parents guide 2014 2015

ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL IN SWITZERLAND

THE ART OF LEARNING SINCE 1927

Parents Guide2014-2015



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Table of Content

Welcome Message ............................................................................. 3Mission Statement .............................................................................. 4Philosophy and Objectives .................................................................... 4General Information ............................................................................. 5Junior School ..................................................................................... 5Senior School .................................................................................... 5Boarding ........................................................................................... 5The Arts ............................................................................................ 5Sports ............................................................................................... 6Extra-Curricular Activities ...................................................................... 6House and Tutor system ...................................................................... 6Prefects and Monitors ......................................................................... 6Student Council .................................................................................. 7Competitions ...................................................................................... 7Inter-house Competitions ..................................................................... 7Languages ........................................................................................ 7International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) ................ 8International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme ..................................... 9High School Diploma Programme and High School Graduation Certificate ... 9Reporting and Assessment – General information .................................. 10



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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. TysoePrincipal

June 2014

Welcome



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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...

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...

• 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.

• 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

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...

• 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 as-sessment 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).

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 rec-ognised 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, stu-dents 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 pro-gramme 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; [email protected] (Senior School) and [email protected] (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.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Students are encouraged to participate fully in the wide range of extra-curricu-lar activities outside the classroom. After-school clubs in the Senior School pro-vide 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.

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.

The Senior School Heads of House are:

Atalanta Mr. M. GillanDiana Mr. J. KatzMinerva Mr. D. ChapuisVesta Mr. S. Jones

The Head of House is supported by six Tutors, each of whom is responsible

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 Mrs Tomkinson Diana Mme Smaine Minerva Mme Niel Vesta 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, improve-ment, 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.

Prefects and Monitors

Prefects and Monitors are members of the student body who have been cho-sen as good role models to others and are willing to help make the school a safer and better environment for all.

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 responsi-bility 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 sys-tem, used to promote excellence.

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. Rep-resentatives are subsequently required to report back any developments to their respective year groups.

Competitions

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 re-sponsibility.

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, round-ers, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, art, music and drama.

Languages

The languages of instruction at St. George’s School are English, followed by French.

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 teach-er in specific classes teaches English as a Foreign Language. In both Junior and Senior Schol curriculum, differentiation takes place to ad-dress 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 immer-sion, songs and games and then with increased emphasis placed on teach-ing 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-

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.

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).

In Foreign Language lessons the emphasis is placed on communication. Stu-dents learn to communicate in the target language. Specific objectives are de-fined in order to develop the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Students who have a sufficiently level of French may opt to join a class study-ing 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. Interdisciplin-ary 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 Boden-mann at [email protected] for details.



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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 sim-ilar in standard to the British GCSE and International GCE ‘O’ Level Examina-tions. IGCSE is recognised as evidence of ability by academic institutions in-ternationally 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

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 indica-tion of the student’s suitability for higher level courses. IGCSEs provide a sound foundation for the International Baccalaureate programme in Years 12 & 13.

Junior SchoolFoundation Stage 1 Foundation Stage 2Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5Year 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 SchoolYear 7Year 8Year 9

Years 10-11 IGCSE programme

Years 12-13IB programme/HSDP

Two sections, Foreign Language Section and French Bilingual “Français Langue Seconde” Section are offeredGeography is available in either English or FrenchGerman and Spanish are introduced in year 8

IGCSE certification offered for French Foreign Language as well as French First Language students.

French First Language students can follow an IB bilingual French programme A or an advanced B programme.



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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 per-formance in all areas.

International Baccalaureate DiplomaProgramme

Most students in Years 12 &13 prepare for the International Baccalaureate Di-ploma 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 Stan-dard 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 Language A1 Group 2 Second Language Group 3 Individuals and Societies Group 4 Experimental Sciences Group 5 Mathematics Group 6 Arts or Electives (chosen from Groups 3 or 4)

In addition to the 6 subjects students must:

ØComplete the Theory of Knowledge courseØEngage in the CAS programme - Creativity, Action and ServiceØSubmit an Extended Essay, approximately 4000 words, rigorously

checked for plagiarism

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.

The Diploma Hexagon:

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 1 LANGUAGE English

Group 2 FOREIGN LANGUAGE French

Group 3 HUMANITIES Development Studies

Group 4 SCIENCES Combined 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 common-ly 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 Cer-tificate 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: 4Foreign Language: 2 Humanities: 2Science: 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 1 LANGUAGE English

Group 2 FOREIGN LANGUAGE French

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

AcademicEffort

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 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 de-scriptors 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 Below average for Year Group 2 Expected level for Year Group 1 Above average for Year Group

Academic Achievement – Senior School

Years 7-10On-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.

Year 11In Year 11, there are Mock exams in December. The final IGCSE examinations take place during May/June at the end of Year 11.

Years 12-13On-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.

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 dis-played in School and are available on the School’s website.

Conduct

General Conduct, under the headings Organisation, Punctuality, and Home-work, are rated Good, Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Please refer to the Reg-ulations 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 6Grade sheet for Years 3 to 6 End of term Reports for Foundation Stage to Year 6

These are generally written as follows:

Term I: 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)

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.



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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

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.

Agendas also contain the following:• Details of school terms and holiday dates for the academic year.• School Rules, including dress code.

• 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 circum-stances.

• 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

• 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 regis-tration has finished should report initially to the School Office to sign in. Infant

children go directly to Chalet.



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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 convenientb) 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. Par-ents 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

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.

Stage 1 - Informal ResolutionIt is hoped that most complaints and concerns will be resolved quickly and informally.If parents have an academic complaint they should normally approach the indi-vidual 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 Lead-er/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 nec-essary 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 teach-er cannot resolve the matter, it may be necessary for him or her to consult further with the Deputy Head and/or Head of Department.

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 ResolutionIf 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 com-plaint, 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 Conductb) The Student Agendac) 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.

Dragons and Mentions

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 partici-pation 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.

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 selec-ted 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 pro-cedure 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 possi-bilities:

• If the result is negative, it is assumed that the first positive was false and the student is fully exonerated.

• 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 aris-ing 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 par-ents 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 aller-gy-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 re-



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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 desig-nated 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 con-nection 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

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.

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.

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.

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 ac-companied 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

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.

International Award

Students may enrol in the IA programme. This is similar to the Duke of Edin-burgh’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 recre-ation 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 re-



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wards for their efforts. The Award aims to recognise a continuous and per-sistent 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 out-lined 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 num-ber 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 repre-sentatives 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.

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 Moss-es 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 respon-sibilities 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 experi-enced 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 Thurs-

days.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.

EquipmentStudents 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.

ClothingOn 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 sun-glasses/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.

HelmetsA helmet is compulsory for all students.

Walkmans / iPods / MP3 players / Mobile PhonesWalkmans / 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 communi-cation and can lead to confusion, exaggeration and undue worry. Misuse of a mobile phone will result in it being confiscated.

Ski groupsStudents 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 skiingNew 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 re-sponsible 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.

RefreshmentsStudents 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 weatherThe 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 Com-pany; 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.

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 tripsStudents in Years 3 to 13 have a three-day residential ski trip.

The FIS Ski Code

The FIS (International Ski Federation) has established ten rules for the conduct of skiers and boarders. In short they are:

• 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 coun-tryside; they experience a camping expedition in the Swiss Alps and take part in well supervised outdoor activities such as sailing.

The Summer Camp Monitors are carefully selected for their qualifications, teaching experience and their ability to care for young people away from home.

Textbooks and Equipment

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.

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 en-ter 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 arrange-ments for someone else to pick up your child. If you will be very late, or are

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.



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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 danger-ous 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 suitWhite school T-shirt White socksWhite trainers

School jogging suit or shortsWhite school T-shirt White socksBlack or blue sandals or White train-ers

School jogging suit or shortsWhite school T-shirt White socksWhite soled trainersHouse T-shirt

Years 1 to 6 Boys Navy BlazerLong grey trousersWhite shirt and school tieNavy blue pulloverGrey socksNavy blue or black shoes

Navy BlazerShort grey trousersWhite shirt and school tie or polo shirt (with shorts only)Grey socksNavy blue or black sandals or shoes

Navy blue shortsWhite school T-shirtSchool jogging suitWhite socksWhite soled trainersHouse T-shirtSchool Ski Jacket

Years 1 to 6 Girls Navy BlazerSkirtWhite blouse and school tieNavy blue pulloverNavy socksNavy blue or black shoes

Navy BlazerBlue & white checked summer dressWhite socksNavy blue or black sandals or shoes

Navy blue shortsWhite school T-shirtSchool jogging suitWhite socksWhite soled trainersHouse T-shirtSchool Ski Jacket



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Winter Summer Sport

Years 7 to 11 Boys Navy BlazerLong grey trousersWhite shirt and school tieNavy blue pulloverGrey socksBlack shoes

Navy BlazerLong grey trousersWhite shirt and school tieNavy blue pulloverGrey socksBlack shoes

Navy blue shortsWhite school T-shirtSchool jogging suitWhite socksWhite soled trainersHouse T-shirtSki ClothingSchool Ski Jacket

Years 7 to 11 Girls Navy BlazerTartan SkirtWhite blouse and school tieNavy blue pulloverNavy socks or tightsNavy blue or black shoes

Navy BlazerTartan SkirtWhite blouse and school tieNavy blue pulloverNavy socks or tightsNavy blue or black shoes


Years 12 – 13(informal)

Stone coloured chino or corduroy trousersNavy or burgundy school polo shirtFlat shoes, black or brownNavy blazer (for formal occasions)Navy socks or tightsNavy blue pullover (optional)


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 shirt White shirt Tie Tie Blazer Blazer Black or navy shoes Black shoes Navy tights or socks Grey socks

Year 12 Girls Black skirt Boys Black trousers

White shirt White shirt Navy Blazer Tie Navy Blazer

Year 13 (graduating class)Girls Dress appropriatelyBoys 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.



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School Day Junior 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 registra-tion; 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.

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.

School Day Senior School (typical – varies by term)

7:30 Rising Bell (Boarders)

8:00 Breakfast (Boarders)

8:30 Warning Bell


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


14:20 – 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

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.



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SCHOOL MANAGEMENT Name

Principal Mr Ian Tysoe

Vice-Principal Mr Stephen Shaw

Director of Studies, French, Spanish Ms Liliana Bodenmann

Head of the Junior School Ms Laura Kling

Director of Finance and Administration Mr Dominique Chavannaz

Director of Admissions and Marketing Mr Sébastien Troyon

ADMINISTRATIONSchool Secretary Senior School Ms Cindy Bassin

Head of Admissions Mr Victor Dauman

Travel Secretary, Permits Ms Daphné Fellay

Accounts Ms Géraldine Fernando

Housemistress Ms Carmina Francois

Housemaster Mr Denis Francois

Webmaster Ms Ann Margaret Gepulle

Accounts Ms Varinia Hirt

Head of Boarding, Clarens Mr Sotiris Kollias

Housekeeper Ms Maria Moledo

Summer Camp & Admissions Mr Renaud Lomenech

Housemistress Ms Simone Toukomenis

JUNIOR SCHOOLSports Teacher Ms Armelle Bilard

Year 5 Ms Amanda Chen

Teaching assistant Ms Jill Cubbin

Year 6, IT, Music, Deputy Head Ms Kirstin Daly

Foundation Stage Ms Samantha Egan

French Ms Monique Grollimund

Teacher of Learning Support Ms Emma Hobbs-Witli

Foundation Stage Ms Glynis Jeannin

Year 1 Ms Anna Kaeser

Foundation Stage Ms Arielle Kwintner

Head of Learning Support Ms Clare Liddy

Year 3 Ms Emma Liddy

Head of JD Sport Ms Katherine Lyon

French Ms Françoise Marabotto

Year 2 Ms Alexandra McKay

Head of French Ms Céline Niel

Year 5 Ms Julia Pickard

Year 3 Ms Rebecca Preston

Year 4 Ms Lisa Revell

English as a Foreign Language Ms. Kate Robert-Charrue

Year 4 Ms Jessica Roux

Year 1, French Ms Houaria Smaine

Year 6 Ms Rachel Tomkinson

Teaching Assistant Ms Lucy Wauchope

Teacher of Learning Support Ms Kirsty Wilson



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SENIOR SCHOOLCurriculum Leader – Science Mr Nicholas ArnoldPE Ms Armelle BilardDirector of Studies, Spanish Ms Liliana BodenmannArt Ms Caroline CalonderGerman Ms Barbara ChamboveyHead of Minerva House, French, Summer Camp Director Mr David ChapuisCurriculum Leader – Information Technology Mr Andrew CheadleCurriculum Leader – Humanities, History Ms Jacqueline DevereuxCurriculum Leader - PE Ms Elspeth DixonLibrarian Ms Elaine FranceFrench Ms Catarina GalhardoHead of Atalanta House, History Mr Michael GillanRussian Ms Zinaida GarcesGerman Ms. Nadja GrunbergFrench Ms Myriam GuyotHead of Music Ms Rachel HardmanIT Mr Mark HattonCurriculum Leader – Co-Curricular Activities Mr Jan HillBiology Mr Rupert HubertMathematics Ms Eva JacobsScience Ms Vanessa Jefferiss-JonesHead of Vesta House, Science Mr Stephen JonesArt Ms Nicola JuppIB Coordinator, Exams Officer, Geography Mr Tim JuppHead of Diana House, Economics Mr Jon KatzCurriculum Leader – Language A, English Ms Nicola KirkupMathematics Mr William LarsonFrench Mr Fabien LasserreHead of Learning Support Ms Clare LiddyScience, CAS, International Award Mr Richard LinehamCareers and Guidance Counsellor, Advice on Tertiary Education Mr Richard LunnPE Ms Katherine LyonFrench Mr Raphael MarchandGeography, Economics Mr Gordon McKayEnglish, Drama, Science Ms Siobhan McLoughlinHead of Art Ms Susie MuellerHumanities, TOK Mr Mark NicholsEnglish, EFL & Drama Ms Jemma O’ConnorSpanish, Curriculum Leader - Modern Foreign Languages Mr Juan Peso di MenaMathematics, IT Mr Alan PottsEnglish Ms Jennifer RaineyEnglish & Drama Ms Katie RobinsonHead of English as a Foreign Language, TOK Ms Jill SchiblerPrincipal Mr Ian TysoeEFL Ms Charmaine VeitchCurriculum Leader – Mathematics Mr David WardEnglish & Drama Ms Linda Yorston

parents guide 2014 2015

Documents

georges school

school website

junior school

senior school

school community endeavours

high school diploma

welcomethe art of learning

switzerlandthe art of