W H AT I S T H E I S L E A R L Y C H I L D H OO D C U R R I C U L U M W E A R E W E L L - K N OW N F O R E Q U I P P I N G C H I L D R E N W I T H T H E COG N I T I V E S K I L L S T H AT W I L L R E D U C E T H E S C H OO L R E A D I N E S S G A P S A N D I N C R E A S E T H E S OC I A L A N D E M OT I O N A L R E A D I N E S S F O R F U T U R E AC A D E M I C S U CC E S S . INDEPENDENCE
AN UNDERSTANDING OF RELATIONSHIPS
CURIOSITY AND DISCOVERY
IMAGINATION AND CREATIVITY
AN UNDERSTANDING OF OUR PLACE IN THE WORLD
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
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The teachers are especially warm with each child. There are hugs and cuddles and children feel safe and happy very quickly. We really felt like we took our children to a friend’s family.
Parent, Reception 4
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My daughter didn’t use to say much about her day. Once we moved her into the ISL early childhood, she couldn’t wait to share all the things she was doing during the day. She was really excited about what she learnt and very proud of all the things she did. If she is happy, I am happy!
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Parent, Reception 3
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COGNITIVE
CREATIVE
PHYSICAL
PERSONAL,
DEVELOPMENT:
DEVELOPMENT:
DEVELOPMENT:
DEVELOPMENT:
SOCIAL AND
listening, speaking,
math (pattern, num-
visual arts, role
fine and gross
EMOTIONAL
pre-reading and
ber, measurement,
play, telling of
motor skills, spatial
DEVELOPMENT:
pre-writing
data handling,
awareness
communication,
stories
shape and space)
understanding of
and science skills
self and relationship
”
Parent, Reception 4
I love the facilities and materials at the ISL EC. It’s just amazing what they have! You think that the children are just playing but they are actually fully immersed in learning. They do some serious learning but nothing is rigid and imposed, everything is adapted to their age.
”
Parent, Reception 4
assistant, young students explore and develop
are nurtured and prepared for school and life
• Specialist teachers, introduce children to French, tion, library and cooking. • We organise regular walks to the nearby forest
pre-literacy and pre-numeracy competencies
and trips to museums and other places of interest,
through everyday experiences in class. Through
all to enrich their learning of the real world.
our units of inquiry, they also develop under-
• Technology is used as a tool. Each class is
standing in science and social studies concepts.
equipped with an interactive whiteboard and
• The main language of instruction is English with
children have access to a range of technology
intensive French introduced seamlessly throughout the day so children experience it not only in
including ipads, cameras and robotics. • We use proven strategies such as as modelling,
ISL EARLY CHILDHOOD children age 3 to 5
creative arts, music, swimming, physical educa• With one qualified teacher and one teaching
Maria Montessori
A leading centre where
with others
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM AT ISL
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I am really happy that ISL introduced French in the early childhood. Having an additional language in the curriculum is fantastic for the children.
THE ISL EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM IS BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (IB PYP) AND COVERS ALL 5 AREAS OF LEARNING. LANGUAGE
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The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six .
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LAUSANNE
academic situations, but also during recess or
open ended questions and collaborative prob-
Chemin de la Grangette 2
E : info@isl.ch
meal time. Non-English speakers are supported
lem solving to extend the children’s thinking and
1052 Le Mont-sur-Lausanne
W : www.isl.ch
in the classroom.
learning.
Switzerland
P : + 41 (0)21 560 02 02
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REASONS TO CHOOSE ISL
WITH OVER 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, ISL IS ONE OF THE LONGEST-STANDING AND MOST EXPERIENCED INSTITUTIONS IN THE FRENCH PART OF SWITZERLAND Our early childhood curriculum is dedicated to the healthy development of children aged 3 to 5 in all facets of their lives: cognitive, language, social, emotional and physical. We provide a well-rounded programme that balances the development of academic capabilities, skills and character.
At ISL we believe children who follow an early education programme simply increase their chances to be successful in school and later in life.
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THERE IS ACCESS 1 TO AN INCREDIBLE WORLD OF FACILITIES AND OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES
Neurological research has
indicated that significant brain and behaviour development
Children have access to the famous Mud Kitchen for outdoor play, painting areas and a dedicated kitchen. In addition, ISL is a 900+ students campus with vast spaces and stateof-the-art facilities: multi-purpose sports hall, auditorium, dedicated instrument-teaching rooms, libraries, playgrounds and more - our early childhood students and parents benefit from everything that the campus has to offer.
occurs during the first years of life. Participation in early child education has been found to have significant benefits for children’s early development, thus influencing their opportunities and outcomes in later life*.
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By the time children enter
primary school, their general cognitive, language, prereading and early numeracy skills already differ, and these differences are often maintained during further stages of development.
”
*An OECD published document, Early Chilhood Education and Care Pedagogy Review , Stephanie Wall, Ineke Litjens, Miho Taguma
WE TAKE 2 EXCEPTIONAL CARE OF THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUR CHILD Academic success can only happen when children are happy and healthy. We spare no effort to achieve this. Our experienced early childhood team takes care of their physical and emotional well-being. A fulltime nurse and school counsellor are also available, whenever needed. Children are served freshly cooked and balanced meals in the cafeteria that has been awarded the Swiss Fourchette Verte label. In addition, we ensure that children move a lot and get plenty of fresh air: there are swimming lessons, outdoor playtime, visits to the nearby forests, tricycles and many more activities.
THE 3 COMMUNICATION PROCESS WITH PARENTS AND GUARDIANS IS VITAL We make the progress of your child visible to you. We gather and analyse the information of what your child knows, can do and understands as part of an ongoing cycle that includes planning, documenting and monitoring your child’s learning and showing his or her progress. Parents are kept informed through daily interactions, weekly updates and parent-teacher conferences.
WE CHERISH 4 INDIVIDUALITY Each child is unique. We support each child to be the best that he or she can be at this early stage. We go out of our way to meet the individual needs of our students.
WE ARE 5 AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL WITH INTENSIVE FRENCH LESSONS Children have 7 hours of French per week, representing 30% of the academic curriculum. Our 2 French teachers are experienced in early childhood methods and education. Instead of rigid academic periods, French is integrated within the day, making the learning easier and faster.
WE ARE THE 6 ONLY NOT-FORPROFIT SCHOOL IN THE REGION The school is run by a Board made up entirely of parents and all the profits generated by the school are reinvested in the children’s education.
THE SAFETY OF 7 OUR CHILDREN IS NON-NEGOTIABLE The ISL campus is located in a safe residential area, in close proximity to green spaces and the Sauvabelin forest. The Early Childhood campus is an integral part of the bigger ISL site. It was purposebuilt for the youngest students and comes with an all-round fenced playground for the safety of the early childhood children.
YOUR CHILD WILL 8 HAVE NOT JUST ONE TEACHER, BUT A DEDICATED TEAM OF SPECIALIST TEACHERS For young children, the ISL Early Childhood is quite simply an amazing place at which to be educated. Children have at all times two adults in the class - a room teacher and a full-time teaching assistant. In addition, there are 2 French teachers, 2 music teachers, 2 swimming teachers, a dedicated librarian who encourages reading exploration and a counsellor, working with parents to ensure the children’s emotional well-being.
THE ISL COMMUNITY 9 IS A BIG STRONG FAMILY THAT YOU CAN RELY ON
YOUR CHILD WILL 10 HAVE SOME OF THE BEST TEACHERS IN THE WORLD
ISL Early Childhood is part of a larger ISL community, long famous for welcoming new families and being the most supportive school community in the region. There are more than 50 nationalities and a buddy system for new families. A very active PTA offers activities for both parents and students: coffee mornings, concerts, events, picnics are just a few of the events that parents and children can join.
Schools are about people more than buildings. ISL Early Childhood prides itself on attracting top quality teachers from around the world. All our teachers are highly trained academically, are specialised in working with young minds and most of them have over 20 years experience worldwide. We know that, for most children, this might be the first time that they are away from their parents. Our caring teachers know how to guide them through a smooth transition.
ISL EARLY CHILDHOOD IS NOT AN ORDINARY PLACE. WHEN CHILDREN MOVE ON TO THE PRIMARY, THEY ARE WELL-ROUNDED, CONFIDENT AND HAVE THE ACADEMIC, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS AND HUMAN BEINGS.