Parent's Review of International School Of Bern in Bern - Gumligen, Switzerland

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

International School Of Bern

In what town or city is this school located?

Bern - Gumligen

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International Baccalaureate Program https://www.ibo.org/programmes/

What grade levels are represented at this school?

From Kindergarten till Grade 12 (IB Diploma)

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Tram, bus, car, walk. Usually children live close to school. However, if you live further away taking public transport is also an option. In Switzerland in general children are encouraged to go to school on their own. It is a safe country so taking the tram or a bus is not a problem. My son since the age of 12 goes on his own and he loves it. It would be never possible in our country.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The school moved to the new school building few years ago. The school building is very modern, secure with lots of space and very bright classrooms. Opposite the school there is separate gym facilities.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

My son had no problems with adapting to the new school. The teachers were very kind and understanding. My son didn't really need any curriculum adaptation at this stage. The school offers International Baccalaureate Program which might slightly differ from the programs in the other countries. However, it is an excellent program which provides students with a holistic learning, balanced curriculum and academic challenge. Its encourages students to be curious and empowers them to be critical, creative and reflective thinkers who are empathetic, caring and open-minded. We love the program and even if we move back to our country I would be looking for the school with IB program.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

School had two main parents organisations: 1) The Parent-Teacher Association (PTC), which runs annual community events, as well as weekly and monthly coffee meet-ups, fitness groups and day trips like - Power walking, - Pilates class, - Lunch bunch, - Book club, - Knitting club, - Friday hiking. Apart from that PTC organise Bingo Nights for Parents, Quiz Night and many more events throughout the school year. 2) Parents Staff Association which is a volunteer parent organisation that provides parents´ and staff’s perspectives to school governance by nominating, and electing parents to the PSA Board for representation on the ISBerne AG Board. The PSA encourages communication between school governance and the school community.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

ISBerne is a school with vibrant community and excellent education standards. I would advise to pay the school visit prior to enrolment, have a school tour and organise the trial school day for your child.

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