Brillantmont welcomes students from 8th Grade onwards. For many, it is their first time away from home, living far from their families, so coming into a small, very supportive and caring community like Brillantmont, helps make that transition smooth. Our whole team strive to create a healthy, happy, home from home, in which every child can thrive.
Some students may be just starting out as learners of English and need extra support in this area. They would follow a Foundation programme, working intensively on their English and acquiring solid grammar and vocabulary – the building blocks of the English language. They also enjoy a wide range of subjects, including Coding and Robotics. As you can see from the films below, they have already got off to a great start.
They have been using a range of mechanical and electronic components when putting together their Makeblock mBot robots - an innovative open source robotics construction kit. A great entry level to the STEAM - science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics - fields as the mBot make the programming easy and fun while the students are developing their logical thinking and design skills.
The students assembled their first version of the robots, the next step will focus on coding and controlling their devices. As the students progress, they will learn about a variety of robotic components, opportunities and limitations while learning the fundamentals of block-based, intuitive programming. Our programming courses emphasize creativity, problem solving strategies and encourage student teamwork, opening a door to the future of their education.
In 8th and 9th Grade, the Core programme is more extensive as the Sciences are taught as three separate subjects – Chemistry, Physics and Biology – rather than combined. At this age (usually 13/14), it is important to keep a broad curriculum since ideas can change rapidly. A student who is not keen on a particular subject at that age can develop an interest in it and end up continuing to study it later at A Level. Keeping all options open is important.
Not all our 8th and 9th Graders continue their studies at Brillantmont as some come for just one year. Yet, however long they are with us, we want to give them a programme which challenges their intellectual curiosity and sets them up for success. Check back later in the school year to find out more about what our 8th and 9th Graders have been doing.
Brillantmont International School
Founded in 1882, Brillantmont International School is one of the oldest boarding schools in Switzerland and is still owned and run by the founding family.
The school welcomes boarding and day students, aged 13-18 (Grades 8-12) from over 30 nationalities. Students follow stimulating courses leading to internationally recognised examinations (British IGCSE, A Level; American High School Diploma with SAT and IELTS).
Why not become part of our BM family? Find out more by calling +41 21 310 0400 or by email admissions@brillantmont.ch. We’d love to tell you more!
Want to enrol your child at the Brillantmont International School.
Find out more about our School Year Programme here!
