SGIS Prospectus 2022

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

A warm welcome to St. George’s School, on behalf of our truly international community. With more than 60 nationalities, we are a school with a powerful and progressive outlook on the world.

Our students thrive in the aspirational, dynamic, first-class environment of St. George’s. Supported by talented teaching staff, we offer a world of educational opportunities across academics, sports and performing arts: the three pillars of our educational vision.

Founded in 1927 as a centre of excellence, St. George’s has gone from strength to strength, setting a new standard in educational innovation. Our outstanding academic results open competitive life pathways for our students; our commitment to their holistic development encourages the key skills and attributes that give our students the edge in life beyond school.

Offering both Boarding and Day school programmes we enjoy a diverse and welcoming community, and I warmly invite you to visit us to explore this inspiring place.

DR RUTH NORRIS PRINCIPAL

“We believe every child should have an education that is designed around their unique needs, interests and ambitions. A customised journey spanning from academics to sports and creative and performing arts, delivered with the individual attention that makes pupils feel supported as they grow into confident and well-rounded individuals.”

DR RUTH NORRIS PRINCIPAL

WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Founded in 1927 by two Oxford University graduates, St. George’s International School offers Boarding and Day school programmes that blend as one, creating a unique and positive atmosphere.

Our pupils range from 18 months to 18 years, with boarding available from age 10 upwards.

Pupils follow the Cambridge International curriculum up to IGCSEs. This provides rigorous academic preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Our results for the IBDP are outstanding and place us in the top 5 IB schools in Switzerland.

From beginners to native speakers, all pupils learn in a bilingual English and French environment and are encouraged to continue to develop their language skills throughout their education. Additional support is given to non-English or non-French speakers via our Language Acquisition Programme.

Our personalised approach to education has helped to make St. George’s one of the top performing International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Switzerland.

From our perfectly situated campus on Montreux’s lakeshore, and framed by the mountains, we offer an individual learning experience designed to bring out the best in our students in the classroom and in the wider world.

Access to the Inspired global group of over 80 premium schools providing unrivalled opportunities including exchanges and summer camps.

Hand-picked teachers from the Inspired group.

Guaranteed entrance into any Inspired boarding school for secondary education. Specialist coaching and counselling for entrance into US and UK universities.

95-year heritage of academic excellence from the St George’s International School and the Inspired Education Group. Specialised subject teachers from primary onwards.

EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

At St. George’s International School, we prepare our students to succeed in life.

Their world is one of ever-increasing change, challenge, and diversity. We are committed to ensuring our students are equipped with both the academic success and the dynamic qualities needed to excel.

This is achieved primarily through a rigorous academic programme which is applied with flexibility to encourage innovation, while providing support depending on the needs of our students. Delivered by dedicated, specialist educators, our students benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum which encourages them to be aspirational, lifelong learners.

Based on a strong belief that every child is unique, we conduct a bespoke analysis of every pupil’s strengths, needs and aspirations to plan a successful learning journey. We customise an educational pathway tailored to each individual in a personalised approach to learning.

Our Swiss school offers a wide variety of enrichment opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom through sports, clubs, activities, and projects. Activities are designed to harness and develop students’ individual gifts and talents.

As an international school, St. George’s ensures that all students are well prepared in our multilingual environment to confidently communicate in a global world.

Our motto, «Levavi Oculos» encourages our students to look up, to be ambitious and to raise themselves and others.

EMBRACING INDIVIDUALITY. PREPARING LEADERS.

Inspired is the world’s leading and most innovative education group, with schools spanning five continents.

Inspired provides proven excellence in premium education to over 65,000 students worldwide from 1 to 18 years of age.

Inspired students benefit from a unique global connectivity of premium schools that are anchored in their local communities.

The individuality of every student is unlocked through a holistic curriculum focused on the three pillars – Academic Excellence, Sport and Performing Arts – ensuring every student achieves their full potential. Through this approach, we aim to inspire and prepare students to be global citizens – ready to seize their exciting futures and truly flourish, with the confidence and attitude needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

“Inspired’s forward-thinking approach gives our students the supportive framework they need to learn well, explore widely, develop resilience, foster curiosity, and form lifelong connections.”

NICHOLAS WERGAN GLOBAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR, INSPIRED EDUCATION

THE INSPIRED LEARNING APPROACH

Our approach is defined by supportive academic excellence and the exploration of life skills to develop students’ self-confidence and self-assurance. We do this by focusing on the individual and offering a broad curriculum based on Inspired’s three pillars: Academics, Sport and Performing Arts.

Our rich curriculum ensures that every student can discover their passions and develop their skills, culminating in confident, thoughtful and knowledgeable young people.

CURRICULUM & LANGUAGE PATHWAYS

Students joining St George’s in our Foundation Stage will follow our Early Years curriculum, before moving to our Cambridge International Primary Curriculum in Year 1. The Cambridge International Curriculum runs right through the school until the end of IGCSE in Year 11, laying a cohesive and clear learning journey for pupils.

Then in Year 12, pupils begin their two-year IB Diploma Programme, for which they’ve been thoroughly prepared by the breadth of the Cambridge curriculum and the IGCSE.

Our Family Language Planning Service works with individual families to understand the language profile of each pupil and their language ambitions.

In consultation with academic staff, students can choose between an English-only or French-andEnglish bilingual route through their education. We also provide the tools for students to continue to study their native language.

For French and English language beginners, we provide a comprehensive language acquisition programme.

Studying at St. George’s International School leads to the best university opportunities in Switzerland and abroad. Our University Guidance Counsellor supports applications to all international universities.

SENIOR

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Curriculum

We develop a love of learning. We prepare children for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning.

Our Junior School aims to give children the very best primary education, preparing them for their future in secondary school and beyond. We develop and nurture individual talents and personalities so that children best develop academically, socially and creatively.

How will your child benefit?

Our Cambridge International Primary programme provides a robust foundation with excellent curriculum progression, which enables us to offer supportive, individualised and holistic learning opportunities within an exceptional environment.

Your child’s needs are at the heart of our approach to education, and our students are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. They also develop awareness and appreciation of local, national and global issues, learning about their important role to shape our ever-changing world.

Language pathways

Children may join us at any time with various levels of development of English and French. A bilingual English/French pathway as well as an English pathway, caters for all needs.

Our school values Home Language(s) and facilitates learning opportunities in and outside of class so as students have plenty of time to develop their skills.

Our teachers’ expertise in language acquisition enables every child to enjoy learning through experience and in a caring and supportive environment.

We see bilingualism as a process that is unique to every child.

Measuring progress

Accurately measuring your child’s potential and progress can transform learning. Through robust and rigorous computer-based assessments we benchmark potential and identify needs. Classroom assessments and feedback enables your child to celebrate ‘what went well’ and to identify clear steps for further improvement.

Our pathway leads seamlessly from our Junior School to Middle and Senior Schools. Each stage builds on the learners’ development from the previous one or from other educational systems.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Middle School is an essential period between Junior and Senior School where students learn key skills in a fun and creative environment.

Our Lower Secondary International Cambridge curriculum is tailored to students with any language background and promotes bilingual English-French competencies. The international programme is a clear pathway for progression with a contemporary pedagogical approach and offers choice and flexibility while developing Cambridge learners’ attributes: Confidence, Responsibility, Reflection, Innovation and Engagement. A solid pastoral framework guides all learners in Year 6 to Year 9 towards becoming well-rounded individuals.

Curriculum

Our Lower Secondary International Cambridge curriculum caters to students with any language background, promotes bilingualism, maintains consistency and continuity from the Junior School and provides creativity and collaboration for effective learning. Lessons blend traditional and modern learning approaches to cater for each student.

St. George’s International Secondary School provides a holistic approach that encourages all students to challenge themselves and develop their confidence in the three pillars of the Inspired Group’s vision: the academic, sporting, and artistic fields.

Our learners also acquire crucial tools in the study of International Citizenship, and our innovative and dedicated Life Skills Programme enables our students to become balanced individuals with intercultural and altruistic minds.

Leadership skills

The Secondary School provides an early opportunity to develop responsibility and leadership skills and students to take an active role in its daily organisation. Students can become members of the Pupil Council, Monitors, School Ambassadors or House Captains to engage fully in the life of their school and maintain its visionary and modern outlook.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Our Senior School delivers education to students in the four final years of secondary education.

From Year 10 to Year 13, our students are offered multiple opportunities to fulfill their individual potential and develop their talents academically and personally.

Curriculum

Our broad and balanced International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme in Years 10 and 11, enables students to explore their areas of interest in a nurturing and supportive environment where creative arts and sport support our holistic approach to education.

In Years 12 and 13, our International Baccalaureate Diploma and General Diploma programmes offer multiple subject options and combinations. Students fulfill the requirements for university entry while developing as principled, well-rounded lifelong learners and committed global citizens.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a high-profile qualification provided by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board (CIE).

An IGCSE is designed to be taught as a 2-year course. Exams are taken by students in Year 11 (US Grade 10) and are equivalent in standard to the UK GCSE and Cambridge International GCE O Level examinations.

The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum provides an excellent foundation for a range of

higher-level courses, including the IB Diploma. It is recognised by schools, universities, and institutes around the world.

Cambridge IGCSE courses are designed to allow students to achieve high levels of academic and personal skills. They develop students’ confidence and a sense of responsibility, while encouraging reflection, innovation and engagement. The curriculum is flexible giving students the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

Founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968, the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) has developed four different educational programmes. The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging 2-year curriculum aimed at students aged 16 to 19. This qualification is welcomed by leading universities around the world. At St. George’s, IB Diploma Programme’s main language of instruction is English.

The IB Diploma students develop their academic and personal strengths by:

• asking challenging questions

• learning how to learn

• developing a strong sense of their own identity and culture

• building communication skills and understanding of other cultures

The IB Learner Profile

The IB Learner Profile was developed from the IBO Mission Statement. It describes the ideal character of an IB student. IB Diploma students are encouraged to be inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, principled, open-minded, caring, knowledgeable, balanced and reflective.

IB Diploma students are active, compassionate and lifelong learners. They will exhibit all of these characteristics at some stage during their education. The consequence of this is that IB students are better prepared for further study and diverse career paths.

CORE LEARNING

All students must follow programmes and successfully complete tasks in Theory of Knowledge; Creativity, Action and Service; and select a topic for an individual piece of research for their Extended Essay.

Extended Essay

Investigates a topic of individual interest. Students learn independent research and writing skills expected at university and are required to write a 4,000-word essay.

Theory of Knowledge (ToK) Provides coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

Encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, thus fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of non-academic life.

PERFORMING AND CREATIVE ARTS

The performing and creative arts are an essential pillar of our curriculum.

Opportunities for artistic expression, encourage our students to develop self-confidence and a sense of their own individuality.

The music department at St. George’s is vibrant and welcoming. There are many extra-curricular activities on offer for students of all age ranges, including orchestras, bands, and choirs. Instrumental and vocal tuition is provided by a team of specialist peripatetic teachers.

Art is a subject where students can express themselves in ways that are not always possible in other courses. At St. George’s, we encourage students to embrace and participate in art classes where they can freely experiment with traditional and modern art forms. We want our students to practice art in a way that will help them explore the world around them while they develop creative, problem-solving, and critical skills and learn about art practices in different societies and contexts.

The drama department aims to improve creativity and acting ability, while encouraging our students to work collaboratively to develop confidence through performance. St. George’s presents a project-based course, in which students are exposed to the staging of both scripted and original pieces.

Dance is a powerful ally for developing many of the attributes of a growing child. It helps students mature physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. At St. George’s, we create learning opportunities for all students to experience a range of dance genres, from Tap to Hip-Hop.

SPORT

Sport is a key element in the daily lives of all students who attend St. George’s.

Through both the Physical Education curriculum and extra-curricular sports clubs, students will develop a sense of togetherness which is carried across all aspects of school life. All students are encouraged to discover their personal interests through a wide variety of sports and activities on offer, with many opting to represent the school in the competitive sports teams.

SPORT ETUDES

The Sport Etude programme is open to all sports and all students who wish to practice their passion with the help of a flexible timetable and a supportive teaching team. Sport Etudes students benefit from a robust academic programme with flexible and adapted timetables to support them with their training and competitions.

• Accredited by the World Academy of Sports (WAoS)

• Preparation for the International Baccalaureate over 2 or 3 years

• Personalised academic programme

• Preparation for entrance into Swiss and international universities

• A partnership with recognised professionals (Golf-fit, Sport Spirit, Ecole Suisse de Ski Verbier, Vevey Riviera Basket)

• Fitness, mental coaching and nutrition sessions

• Regular webinars with former Olympian athletes

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Our reputation is built upon the success of our students.

We are educational experts; we know how to get the very best out of your child and how to set them up for their future success. Graduates from St Georges International School, and all Inspired schools, are renowned for the excellent academic results they achieve in public examinations.

The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging 2-year curriculum aimed at students aged 16 to 19. This IB qualification is welcomed by leading universities around the world. Our University Guidance Counsellor is available to guide the students with their subject choices and to provide information about universities.

A school with a personalised learning approach and unique co-curricular programmes. We are incredibly proud of our reputation as a top IB school in Switzerland.

Our A level and IB Diploma results across the group are consistently high and our students regularly win places on the most demanding and challenging courses at the best universities in the world. Students at St George’s International School are ambitious. At school they learn to love learning, they love communicating and they love being challenged academically. Students leave us with the confidence to embrace the future, no matter what challenges they face within their lives.

Our team of experts make sure students understand all the options available to them. We support and meticulously advise them through the whole university application process. St George’s International School and Inspired students have won places at many prestigious universities throughout the world and we are extremely proud of our growing alumni base.

UNIVERSITY SUCCESS

Many of our pupils at St. George’s International School go on to excellent universities.

Our students benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum which encourages them to be aspirational, lifelong learners. Based on a strong belief that every child is unique, we conduct a bespoke analysis of every students’ strengths, needs, and aspirations to plan a successful learning journey. We customise an educational pathway tailored to each individual in a personalised approach to learning.

The University Guidance Counsellor works in conjunction with the Academic Team thereby ensuring that students’ and parents’ aspirations

for university destinations are understood, are appropriate and regular guidance is provided.

We provide information on a wide range of universities and are regularly visited by university representatives who give presentations to our students.

Students have numerous opportunities to meet with admissions representatives and learn more about programmes of study, admission requirements and facilities available at universities around the world.

Remaining in Switzerland for University Study

Switzerland remains one of the top university choices for our students with 30% of St. George’s 2019 graduates applying to university in Switzerland.

The Academic Team works closely with the University Counsellor to advise students on subject choices and admission requirements for entry into universities in Switzerland and beyond.

Students who are planning to stay in Switzerland for tertiary education attend information days at Swiss universities including:

• École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

• Université de Lausanne (UNIL)

• École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)

Our students leave school upon completing their studies in Year 13 to go on to join the world’s best universities, including the

UK’s Russell Group, Oxford and Cambridge and America’s Ivy Leagues, as well as many other top institutions across the globe.

Anglia Ruskin University UK

Bentley University USA

Berklee USA

BIMM Institute UK

Bishop’s University Canada

Bocconi University Italy

Bucknell University USA

Calvin University USA

Cardiff University Wales

Chapman University USA

City, University of London UK

Columbia College Chicago USA

Concordia University Canada

Dean College USA

Durham University UK

EDHEC Business School France

EHL Group Switzerland

Esade Business & Law School Spain

ESCP Business School Germany, France, UK, Italy & Spain

EU Business School Switzerland

European School of Economics Milan, Rome, Florence, London and Madrid

Falmouth University UK

Fordham University USA

Franklin University Switzerland Switzerland

Geneva Business School Switzerland & Spain

Glion, Les Roches and Ecole Ducasse Switzerland, England, Spain and France

Hult International Business School UK & USA

IE University Spain

IFM Business School Switzerland

International Management School Geneva Switzerland

Jacobs University Bremen Germany

Loughborough University UK

Loyola Marymount University USA

Lynn University USA

Manhattanville College USA

Michigan State University USA

New York University USA

Nottingham Trent University UK

Oxford Brookes University UK

Queen Mary University of London UK

Regent’s University London UK

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute USA

Rhodes College USA

Rice University USA

Rollins College USA

Royal Holloway, University of London UK

Saint Louis University Madrid Campus (but we are an American institution) Spain

Salve Regina University USA

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) USA

Sciences Po France

SOAS University of London UK

St. John’s College USA

Stirling Scotland

Suffolk University USA/Spain

Swiss Education Group Switzerland

Syracuse University USA

The American University of Paris France

The University of Manchester UK

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance UK

UCAM. Catholic University San Antonio Murcia Spain

Universidad de Navarra Spain

University Foundation Programme – UFP UK

University of Bedfordshire UK

University of Bedfordshire UK

University of Brighton UK

University of Bristol UK

University of California, Davis USA

University of Cambridge UK

University of Denver USA

University of Dundee Scotland

University of East Anglia UK

University of Edinburgh UK

University of Essex UK

University of Exeter UK

University of Glasgow Scotland

University of Leeds England

University of Massachusetts-Amherst USA

University of Nottingham UK

University of Plymouth UK

University of Southampton UK

University of St Andrews Scotland

University of Surrey UK

University of Sussex UK

University of the Arts London UK

University of Toronto Canada

University of Warwick UK

University of Westminster UK

University of Wisconsin-Madison USA

University of Worcester UK

University of York UK

Webster University Geneva Switzerland

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences Netherlands

BOARDING AT ST. GEORGE’S

With over 95 years’ experience in nurturing young minds, St. George’s boarding School in Montreux is one of the premier educational institutions in Switzerland.

Our boarding facilities are an extension of our commitment to excellence in every aspect of the care of the individual – a safe and secure environment ensuring every student can thrive. St. George’s

Why St. George’s Boarding

Rigorous academic programmes and a range of enriching extra-curricular activities.

Top IB and IGCSE exam results and university destinations.

boarding offers a flexible approach, with flexi, weekly and full boarding options available to suit you and your child’s needs at a real home away from home.

Our recently renovated boarding house provides firstclass accommodation for students in their home-awayfrom-home. All bedrooms have a modern, contemporary feel to them with carefully considered design features to ensure the comfort of all our boarders.

Flexible boarding options to suit all families –welcoming students from 11 to 18 years.

Dedicated & experienced boarding staff who live alongside the children and provide daily support and guidance.

Secure environment and a convenient location.

PASTORAL CARE

The students’ personal happiness and wellbeing are key to everything we do at St. George’s and we all work hard to ensure every individual thrives in a kind, thoughtful and supportive environment.

Our dedicated Vice Principal for Wellbeing oversees the support systems that ensure students flourish during their time at St. George’s.

Class Tutors in the Junior school and Form Tutors in Years 6 to 13 have immediate responsibility for their students’ well-being and progress.

Forms are vertical groupings of students in Years 6 to 13 offer a supportive and familial environment where younger students can turn to older and more experienced pupils, as well as tutors, for support.

Meetings play an important part in developing strong relationships between students and staff. It provides the perfect forum for discussing any anxiety or problem so that, together, a workable solution is found. Tutors forge strong relationships with tutees and their parents and are happy to communicate via email or appointment to discuss individual problems or worries.

Co-Curricular

At St. George’s International School, we actively encourage communication between school and parents in order to build a strong school community. We encourage all our parents to actively participate in the education of their children and see this partnership as essential to the overall development of our students.

Regular events are held throughout the year to build a cohesive community where students and families have the opportunity to get to know each other in a more relaxed, fun and informal setting. These events range from drama and music productions to school sports day and school fairs.

Global Exchange Programme

For students with a thirst for travel, we offer the Inspired Global Exchange Programme; a chance to explore via exchanges to our boarding schools across the world where students can stay at one of our boarding schools in Europe, Asia or Africa from four weeks to up to a year. All Inspired boarding schools ensure a premium experience and deliver on rigorous boarding standards.

Every exchange offers a unique opportunity to explore new places, improve language skills, make new friends and experience new cultures and we hold your place open in St. George’s International School, so you don’t need to worry about what happens on our child’s return. Visit our Global Exchange Programme on the Inspired School website. No matter where they choose, there is an exciting adventure awaiting them.

Inspired Global Camps

Extraordinary Experiences, Lifelong Memories

Our summer camps give students the chance to stay at some of the world’s top boarding schools and take part in programmes and adventures delivered by world-class partners. Inspired Camps are an opportunity to travel, meet peers from other countries and get involved with inspiring activities, learning new skills that will stay with them forever. We offer a broad range of programme options – from sports and fashion to learning a language – designed to nurture current interests and build new ones, leaving every student with enriching memories.

ADMISSIONS

St. George’s has over 90-years’ tradition of providing a well-rounded preparatory education for students from Early Learning School to Year 13.

A community of 370 students and 100 staff members from over 60 countries call St. George’s home, including some 100 students who board. At St. George’s, we are proud of our outstanding academic results and reputation, not only here in Switzerland but throughout the world.

ENROLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Registration

To register, simply complete the Application Form online, making sure you have all the documents listed on hand. If you are applying for boarding, you will need to pay the entrance fee along with your application.

Required documents:

• Copy of ID or passport

• Copy of Residence Permit- for non-Swiss Nationals

• Last 2 years of academic records in English, if you are seeking admissions for a child in Year 1 or higher

• Immunisation records

• Passport photograph

Please ensure you also complete the Medical Information Form when you apply.

Step 2: Assessment and school visit

Finally, you will need to request that the academic dean or headteacher of your child’s current school complete the Academic Recommendation Form.

After the application is completed, we invite each prospective student to meet with the principal and the admissions team for a visit. During the visit, the student and their family will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about St. George’s International School. The student will also sit the English Placement Test and Cognitive Ability Test (CAT) during this visit.

On occasions, we understand that it is not possible for a child relocating from abroad to meet in person with school leadership. In these circumstances, a video call interview can be held and the child may sit the tests online.

Step 3: Final decision

The admissions committee reviews all applications once they are completed and a decision is made. When your child is offered a place at St. George’s International School, you will receive:

• An acceptance letter

• A form of intent

• An invoice for the entrance fees

If you have any questions before you submit the application, please get in touch.

Email : admissions@stgeorges.ch | Phone : +41 21 964 34 11