Swiss Option

* Swiss Option for ages 11-14

Preparing local students for a Swiss high school and international success

What is it?

An optional pathway that prepares MYP1 to MYP4 students (8H-11H) to sit the entrance exams for a state school in the Canton of Vaud at the end of MYP4 (11H).

An option that combines the holistic IB Middle Years Programme with added exam preparation in French literature, German and mathematics.*

What do students gain?

Balanced academic knowledge across languages, the humanities, the sciences, mathematics and the arts.

Strong bilingual skills in English and French, enhanced life skills and advanced digital know-how.

Who is eligible?

Students aged 11-14 with native or near-native French speaking, writing and listening skills.

Students committed and willing to work an additional 4 hours a week on mathematics & French literature.

* These extra lessons may take place on Wednesday afternoons and/or replace optional dance and music lessons or a second sport or art lesson.

Swiss option

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* frequently asked questions

What do other Swiss parents ask us?

1. What is the Swiss Option at Haut-Lac?

The Swiss Option is an extension of the IB Middle Years Programme designed to give local students the option of transferring to a high school in the canton of Vaud at the end of MYP4 (Grade 9) or pursuing an IB Diploma at Haut-Lac.

2. How does the Swiss Option at Haut-Lac benefit local students?

The Swiss Option enables local Swiss students to develop their English language skills, solid academic knowledge and key life skills whilst preparing to sit state high school entrance exams with added French literature, German and mathematics lessons.

3. Are there subjects that Swiss Option students cannot take?

Students following the Swiss Option can study any of the IBMYP subjects available at Haut-Lac.

However, the added exam preparation lessons in French literature, German and mathematics may replace one of their sport or art lessons or an optional dance or music lesson.

4. Do students on the Swiss Option have to take all subjects like their IBMYP peers?

Yes, students on the Swiss Option follow the standard IB Middle Years Programme like their peers. They may, however, only have one sport or art lesson, or no music or dance depending on how the added exam preparation lessons fit into their timetable.

5. What are the entry requirements for the Swiss Option at Haut-Lac?

Students entitled to join the Swiss Option must:

be aged 11-14

have native or near-native French speaking, writing and listening skills.

be committed and willing to work an additional 4 hours a week on mathematics, German and French literature.

6. Can students with beginner or intermediate French follow the Swiss Option?

No, students must have native or near-native French speaking, writing and listening skills to pursue the Swiss Option at Haut-Lac.

7. How does the Swiss Option at Haut-Lac prepare students to sit local state high school entrance exams?

The Swiss Option provides students with added exam preparation in French literature, German and mathematics alongside Haut-Lac’s bilingual IB Middle Years Programme.

8. Can students on the Swiss Option obtain the IBMYP certificate and go on to pursue an IB Diploma?

All students need to complete and pass at least MYP4 and MYP5 to obtain the IBMYP Certificate. If Swiss Option students do so, they too will receive the IBMYP Certificate and be able to pursue the IBDP or the IBCP at Haut-Lac.

9. Do students need to be bilingual in English and French to join the Swiss Option?

No, Swiss Option students do not need to be bilingual in English and French. However, they must have native or near-native proficiency in French speaking, writing and listening.