or overseas. (Also see Visas).
Food
Meals are prepared on site in modern kitchen in the main school building. The
management of the kitchen is entrusted to a professional catering company
which has a mandate to provide balanced, nutritional meals and meet with all
regulations regarding hygiene.
Any child with food allergies which may require a modified diet must provide
a medical certificate from their doctor. The school may not be able to cater for
severe allergies.
We would like to inform you that the school and its catering suppliers and parents providing food at school events cannot guarantee that the food provided
is allergen-free, and that while we will endeavour to remind students about the
risk, parents and students must take responsibility for the food they consume
on school premises, and the school will not accept responsibility for any allergy-related incidents.
Boarders receive breakfast, lunch and dinner. On either Saturday or Sunday a
‘brunch’ replaces breakfast and lunch.
All day students have a hot lunch at school, Monday – Friday. There are two
sittings at lunch-time – Junior School & Senior School. The mealtimes form
part of a child’s education and for this reason the school does not have a
self-service system. All the meals are served at table by school personnel.
Each table of students is supervised by an adult or senior student who eats
with them, encourages good table manners and a willingness to try all foods
and social interaction. All Junior children may bring a named, reusable water
bottle to school. This will remain in class and its cleanliness is the child’s re14
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sponsibility. Swiss tap water is of excellent quality and water coolers and tap
water is freely available on site, with plastic cups for those who choose not to
bring a water bottle.
Information Technology
In the Junior School, there are laptops and tablets available for student and
teacher use.
Wireless technology is available throughout the Chalet. There are also designated IT rooms in the main building.
A specialist teacher gives formal Information Technology lessons from year
1 upwards. The Learning Support department has dedicated machines with
special software for use in both the Junior School and the Senior School.
In the Senior School, Information Technology lessons are a compulsory part of
the curriculum for students in Years 7 to 11 and optional for students in years
12 and 13. Senior School IT lessons take place in a well-equipped media
centre or computer laboratory in the main building.
Computers with Internet access are also available for students during study
times. There are also laptops that can be taken to classrooms. Wireless connection to the Internet is available throughout the main building.
All students are required to adhere to St. George’s School’s computer network
and Internet access policy. All computers are fitted with monitoring software.
Learning Support
Libraries
Donations of books in good order are welcomed.
There are three libraries in the school.
Chalet (Junior School)
The library in the Junior School is found on the first floor of the Chalet. It has
fiction and non-fiction books for students aged 3-9.
The library is open at all times during the school day. Infant students are accompanied to choose books and Junior Students access on a daily basis
under the more general supervision of their class teachers. Infant teachers
keep the records for their students.
There is also a dedicated French library.
Main building (Senior School)
The Library in the Senior School is accessed from the ground floor of the main
building. The library has two floors and includes both fiction and reference
materials for students in both the senior school and Years 4-6 of the juniors.
There are approximately 12000 titles in the library, consisting of 4000 fiction,
including Easy Reading for EFL students and material for Yrs 4-13 levels, and
8000 non-fiction covering a wide range of subjects. New books are added
consistently each month. Reading material is also available in French, German,
Spanish, Japanese and Russian.
There is a selection of dictionaries in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian,
Russian, Japanese, Bulgarian, Portuguese and Arabic.
Lockers
Pupils with special educational needs are educated in close association with
their peers wherever possible and appropriate. Education plans for such pupils
contain differentiation to meet the pupils’ individual needs and to encourage
them to reach their full potential.
All students in the Senior School have two lockers, one for books and files and
another, in the changing rooms, for sports kit.
Students are advised to keep their locker locked with a padlock- the school
will not take responsibility for any losses. All valuables should be handed in to
a member of staff or to the school office for safe keeping.
Parents are encouraged to bring any concerns to the notice of the appropriate
person in school, initially to the class teacher, or Tutor and to take an active part
in the education of their children.
International Award
Parents are kept informed of their child’s progress and parental permission
is always sought prior to referrals for additional help being made e.g. to the
learning support department, educational psychologist, speech therapist, etc.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision for all pupils who require additional
support is a matter of strict confidentiality.
The cost of initial and subsequent testing of the child is met by parents/
guardians. Please refer to the Learning Centre flyer for more details and fees.
The cost of providing learning support instruction, above and beyond the basic
provision, (within or outside the mainstream classes) is charged according to
the current Fees sheet. Where children receive instruction/support in groups
this charge will be shared.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
Students may enrol in the IA programme. This is similar to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme. It is designed to give students formal recognition of
the learning and challenges that they undertake outside the classroom.
There are four sections: developing a skill, service to others, physical recreation and expedition. The award is available to students from Years 9 – 13
(with an introduction in Years 7-8) and is divided into 3 levels:
Bronze (from the age of 14), Silver (from the age of 15) and Gold (from the
age of 16).
Some of the key ideas behind the award:
It is a non-competitive award that is open to all students regardless of previous
experience or abilities. Each award programme is designed by the student and
reflects his or her own personal interests and abilities.
The Award is voluntary and students have to take responsibility for completing
the awards themselves. Students are asked to nominate their own activities.
Over the course of the award students progress toward goals, receiving re15
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
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wards for their efforts. The Award aims to recognise a continuous and persistent approach and cannot be completed with a short burst of enthusiasm.
This enables students to reap the rewards of long term commitment to a goal,
thus acting as a point of personal and social development.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones may be brought to school and used under specific conditions outlined below:
• Phones must never be switched on during and between lessons.
• Boarders must not make or receive calls during sleeping hours.
• Boarders must deposit their mobile phones with the boarding staff
at bedtime.
• The phones must be used discreetly, so as not to disturb other
people.
• The borrowing of phones is strictly forbidden.
• The school cannot take responsibility for the misuse of these
phones. Parents are wholly responsible for any charges incurred.
Any infringement of the rules above will lead to the confiscation of the phones
for an indefinite period of time. Repeated infringement will result in mobile
phones being returned to parents/guardians.
Office Hours
•
•
•
•
The School Office is open during term-time from Monday – Friday
from 08:00 – 17:00.
The School Office is open during the school holidays from Monday
– Friday from 08:00 – 12:00 and from 13:30 – 16:00.
The School Office is closed on Swiss Public Holidays that fall during
the school holiday periods.
During term-time, in case of EMERGENCY ONLY, the following number can be used: 021 989 2183.
Parent Liaison Group
The Parent Liaison Group (PLG) was established in the junior school in 1997
and in the senior school in 2004. The PLG is a volunteer group of parents
committed to supporting and building the school community and class representatives are elected annually. All parents are welcome to join the PLG.
Parents may be involved in the Junior School in several ways; accompanying
a class outing, helping to run an after-school club (such as The Baker Book
Club) supporting at Inter-school and Inter-House events, etc. please feel free to
contact the Head of the Junior School with your ideas.
Private Lessons
It is possible for students to have private lessons in music, tennis, languages
etc. and may result in withdrawal from another lesson. (depending on the
availability of teachers). These are charged according to the current fee sheet.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
Safety and Security
Safety and security are high priorities at St. George’s School.
Procedures, rules and regulations are in place in order to minimise the risks to
students, staff, buildings and equipment. The school campus is monitored by
security cameras.
All visitors, including parents, must report to reception for registration, where a
visitor’s badge will be issued, and also upon departure. This is in line with Fire
Regulations. Please present yourself at the school office if you need to collect
a child for any reason during the school day.
Skiing
During the Term II, students from Year 1 upwards are taken to Les Mosses one afternoon per week for ski tuition. This is a compulsory component
of the physical education programme for students. The school has a long
standing relationship with the Ecole Suisse de Ski in Les Mosses who provide
ski instructors for the school during these sessions. The children are working
towards obtaining qualifications in the Swiss Snow League.
In the Junior School, the pupils receive two hours of tuition in groups from
the ski school. During this time a member of the St. George’s teaching staff
accompanies them.
In the Senior School, the students are expected to develop the self-discipline
and responsibility that will allow them to ski in small groups. Each student
receives one hour of ski tuition each week from the Ecole Suisse de Ski.
Beginners to the sport are accompanied in the second hour by experienced
skiers from the school’s teaching staff who help the students to develop their
skills. During the second hour of the afternoon, students experienced in skiing
are initially assessed by members of the St. George’s teaching staff with regard
to their maturity and their understanding of the rules of the International Ski
Federation (FIS). These rules govern everyone on the piste. Once the member
of staff is happy that a group of students understands the rules and what they
must do in an emergency, a recommendation is made to the Head of Sport
that they should be permitted to free ski in a group in which there must be
a minimum of three students on designated prepared pistes. Students are
not permitted to carry mobile phones for personal use during ski afternoons.
However, they are allowed to bring them for use in an emergency. The students
who are free skiing are given the telephone number of a duty member of staff
who remains in the restaurant at Les Mosses and who is in contact with the
Head of Sport on the pistes for use in an emergency. At any time if a student
shows disregard for the safety rules, they are not allowed to free ski. Instead
they join one of the beginners groups until an understanding of their responsibilities is established.
A full list of clothing requirements can be obtained from the school. Helmets
and school ski jackets are compulsory.
Off-piste skiing is not permitted. In some of the higher levels of the Swiss Snow
League, the students are required to develop skills which require them to ski
on unprepared snow. Instructors qualified to teach at this level may take the
competent secondary school students into these areas.
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Towards the end of the Winter Term, the children are taken on a three day
residential ski trip. Children generally remain in Switzerland in resorts such as
Villars. During their visit they are accompanied by their teachers and experienced ski monitors. There is no unsupervised skiing. Once again the students
of appropriate ability may be guided into areas of unprepared snow by qualified
ski instructors.
Sunday skiing is compulsory for boarding students up to Year 10 and open to
any other day students in the Senior School (space permitting).
Skiing in the curriculum
As mentioned above, all students from year 1 will take ski lessons and work
towards a badge in the Swiss Snow League.
Students in different year groups ski on either Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.
If at all possible, it helps enormously for beginners to get the chance to try
skiing before the start of term in January. Snowboarding lessons are available
on the programme for some older students. They should see Mr Hill before the
end of the Autumn Term to discuss possibilities.
Equipment
Students are required to hire or buy equipment and clothing for the season.
Parents of day students should arrange this for their children. Please note that
skis hired through the school are not insured for loss/theft.
Clothing
On ski days, day students should come to school dressed for skiing.
All clothing / accessories must be named so that they may be returned in the
event of loss.
The following are essential: school ski jacket, ski trousers, gloves, and sunglasses/goggles. At all times students must be wearing their school ski jacket,
gloves and something covering their eyes. Goggles are better than sunglasses
in bad weather.
Note: it is better to be too hot than too cold.
Any child not properly equipped will not go skiing.
Walkmans / iPods / MP3 players / Mobile Phones
Walkmans / iPods / MP3 players are not permitted whilst skiing. Mobile phones
are not encouraged but can prove useful in an emergency. They should be
switched off and only used to contact a member of staff or the school office.
Contacting parents or friends back at school impedes emergency communication and can lead to confusion, exaggeration and undue worry. Misuse of a
mobile phone will result in it being confiscated.
Ski groups
Students are grouped by level. Changing ski groups is at the discretion of the
ski instructors in consultation with the relevant Head of Sport. Students may
ask to change if they feel they are incorrectly placed, but in the interests of
fairness will only be moved if they prove beyond doubt that they are incorrectly
placed.
Unsupervised skiing
New students, students in Years 7-9 and beginner skiers will only be allowed
to ‘free-ski’ once they have demonstrated they are proficient enough and responsible enough to do so. Students must be in groups of three or more whilst
‘free-skiing’ and only use slopes that they are well acquainted with. This is a
privilege and, as such, may be rescinded.
Refreshments
Students are given a choice of a range of cold, soft drinks and/or hot drink and
provided with a snack (fruit/chocolate bar). Unlimited water is also available.
Students in Years 7-13 may bring their own money and/or snacks if they wish
and students in JD, whose parents prefer to provide a snack and/or limit drinks
to water only, are asked to please inform the class teacher.
Bad weather
The safety of the children is paramount and any decision to either go ahead
or cancel skiing due to the weather conditions is made after consultation with
one or all of the following authorities: Les Mosses Ski School; the Bus Company; the Police Routière. If parents need confirmation of whether or not their
children have gone skiing, they should telephone the information line 021 989
2189 after 11.00hrs.
Helmets
A helmet is compulsory for all students.
Ski day schedule (Junior School)
0830
Students arrive at school dressed in their ski clothes. Skis should be placed by the side entrance to Senior School and boots and helmets
in the hall. If students use a school ski rack, then equipment should be brought in the night before to avoid traffic congestion in the morning.
Depart for Les Mosses in buses immediately after lunch
1315-1600
Ski lessons
1700
Arrive back at school.
Parents should not park in the courtyard, by the entrance, along the road or anywhere that might impede the buses.
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Ski day schedule (Senior School)
0830
Students arrive at school dressed in their ski clothes. Skis should be placed in the racks at the side of the assembly hall and boots in the
basement. If students use a school ski rack, then equipment should be brought in the night before to avoid traffic congestion in the
morning.
Depart for Les Mosses in buses immediately after lunch
1400-1630
Ski lessons. Note: When pupils have shown that they are sufficiently competent and responsible they are allowed to free-ski in groups of
three on designated slopes.
1745/1800
Arrive back at school.
Parents should not park in the courtyard, by the entrance, along the road or anywhere that might impede the buses.
Ski trips
Students in Years 3 to 13 have a three-day residential ski trip.
The Summer Camp Monitors are carefully selected for their qualifications,
teaching experience and their ability to care for young people away from home.
The FIS Ski Code
Textbooks and Equipment
The FIS (International Ski Federation) has established ten rules for the conduct
of skiers and boarders. In short they are:
Textbooks, files and stationery are supplied by the school. A basic writing kit is
distributed to new students. Refills of paper, notebooks etc. are also supplied
but all other items must be purchased by parents.
Some Course textbooks, which students annotate and keep for reference, will
also be billed to parents.
•
•
Respect: Do not endanger others.
Control: Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing/snowboarding
to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain.
• Choice of Route: The skier/boarder in front has priority. Leave
enough space.
• Overtaking: Leave plenty of space when overtaking a slower skier/
boarder.
• Entering and Starting: Look up and down the mountain each time
before starting or entering a marked run.
• Stopping: Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can
actually be seen. Never stop below the brow of a hill where you
are hidden.
• Climbing: When climbing up or down, always keep to the side of
the piste.
• Signs: Obey all signs and markings. They are there for your safety.
• Assistance: In case of accidents, mark the incident area with
crossed skis or a snowboard stuck in the snow, provide help and
alert the rescue service.
• Identification: All those involved in an accident, including witnesses,
should exchange names and addresses.
Note: Some Ski Patrols reserve the right to confiscate ski passes on the
grounds of reckless skiing or snowboarding.
Summer Camp
St. George’s School runs a day and residential Summer Camp in July and
August welcoming students from all over the world.
Mornings are devoted to intensive language study, afternoons to sports or
excursions, and evenings to extra-curricular activities.
The students are taken on cultural visits to discover Swiss cities and the countryside; they experience a camping expedition in the Swiss Alps and take part
in well supervised outdoor activities such as sailing.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
Traffic and Parking
A large number of cars pass through the grounds for dropping off and picking
up students. For this procedure to run smoothly and safely in the limited space
available, please respect the following points:
• A drop-off system operates throughout the day. All cars should enter and exit the School grounds from the Av. Bosquets de Julie (top)
entrance and children should be dropped off and picked up from
the same location at 15.40. If your child is being picked up after a
club, please follow the same procedure.
• Do not park on the school field.
• The school has several parking areas. A limited number of parking
spaces at the top entrance are for families of very young students.
Parents are asked not to block these places for too long.
• The courtyard and lower car park is for staff and visitor parking only.
Large buses used for excursions also use the courtyard for parking
and turning.
• For the safety of the students, please remember to drive slowly and
carefully on the school property.
• All dogs must be kept inside vehicles.
• Wherever possible, older students should take public transport, be
dropped off/picked up from the Maladaire car park next to the
school and parents of younger students should arrange to car-pool.
If you are unsure of the location of any of the places mentioned, please contact
the school office for clarification.
Please contact the school office if you will be late or you have made arrangements for someone else to pick up your child. If you will be very late, or are
18
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
IN SWITZERLAND
habitually late, the Junior School staff may arrange to send your child to wait in
the Senior School lounge, without direct supervision.
In the first week of school, traffic is likely to be heavier than normal. Please use
extra caution and patience.
Transport
The minibuses are used to run a service each morning and afternoon to collect
and transport a number of students to and from school.
For all the other excursions the school uses professional bus companies.
Students travelling in these minibuses or buses must wear seat-belts at all
times. Any student who misbehaves and engages in unacceptable or dangerous behaviour may be subject to temporary or permanent suspension from all
school organised transportation.
Uniform
The correct School Uniform must be worn at all times and is available directly from the school uniform supply shop. Please contact the school office for further
details or look on their website www.bo-tex.ch.
School blazers must be worn by all students up to and including Year 11. Junior School pupils must wear their blazers after the October half-term holiday and
until the Easter holiday.
During the winter months, when snow is common, children in the Junior School should bring a change of clothes for outdoor play; snow boots, gloves, hat and
snow trousers and jacket. The weather is very changeable throughout the year and all children should have a raincoat at all times and wear a sunhat, sunglasses
and sun-cream during the hotter months.
All parents should ensure their children come to school dressed in the correct uniform, looking neat and tidy.
All items of clothing should be clearly labelled with the student’s name.
There is a lost and found box in the cloakrooms of the chalet and all Junior School items found (unnamed) are put in this box. At the end of each term the
unclaimed items are given to charity. Senior School students’ lost property is placed in the ‘pound’ and a nominal charge is levied to retrieve items.
Winter
Summer
Sport
Foundation Stage
School jogging suit
White school T-shirt White socks
White trainers
School jogging suit or shorts
White school T-shirt White socks
Black or blue sandals or White trainers
School jogging suit or shorts
White school T-shirt White socks
White soled trainers
House T-shirt
Years 1 to 6 Boys
Navy Blazer
Long grey trousers
White shirt and school tie
Navy blue pullover
Grey socks
Navy blue or black shoes
Navy Blazer
Short grey trousers
White shirt and school tie or polo
shirt (with shorts only)
Grey socks
Navy blue or black sandals or shoes
Navy blue shorts
White school T-shirt
School jogging suit
White socks
White soled trainers
House T-shirt
School Ski Jacket
Years 1 to 6 Girls
Navy Blazer
Skirt
White blouse and school tie
Navy blue pullover
Navy socks
Navy blue or black shoes
Navy Blazer
Blue & white checked summer dress
White socks
Navy blue or black sandals or shoes
Navy blue shorts
White school T-shirt
School jogging suit
White socks
White soled trainers
House T-shirt
School Ski Jacket
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
19
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
IN SWITZERLAND
Winter
Summer
Sport
Years 7 to 11 Boys
Navy Blazer
Long grey trousers
White shirt and school tie
Navy blue pullover
Grey socks
Black shoes
Navy Blazer
Long grey trousers
White shirt and school tie
Navy blue pullover
Grey socks
Black shoes
Navy blue shorts
White school T-shirt
School jogging suit
White socks
White soled trainers
House T-shirt
Ski Clothing
School Ski Jacket
Years 7 to 11 Girls
Navy Blazer
Tartan Skirt
White blouse and school tie
Navy blue pullover
Navy socks or tights
Navy blue or black shoes
Navy Blazer
Tartan Skirt
White blouse and school tie
Navy blue pullover
Navy socks or tights
Navy blue or black shoes
Navy blue shorts
White school T-shirt
School jogging suit
White socks
White soled trainers
House T-shirt
Ski Clothing
School Ski Jacket
Years 12 – 13
(informal)
Stone coloured chino or corduroy
trousers
Navy or burgundy school polo shirt
Flat shoes, black or brown
Navy blazer (for formal occasions)
Navy socks or tights
Navy blue pullover (optional)
Navy blue shorts
White school T-shirt
School jogging suit
White socks
White soled trainers
House T-shirt
Ski Clothing
School Ski Jacket
All items except for shoes and year 12/13 trousers should be purchased in the school shop.
Formal Uniform for Prize-Giving
Years 3* – 11
Girls
Tartan skirt
Boys
Grey trousers
White shirtWhite shirt
TieTie
BlazerBlazer
Black or navy shoes
Black shoes
Navy tights or socks
Grey socks
Year 12GirlsBlack skirtBoysBlack trousers
White shirtWhite shirt
Navy BlazerTie
Navy Blazer
Year 13 (graduating class)
Girls
Dress appropriately
Boys
Suit and tie or school blazer and black trousers (formal school uniform)
*Junior School children may wear full summer uniform with blazer or full winter uniform. Details are sent to parents before the event.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
20
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
IN SWITZERLAND
Visas
There are several trips outside Switzerland during the school year. All students should have a valid visa before the start of each term. The School is able to obtain
visas for boarders if enough notice is given. For day students, obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the parents.
School Day Junior School (typical – varies by term)
School Day Senior School (typical – varies by term)
All classes attend Assembly every Monday morning (unless it is raining) before
registration, in the School Assembly Hall.
On rainy days, all children should go directly to their classroom before registration; otherwise all children wait outside chalet until the bell is rung for the start
of school at 08.40. All children stand still on hearing the first bell and then line
up in class lines on hearing the second bell.
7:30
Rising Bell (Boarders)
8:00
Breakfast (Boarders)
8:30
Warning Bell
8:35 – 8:50
Registration
8:50 – 9:30
Lesson 1
9:30 – 10:10
Lesson 2
10:10 – 10:50
Lesson 3
Break
Snack provided
11:10 – 11:50
Lesson 4
11:50 – 12:30
Lesson 5
12:30 – 13:10
Lesson 6
Lunch
Lunch provided
14:15 – 14:20
Registration
14:20 – 15:00
Lesson 7
15:00 – 15:40
Lesson 8
15:40 – 16:20
Lesson 9
16:30 – 17:50
Activities
18:00
Day Students must leave
18:30
Supper (Boarders)
19:30 – 20:20
Junior Prep (Boarders)
19:30 – 20:50
Senior Prep (Boarders)
21:00
All Boarders Upstairs
8:40 – 8:50
Registration
8:50 – 9:30
Lesson 1
9:30 – 10:10
Lesson 2
Break
Snack provided
10:30 – 11:10
Lesson 3
11:10 – 11:50
Lesson 4
Lunch
Lunch provided
13:00 – 13:40
Lesson 5
13:40 – 14:20
Lesson 6
14:20 – 15:00
Lesson 7
15:00 – 15:40
Lesson 8
15:40 – 16:30
Activities
Children play outside at break and lunch time so please ensure they have coats
etc. Members of staff are on duty and children play on the all-weather surface,
field and play park areas depending on the weather, condition of the ground
and the scheduled play rota.
Children are asked to try all food at lunch times and are seated with staff and
different children each day; except for Foundation Stage children who are
seated with their class teachers every day.
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
21
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
IN SWITZERLAND
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
Name
Principal
Vice-Principal
Director of Studies, French, Spanish
Head of the Junior School
Director of Finance and Administration
Director of Admissions and Marketing
Mr Ian Tysoe
Mr Stephen Shaw
Ms Liliana Bodenmann
Ms Laura Kling
Mr Dominique Chavannaz
Mr Sébastien Troyon
ADMINISTRATION
School Secretary Senior School
Head of Admissions
Travel Secretary, Permits
Accounts
Housemistress
Housemaster
Webmaster
Accounts
Head of Boarding, Clarens
Housekeeper
Summer Camp & Admissions
Housemistress
Ms Cindy Bassin
Mr Victor Dauman
Ms Daphné Fellay
Ms Géraldine Fernando
Ms Carmina Francois
Mr Denis Francois
Ms Ann Margaret Gepulle
Ms Varinia Hirt
Mr Sotiris Kollias
Ms Maria Moledo
Mr Renaud Lomenech
Ms Simone Toukomenis
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Sports Teacher
Year 5
Teaching assistant
Year 6, IT, Music, Deputy Head
Foundation Stage
French
Teacher of Learning Support
Foundation Stage
Year 1
Foundation Stage
Head of Learning Support
Year 3
Head of JD Sport
French
Year 2
Head of French
Year 5
Year 3
Year 4
English as a Foreign Language
Year 4
Year 1, French
Year 6
Teaching Assistant
Teacher of Learning Support
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
Ms Armelle Bilard
Ms Amanda Chen
Ms Jill Cubbin
Ms Kirstin Daly
Ms Samantha Egan
Ms Monique Grollimund
Ms Emma Hobbs-Witli
Ms Glynis Jeannin
Ms Anna Kaeser
Ms Arielle Kwintner
Ms Clare Liddy
Ms Emma Liddy
Ms Katherine Lyon
Ms Françoise Marabotto
Ms Alexandra McKay
Ms Céline Niel
Ms Julia Pickard
Ms Rebecca Preston
Ms Lisa Revell
Ms. Kate Robert-Charrue
Ms Jessica Roux
Ms Houaria Smaine
Ms Rachel Tomkinson
Ms Lucy Wauchope
Ms Kirsty Wilson
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ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
IN SWITZERLAND
SENIOR SCHOOL
Curriculum Leader – Science
PE
Director of Studies, Spanish
Art
German
Head of Minerva House, French, Summer Camp Director
Curriculum Leader – Information Technology
Curriculum Leader – Humanities, History
Curriculum Leader - PE
Librarian
French
Head of Atalanta House, History
Russian
German
French
Head of Music
IT
Curriculum Leader – Co-Curricular Activities
Biology
Mathematics
Science
Head of Vesta House, Science
Art
IB Coordinator, Exams Officer, Geography
Head of Diana House, Economics
Curriculum Leader – Language A, English
Mathematics
French
Head of Learning Support
Science, CAS, International Award
Careers and Guidance Counsellor, Advice on Tertiary Education
PE
French
Geography, Economics
English, Drama, Science
Head of Art
Humanities, TOK
English, EFL & Drama
Spanish, Curriculum Leader - Modern Foreign Languages
Mathematics, IT
English
English & Drama
Head of English as a Foreign Language, TOK
Principal
EFL
Curriculum Leader – Mathematics
English & Drama
THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927
Mr Nicholas Arnold
Ms Armelle Bilard
Ms Liliana Bodenmann
Ms Caroline Calonder
Ms Barbara Chambovey
Mr David Chapuis
Mr Andrew Cheadle
Ms Jacqueline Devereux
Ms Elspeth Dixon
Ms Elaine France
Ms Catarina Galhardo
Mr Michael Gillan
Ms Zinaida Garces
Ms. Nadja Grunberg
Ms Myriam Guyot
Ms Rachel Hardman
Mr Mark Hatton
Mr Jan Hill
Mr Rupert Hubert
Ms Eva Jacobs
Ms Vanessa Jefferiss-Jones
Mr Stephen Jones
Ms Nicola Jupp
Mr Tim Jupp
Mr Jon Katz
Ms Nicola Kirkup
Mr William Larson
Mr Fabien Lasserre
Ms Clare Liddy
Mr Richard Lineham
Mr Richard Lunn
Ms Katherine Lyon
Mr Raphael Marchand
Mr Gordon McKay
Ms Siobhan McLoughlin
Ms Susie Mueller
Mr Mark Nichols
Ms Jemma O’Connor
Mr Juan Peso di Mena
Mr Alan Potts
Ms Jennifer Rainey
Ms Katie Robinson
Ms Jill Schibler
Mr Ian Tysoe
Ms Charmaine Veitch
Mr David Ward
Ms Linda Yorston
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