Primary School Curriculum (Ages 4 to 12)

During their first years of schooling, children are encouraged to follow their natural curiosity in the context of a slightly more structured approach to education.

Our Swiss private school is proud to welcome children from all over the world, and our highly skilled teachers are dedicated to making every child feel at home. By keeping our class sizes small, we ensure that each student benefits from personalised attention and support.

Subjects covered during our primary school years include mathematics, science, history, literature, languages, music, arts and crafts, and physical education. With French as the primary language of instruction, students develop their reading, writing and maths skills through fun and engaging activities. At the same time, they are progressively immersed in English coursework. Primary students also gain early exposure to German through workshops and games, with formal study of the language beginning at age 7.

Forest School Programme

We believe that learning should also take place beyond the classroom. With this in mind, our Forest School integrates outdoor experiences into the primary school curriculum. Collecting and identifying objects in nature, taking measurements, and describing the environment through writing and art are just some examples of Forest School learning. Open-air activities stimulate the mind and the senses while helping children to take an active role in understanding their natural surroundings.

Enhanced Learning

As part of Nord Anglia Education, our students also enjoy international opportunities to enhance their learning. They can grow confidence and new skills through the Juilliard Performing Arts programme; participate in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) challenges with MIT; and gain awareness of global issues with UNICEF. In addition, through our Global Campus platform, students can collaborate on projects and share ideas with peers at Nord Anglia Education schools around the world.

Combined with our culture of Swiss values, our enriching curriculum is designed to help your child grow academically, emotionally and socially while building an excellent foundation for secondary school.

Bilingual Programme and Language Support

While French is our first teaching language, all primary students follow a bilingual programme. This approach helps them to develop fluency and confidence in their language skills.

At the beginning of primary school, 70% of classes are taught in French, and 30% are taught in English. The amount of class time in English increases to 40% during the primary school years. Students who are not fluent in French follow our French as a Foreign Language programme (FLE), which helps them develop fluency and confidence.

Primary students also gain exposure to German early on through interactive workshops, and they begin German language courses at age 7. From age 10, standard and advanced German tracks are available to suit the different levels and interests of our students.

Progression to Secondary School

Our primary schools in Nyon and Pully follow the same core curriculum, meaning that students at both schools are well prepared for the transition to secondary education at our Pully campus. Collège Champittet Pully offers three internationally recognised diploma programmes for secondary students: the bilingual French-English Swiss Maturité, the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate in English.

Our Admissions Team fully supports families of primary students on our Nyon campus in making the transition to secondary education at Collège Champittet Pully. Alternatively, we are happy to put you in touch with other sister schools from the Nord Anglia Education family.