International Boarding School in Switzerland

Institut Le Rosey, Rolle:
Located in Rolle, beside Lake Geneva and between Lausanne and Nyon in the Canton of Vaud in western Switzerland, Institut Le Rosey is a prestigious, international, boarding school and the oldest private boarding school in Switzerland. We cater for boys and girls from class 9 (US 3rd grade, UK year 4) to class 1 (US 12th grade, UK Year 12). Le Rosey’s 380 students are all boarders and share life on two campuses, the first in Rolle and the second in Gstaad (winter months).

Academics:
Le Rosey’s academic curriculum is designed to provide education of breadth, depth and quality for an international student body. It aims to develop inquiring and knowledgeable young people and to prepare them for rigorous school leaving exams in English and/or French, and thereafter for entry to the most competitive universities across the world.

A cornerstone of Le Rosey’s academic programme is its bilingual philosophy and policy, which produces students with a mastery of two languages –English and French– and where possible more. Roseans are thus exposed to two great cultural traditions, the English- and French-speaking, which means that they are at ease with both.

Primary School:
Le Rosey offers a bilingual primary programme from class 9 (3rd grade, UK year 4) to class 7 (5th grade, UK year 6).

Pupils follow most of their curriculum in French but with a significant English input: Science or Geography, IT/Computing, Music and Health Education. Both English and French language classes are given at different levels ranging from mother tongue to beginner.

If required, pupils receive appropriate support in French and/or English so as to study other subjects in these languages. Thanks to a personalized approach and a high degree of flexibility, Le Rosey ensures that each student follows a programme suited to his or her language ability.

The Academic Programme is based on that of the French national curriculum for subjects studied in French, and on the UK National Curriculum for those taught in English. It is complemented by the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) so as to provide the whole with an international and cross-disciplinary dimension.

Secondary School:
Le Rosey students in classes 6 to 2 (6th–10th grade, UK Years 7–11) choose either English or French as their principal language of instruction, although they still learn the other language as part of their curriculum. As soon as they are able, they study certain academic subjects in the other language so as to improve their level as well as to give them an insight into a different educational approach.

English and French classes are obligatory; they are given at level appropriate for each student, ranging from mother tongue speakers to foreign language learners.
It is possible to choose the language of instruction for virtually every subject, and classes take place in parallel in each of the two teaching languages. Every year there are several students who study 50% of their subjects in English and 50% in French.

Wherever possible, pupils also study their mother tongue and/or a third or even a fourth language. English-speaking programmes are based on the UK National Curriculum whereas the French are those of the French national curriculum. A number of modifications ensure that content and skills are harmonized. French as a Foreign Language classes lead to the DELF and DALF tests which provide internationally recognized French qualifications.

Upon entering class 3 (9th grade) students begin the two-year “Pre-Bac” programme which prepares them for either the International Baccalaureate diploma or the French baccalauréat. At this stage, students can choose many of the subjects they study as well as the language of instruction.

International Baccalaureate
The IB Diploma covers the last two years of schooling. It is highly respected by universities throughout the world, and is in close harmony with the objectives of the Le Rosey: a solid academic training, independence of mind and the ability to work alone, as well as respect for varied cultural traditions, and the development of the whole person.

Candidates must choose one subject from each of the six fields of study. In addition, they follow a compulsory course in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), undertake an Extended Essay and participate in an extra-curricular programme based on Creativity, Action and Service to the Community (CAS).

French Baccalauréat
In France, the baccalauréat is the school-leaving qualification which opens the gates to higher education. It Is also recognized and highly respected throughout the world.

Students have written or oral examinations in nine or ten obligatory subject areas with the option of extra subjects. A common core (French literature, two foreign languages, history, geography, science and sport) guarantees an extremely broad general culture, while a system of “series” and options allows specific profiles to emerge: scientific, literary or economic.

We also offer:
- College and University Guidance
- Active Summer Camp