At the heart of our Primary Years Program is the Inquiry-Based Learning approach, where students actively explore concepts, questions, and challenges that are relevant to their lives. We focus on transdisciplinary learning, which means that students make connections across subjects, ensuring that their learning is holistic and integrated. Through six Inquiry Units each year, students delve into real-world topics that engage their natural curiosity and build essential skills.

These units are framed by key concepts that promote deeper understanding, such as form, function, connection, and perspective. Our students do not just learn facts—they develop the ability to think critically and make connections between their learning and the world around them. These units culminate in a final project or presentation where students can demonstrate their understanding and share their findings with the school community.

Given our location in Ticino, Switzerland, we offer a multilingual learning environment, with English and Italian as the primary languages of instruction. This dual-language approach enriches the learning experience, helping students develop fluency and cultural understanding in both languages from an early age.

• English: As the language of instruction, English is integrated across all subjects, ensuring that students acquire strong literacy and communication skills in an international context.
• Italian: As the local language, Italian is taught alongside English, allowing students to connect with the community and culture of Ticino.
• German Acquisition: We also offer German as a language of acquisition, further enriching our students’ linguistic capabilities and fostering a multilingual mindset.

In the Primary Years Program, we focus not only on academic learning but also on the social-emotional development of each child. We understand that the primary years are a critical time for shaping students’ attitudes, habits, and skills, which is why our program is designed to cultivate:

• Curiosity: Encouraging a natural desire to explore and learn.
• Independence: Building confidence through taking responsibility for one’s learning.
• Collaboration: Teaching students to work together, valuing diverse perspectives.
• Resilience: Fostering the ability to face challenges and bounce back from setbacks.

• Our approach to teaching and learning is rooted in our K.I.N.D. pedagogical framework, which stands for Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. These principles guide everything we do at the International School of Switzerland:

  • Kindness: We foster a compassionate and caring environment where students support each other and respect diversity.
  • Innovation: We encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and the use of technology to solve real-world challenges.
  • Navigation: Through structured learning pathways, students gain strong foundations and are equipped to take ownership of their learning journey.
  • Discovery: Our students are encouraged to explore their passions, fostering a love of learning and an intrinsic drive to engage with new ideas.

Our DISCOVERY Program is an integral part of our Primary Years experience, running daily from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. This co-curricular program is designed to ignite passion, foster creativity, and make real-world connections that deepen our students’ learning experiences.

Immersion Days and Camps

As part of the DISCOVERY Program, we offer immersion days and camps throughout the year, which are essential for sparking curiosity and providing students with authentic, hands-on experiences.

• Immersion Days: These are special days where students step outside the classroom and immerse themselves in practical learning experiences, often linked to their inquiry units. Whether it’s a field trip, visiting a local business, or participating in community service, immersion days bring the curriculum to life.
• Camps: Our educational camps allow students to experience learning in unique settings—whether it’s through outdoor adventures, art-focused camps, or community-building activities. These camps are designed to strengthen social bonds, nurture independence, and deepen students’ connection to the world around them.

Real-World Connections

The DISCOVERY Program offers a range of activities that are both engaging and enriching. These activities provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, from creative arts to STEM activities, and connect with peers through collaborative projects. Through these experiences, our students not only build their academic skills but also develop their social and emotional intelligence in real-world contexts.

We believe that parents play a crucial role in their child’s education, especially during the primary years. Our school values strong communication and collaboration with families, offering regular updates on student progress and opportunities for parents to be involved in school life. This partnership ensures that each child’s needs are met, and their learning journey is supported both at school and at home.