The Beau Site girls have been enjoying a series of workshops over this term. In their Zero waste cosmetics workshop, they learned how to create cosmetics from natural materials. They also learnt how to sew their own headbands and make little gifts. These are all valuable skills for life outside La Garenne.

While academic studies take precedence during the week, at weekends it's important for students to socialise with each other and enjoy cultural and fun activities to help them wind down. So we have been to see the amazing Stomp theatre show in Lausanne (noisy and lively!), as well as karting, bowling and some fun time in the Jumpland centre.

The academic workload increases the higher up the school you move, so it's important to seek out moments of serenity and relaxation. Luckily we have practically on our doorstep, some of the finest thermal spas in Europe. Naturally we make the most of them to give our students time out when it's most needed.

Early in the term we had the whole school challenge. Beau Site students featured strongly, helping collect points for their respective Houses and showing the way to younger and older students alike.

Beau Site is full of football talent and we are able to field both girls' and boys' teams. Training is rigorous and we are hoping for more friendly fixtures next term.

It wouldn't be La Garenne if we didn't introudce our students to the joys of hiking as soon as they arrive. This year's new Beau Site intake enjoyed a fantastic trip up the mountain before the snow came. Some had never experienced such a landscape before - and even for those who are used to our amazing environment, it never ceases to inspire.

Alongside hiking comes overnight expeditions. We start off gently, with easy treks and comfortable if rustic overnight stays in mountains refuges. The students soon get used to living a more basic lifestyle, even building their own fire which serves as both as source of warmth and a place to cook.

And finally, firmly indoors this time, Beau Site students excelled in our recent Chess Tournament. They faced strong opposition from older students but more than held their own over two gruelling sessions. Well done!

This term we have again offered a wide range of extracurricular activities, open to all. Students have been able to choose from academic subject clinics, creative activities and sports. Our most popular options are golf, cookery, trail running, fitness, robotics/3D printing, the stock market club and yoga.

On of the things we are able to do as a bespoke Swiss boarding school, is to make special arrangements for students who show particular aptitude and talents for particular sports. This could be swimming, horse riding, golf or even ice hockey. Andrei is a formidable ice hockey player who trains almost every day, yet manages to combine this very successfully with his academic studies. It means getting up early to go to training, and coming back ready to study in a normal, ice-free classroom!

We also try to celebrate as many festivals as we can. Naturally, Halloween is a great favourite and this year, our students carved pumpkins and the best one got a voucher to their favourite restaurant in Villars.

At the weekend, we make the most of our surroundings, taking students out to explore our own beautiful canton of Vaud and neighbouring Valais. We do not have to go far to enjoy great views. We have also been climbing, playing padel tennis, relaxing at the thermal baths in Lavey, as well as trying out beach volleyball and enjoying the first snow of the season in Saas Fee.

In addition to our regular weekend excursions, we have introduced a more ambitious outdoor programme: students have had to choose from Via Ferrata (rock climbing) canyoning, bridge swinging and mountain biking. These challenging activities push our teenagers out of their comfort zone, teach them invaluable skills and increase self awareness and confidence. An exposed Via Ferrata route makes you dig deep to find your inner courage and strength.