Our Curricula and Diplomas

In Pre-school section, we offer a choice of three programmes: Anglophone, Francophone and Bilingual, following a review of the current language level of each student. 

Preschool is organised into the following age groups:

• PS0 (2-3 year olds): the introductory year, bilingual for all children.
• PS1 (3-4 year olds) and PS2 (4-5 year olds): the core years, with a choice of English, French or Bilingual programmes.
• PS3 (5-6 year olds): the preparatory year for Primary school, with a choice of English, French or Bilingual programmes and the choice of either language for reading instruction.

All of the above use the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC).

To stimulate our students’ wish to grow, we provide a dynamic and fun environment in the following subject areas:

• Language
• Reading (PS3)
• Mathematics 
• Writing Practice
• Writing (PS3)
• IEYC programme
• Music
• Computer science (PS3)
• Physical Education

To enrich the IEYC programme, students enjoy a wealth of excursions throughout the year (circumstances allowing).

Learn more.

Our Primary School begins at the age of 6 with Grade 1 and covers five years up until 11 years old.

Parents can choose between our 3 options of bilingual programmes of study:

• English bilingual programme: Dominant English (Maths, English Language, and their IPC projects), plus French as a foreign language, and some specialist lessons in french (e.g. Music and Art).
• French bilingual programme: Dominant French (Maths, French Language and their IPC projects), plus English as an additional language, and specialist lessons in English (e.g. Music and Art).
• Fully bilingual programme: 50% French and 50% English. All subjects are taught in both subjects, alternating mornings and afternoons.

Additional support is available for students who have not studied in these languages before.

We follow the International Primary Curriculum drawing on the Cambridge and French National curricula depending on the language programme that you choose for your child to study in:

• Cambridge Literacy and Maths and/or Education Nationale Française: ​étude de la langue et Mathématiques.
• International Primary Curriculum (IPC) / Sujets d’Etude
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) for anglophone immersion
• Students also benefit from our collaborations with The Juilliard School (Music, Dance and Drama), MIT on STEAM Projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) and UNICEF.
• Students enjoy a wealth of excursions and field trips through the year, including skiing in Grade 4 (circumstances allowing).
• Our strong PSHE programme places an emphasis on student wellbeing 

Learn more.

Our Middle School begins at the age of 11 with Grade 6 and covers three years up until 14 years old.
 
Parents can choose between our Anglophone, Francophone, and Bilingual programmes of study, depending on their child’s knowledge of English or French.

In the Anglophone programme, additional support is available for students who have not studied in the English language before.

We follow the International Middle Years Curriculum, drawing upon the Cambridge and French National curricula. 

Depending on the language programme your child will study:

• Core subjects include English, French, Maths, Science, Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages, PE, Performing and Visual Arts, Computer Science.
• Students may choose a third language: Spanish, Italian or German.
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) for Anglophone immersion.
• In Middle School students learn how to be. It is a place for all to succeed and to become their best possible selves. Students are supported by Homeroom advisors and the pastoral team, and participate in a PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Economic) education program.
• Each student maintains a portfolio of work and of activities relating to REACH: Responsible, Eco-Friendly, Active, Creative, and Healthy. The year culminates with the student leading their Student-led Conference with their Homeroom Advisor and parents.
• Students also benefit from our collaborations with the Juilliard School (Music, Dance and Drama) and with MIT on STEAM Projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics).
• Students enjoy excursions and a field trip during the year (circumstances allowing).

Learn more about the anglophone section. 

Learn more about the francophone section. 

In the first two years, High School students age 14-16 can choose between four courses of study:

• Our American style High School Diploma programme.
• The IGCSE programme resulting in an external examination at age 16, through Cambridge Assessment.
• The Baccalauréat Français.
• The Maturité Federale Suisse.

High School Students then choose their diploma for graduation during the final two years, age 16-18:

• Our American style High School diploma with Advanced Placement options
• The International Baccalaureate (IB): Students can choose between the Diploma or Careers-Related programmes.
• The Baccalauréat Français
• The Maturité Federale Suisse

Throughout our High School, students benefit from:

• Highly qualified and experienced teachers using modern methodologies.
• Small class sizes with personalisation and support for every student.
• Diversity of experience and richness of exchange for both students and staff.
• Our REACH programme (Responsible, Eco-Friendly, Active, Creative, Healthy), which enhances personal and social development and improves the student’s profile for universities.
• Our University Advisory Service, which guides students through the university preparation and selection process.
• Educational visits and trips throughout the year (circumstances allowing).
• Over the past 3 years, we have averaged a 98% pass rate across all the diplomas that we offer and students go on to leading universities in the US, UK, Switzerland and around the world.

Learn more about the anglophone section. 

Learn more about the francophone section. 

Since CDL was founded in 1960, there have been more than 20,000 alumni who have gone on to positions across industries and in countries around the world.  As far apart as they may have travelled, we keep our CDL family connected.
 
Our CDL Alumni platform is a dedicated place for CDL alumni to come together and find:

• Friends and connections
• News and stories from alumni and CDL
• Photographs from the last 60 years
• A full calendar of Alumni events around the world
• The opportunity to be a mentor for CDL students and alumni, choosing their university or career path.