Academic Excellence

La Garenne’s academic programmes are crafted to inspire a lifelong love of learning, helping each student to discover and develop their unique talents. Our students follow an international curriculum guided by teachers who are passionate about helping them succeed. Learning at La Garenne is highly personalised, and something that we are very proud of. Your strengths, interests, and goals will shape the way that the learning experience is tailored to you, and how you are supported and challenged throughout your time with us.

Small class sizes, meaningful feedback, and a broad academic programme give our students the space to explore ideas, grow confidence, and build skills that will serve them for life. Most of our students enter their first choice, world-class universities, following English or French undergraduate programmes.

As part of a diverse and global school community from the youngest ages, our students learn more than just academics. We aim to help them develop all aspects of who they are as a person: intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically; preparing them for success on whatever path they choose next.

Reception

age 4 to 5

La Garenne’s youngest residents – both boarding and day students – enjoy a family atmosphere in our pre-school. Our Early Years specialists create a warm, homely environment where your child can thrive and develop at their own pace. We pay close attention to the needs of our youngest learners, making sure that they feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to explore. Every part of the day is structured to support their development; from playtime and rest, to creative activities and early studies that are both interesting and fun.

Your Child's First School Years

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Starting school is a big step – not just for your child, but for you as a parent. At La Garenne, we understand and value the trust that you place in us, and we are here to make this important transition as smooth and as positive as possible. Our approach is rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets essential standards for learning, development, and care. With 90% of brain development taking place before the age of 5, these early years lay the foundation for everything that follows. Knowing how important it is for your child to spend time outdoors, we follow the path of Forest School learning, offering children nature-based lessons in the beautiful Alpine environment that surrounds us. These experiences help them build confidence, develop curiosity, and grow through exploration, movement, and meaningful connection with nature. By enrolling in our Reception and Lower Primary programme, your child will join a warm, structured, and nurturing environment with small class sizes and dedicated, personalised support. We help each child to build confidence, form friendships, and discover the joy of learning – all whilst feeling safe, seen, and at home.

Primary School

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In the primary years, children begin to explore who they are as learners, friends, and individuals. At La Garenne, students follow a proven academic programme based on the English National Curriculum (ENC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which offer both structure and creativity. These internationally respected frameworks encourage critical thinking, global awareness and active learning through real-world themes. You can expect our teachers and staff to support your child in every area of their development; academic, emotional, and social. Your child explores the world through their natural curiosity, which we support with lessons, hands-on learning, and engaging with other students. As your child gains confidence, they will begin to understand their own strengths, take ownership of their learning, and build the foundation to become their best self.

Secondary School

IB MYP - IGCSE - Diploma Programme

age 11 to 18

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The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an academic programme developed by the International Baccalaureate organisation. It aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and mutual respect. The MYP is considered a challenging yet inclusive programme that is designed to support the unique abilities and learning needs of each student. At La Garenne, we have opted for the three-year MYP in Years 7, 8, and 9. It frames the Middle School journey for our students as they develop skills and knowledge, culminating in the MYP Community Project. This carefully curated blend of interdisciplinary learning and academic challenge is excellent preparation for the rigorous International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme as students begin their High School journey in Years 10 and 11.

At this crucial stage, students begin to tailor their subject choices to align with their personal learning goals and future educational plans. After successfully completing the two-year IGCSE programme, students can choose between two distinct study paths for their final two years of study at La Garenne during Year 12 and 13: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD), paving the way for entry to the top universities around the world.

IB Diploma Programme and High School Diploma Programme

age 17 to 18

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After completing the two-year IGCSE Programme, students choose between two distinct academic pathways for their final two years at La Garenne: The International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD). Both programmes offer a personalised learning experience, dedicated support, and a strong foundation for academic achievement, with subject choices linked to their IGCSE pathway and performance.

The IBDP is a comprehensive, internationally-recognised curriculum that prepares students for university and beyond. It challenges students to become independent thinkers and active global citizens. Through its core components – Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge – students explore their interests, broaden their perspectives, and grow into adaptable, confident and purpose-driven individuals ready to meet the complexities of the modern world.

The HSD supports academic success while offering greater flexibility for students who balance school with other priorities, such as extracurricular commitments or career preparation. The HSD is particularly well-suited for students with an interest in business or hospitality, or those planning to apply to universities in the United States. With personalised course options and clear goals, students tailor their studies to align with future ambitions.

Innovative Teaching Methods

Innovative teaching is central to the learning experience. One of the approaches used at La Garenne is the Harkness Method™, which places students around an oval table and encourages thoughtful dialogue, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving. Teachers take on the role of facilitators, guiding students as they explore, question, and discover through the Socratic seminar. In small classes of no more than 15 students, everyone has a voice.

In a world overflowing with information, knowing how to question, analyse, and interpret what you see and hear is more important than ever. Techniques like the Harkness Method™ help our students to develop critical thinking skills, express their views with confidence, and engage deeply with real-world issues, learning not just what to think, but how to think.

Higher Education and Futures Programme

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From the moment you enter Secondary School, you begin shaping your path toward the future. Whether you already know what you want to study or are still exploring your interests, you will receive expert guidance every step of the way. Over the years, we have helped all our graduating students gain admission to top universities in Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and beyond, always with a focus on the right fit for each individual.

Our Higher Education and Futures Programme helps you understand your options, set realistic goals, and build a strong, competitive application, wherever in the world you choose to study. Together with your teachers, counsellors, and family, you will create a clear yet flexible plan that aligns with your strengths and ambitions.

Throughout your final years, you will meet regularly with our Higher Education and Futures team, receive help preparing your applications and personal statements, and explore career and course options that match your goals. We work closely with you and your family to ensure that deadlines are met, decisions are well-informed, and each application reflects your unique strengths.

Personalised Learning

Every student has unique learning needs. Some start from scratch, some take intensive courses to improve, and others are ready to explore advanced topics. This is why each student follows their own personalised learning path.

You will follow a programme designed around your learning profile. One that builds on your strengths, supports you in areas of challenge, and keeps you motivated and growing. This might mean working at a different pace in certain subjects, receiving individual or small group support, or diving deeper into the topics that inspire you.

Every student completes a range of baseline assessments early in their time at La Garenne, helping teachers understand not just their level of knowledge in key subject areas, but also how they think and how they approach their studies. With that knowledge, our educational specialists compile a programme that is tailor-made to the needs of each student, no matter where they are on their school journey.

Intensive English

Our students come from diverse countries and backgrounds, each following their own unique learning journey, and for many, English is a new language. But it should not stop them from making progress and enjoying new friendships.
To support them, we’ve developed a strong but engaging programme to help them naturally build their English skills through fun, integrated activities. Watching their progress is truly inspiring, as students grow in language skills and gain confidence along the way.
Recognising that each person learns at their own pace, we offer our Intensive English Programme for those who can benefit from additional support. You will continue receiving focused English support until you reach at least a B1 level, even if that means postponing other subjects for a short time to ensure a strong foundation. This tailored short-term boost can help La Garenne newcomers to expand their vocabulary comfortably, preparing them to fully enjoy their school experience as their communication skills grow.

French

We are located in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, and that gives you a unique opportunity to learn French from native speakers in a natural, immersive environment. French is a required subject in every curriculum until the age of 16, and it plays an important role in daily life, both at school and in the community. Learning an additional global language enriches your international experience and helps you connect more deeply with the world around you. Many La Garenne graduates confidently speak multiple languages, French included.

At first, the idea of speaking French alongside English and your mother tongue might sound challenging. But you will be surprised at how quickly it becomes part of everyday life, especially when you start chatting with friends, shopping, or watching videos. Our lessons are designed to make learning fun, practical, and interactive, so that French becomes something you enjoy using, not just something you study.

 

French Language Diploma (DELF)
La Garenne is officially certified to offer the French Language Diploma DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française), an internationally recognised qualification awarded by the French Ministry of Education. This diploma provides official certification of proficiency, practice, and mastery of the French language and is equivalent to the Cambridge English exams. It is essential if a student wants to continue their education in a French-speaking school or university.
DELF is available to most students from Year 5 and above who are entered for one of the first two levels of the exam. Our students are the youngest participants in the entire canton of Vaud and consistently achieve a 100% success rate. More information is available at www.delfdalf.ch.

Cambridge English Qualifications

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Cambridge English Qualifications are internationally recognised exams that help you develop real-world English skills for school, university, and life. At La Garenne, you will follow a clear and motivating path through these qualifications: from beginner (A1) to advanced levels (C2), all aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
These courses are not just about passing exams. You will learn to speak, write, read, and listen with confidence in real-life situations, whether in class, travelling, or planning your future. The Cambridge approach helps you build your English step by step, with regular milestones to keep you motivated and proud of your progress.

Our teachers use official Cambridge training materials and resources to support your learning. And because Cambridge is also the world’s leading provider of teacher training, our staff stay up to date with the best techniques to help you succeed.

No matter what your goals are, Cambridge English Qualifications are respected by thousands of universities, employers, and institutions around the world. Learn more: www.cambridgeenglish.org