Surval welcomes students from the age of 13, for a Foundation Year (Grade 8) which will prepare them either for the American High School Program or for IGCSE and Advanced Levels.
Foundation Year has a strong language element. English is the language used throughout the school, and extra support for non-native speakers is given to those who need it. French is compulsory and another language is optional. Mathematics, all three sciences, humanities, drama and art all form part of the curriculum, together with the sporting programme and personal, social and health education, as well as a module on ‘Switzerland, our host nation’.
The combination of the academic programme and the wide range of enrichment activities and sport give girls an outstanding start to their future at Surval; and the chance to make international friends across ages and cultures.
Foundation 2, for girls from age 12, is a special introductory course for those whose English is limited, and who are staying at Surval for a full five years. These girls study intensive English, and move on to French when they are ready. They take part in some lessons on the main curriculum, and within a year we expect them to join the full timetable offer.
The foundation year programme encompasses a wide range of subjects, designed to help prepare the girls for the American High School Program or the IGCSE and A Levels. Students can use the year to combine the academic curriculum with a high level cookery course, or extra art and music.
​Programme Details
High expectations in the learning environment indicate that students are engaged in challenging lessons and are focused on meeting teachers’ expectations without fear of failure.
Teachers are very much engaged in the teaching and learning process and have come together as a community of teacher-learners. Teachers are passionate about their work, students and the school, and enthusiastic about working and learning together.