Grade 10 Bridging Year
A focused year to develop fluency in English, grow in confidence, and prepare for what comes next
At the International School of Berne (ISBerne), a private day school in Gümligen near Bern, our Grade 10 Bridging Year offers students the opportunity to learn in an immersive English-speaking environment while developing the skills and independence needed for their next step.
This programme is designed for students who would benefit from an additional year of academic progress and personal development after completing compulsory schooling in Switzerland.
At ISBerne, students continue learning while building practical skills for the future. Your child will:
- Speak and use English every day in lessons and discussions
- Take greater responsibility for their work and organisation
- Learn how to ask questions, think critically, and understand topics in more depth
- Develop effective study habits, including preparing for assessments and managing their time
Students leave the programme well prepared for their next step — whether continuing at ISBerne, moving to another school, or pursuing opportunities in Switzerland or abroad.
This type of programme is sometimes referred to as a Brückenangebot, Brückenjahr, Passerelle or intermediate year.
New students are welcome to enrol year-round.
Why Families Choose This Programme
A unique combination of academic learning and personal development in one programme
Families choose the Grade 10 Bridging Year at ISBerne because it offers something not available in other schools in the region: a structured year in English that supports both academic development and personal growth.
As an established private school in the Bern region since 1961, ISBerne provides a well-structured learning environment supported by an experienced teaching team. Our programmes are based on internationally recognised academic frameworks, giving students access to further education opportunities in Switzerland and abroad.
Your child will benefit from:
- A fully English-speaking learning environment that builds real confidence in communication and prepares students for international study or careers
- A structured, internationally recognised curriculum that develops critical thinking, independence, and a deeper understanding across subjects
- Small class sizes and individual attention, helping students stay engaged and make meaningful progress
- A clear pathway forward, with the option to continue into an internationally recognised diploma programme or pursue apprenticeships and further education in Switzerland
- A diverse school community, where students build friendships with peers from different cultures and perspectives
ISBerne is the only school in the Bern area offering this type of internationally focused programme, providing students with opportunities that go beyond the scope of most local school programmes.
What Makes This Year Different
Bridging the Gap, Enhancing the Future
Students in the Grade 10 Bridging Year follow a full-day programme taught in English, where they are actively involved in their learning and encouraged to take greater responsibility for their progress.
Rather than focusing only on memorisation, lessons are designed to help students ask questions, think independently, and apply their knowledge across different subjects. This approach supports deeper understanding and helps students become more confident learners.
Throughout the year, students:
- Use English naturally in lessons, discussions, and group work, strengthening their communication skills every day
- Develop independent learning habits, including organisation, time management, and responsibility for their work
- Explore connections between subjects through guided, inquiry-based learning
- Build confidence in presenting ideas and participating actively in class
Teachers provide clear structure and regular feedback, helping students stay on track and make meaningful progress throughout the year.
The Personal Project
An opportunity for students to explore their interests and create something meaningful
As part of the Grade 10 Bridging Year, each student completes an individual Personal Project.
Students choose a topic that interests them and work on it over an extended period of time. This could include organising an event, creating a product, developing a skill, or researching a topic in depth.
Throughout the process, students learn how to plan, manage their time, and work independently. They are supported by a teacher who provides guidance and regular feedback.
At the end of the project, students present their work, demonstrating what they have learned and reflecting on their experience.
The video below shows examples of Personal Projects completed by our students:
English Immersion
The benefits of studying abroad without leaving home
Students entering the programme already have a solid foundation in English and are ready to develop their skills further.
At ISBerne, students learn in a fully English-speaking environment, using the language throughout the school day — in lessons, discussions, and collaborative work.
Learning alongside international classmates provides daily opportunities to communicate, exchange ideas, and build friendships in English.
This creates a natural, immersive experience — similar to studying abroad, without leaving Switzerland.
Students who need additional support can benefit from English as an Additional Language (EAL) support with a specialist teacher, ensuring they can fully access the curriculum and continue to make strong progress.
At the same time, students may continue developing German or French, ensuring they maintain strong language skills for future pathways in Switzerland.
They also gain valuable intercultural experience by working with peers from different backgrounds — an important advantage for further education and today’s international working world.
Clear Pathways After the Programme
A strong foundation for the next step - in Switzerland or internationally
At the end of the Grade 10 Bridging Year, students move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and stronger academic and language skills.
Depending on their goals and progress, students may go on to:
- Apprenticeships or vocational training programmes in Switzerland
- Further education within the Swiss system
- The Diploma Programmes at ISBerne, leading to university options in Switzerland and worldwide
- Other international schools or programmes
Throughout the year, students receive individual guidance to help them identify the pathway that best suits their strengths, interests, and ambitions.
Students also take part in a structured careers and pathways assessment, providing valuable insights into their strengths and interests. This supports more informed decisions about future study or career directions.
As part of the admissions process, prospective families have the opportunity to meet with our Principal and Futures Counsellor to discuss their child’s goals and explore suitable pathways in more detail.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Experiences that build confidence, independence, and connection
Students take part in a range of activities that support their development beyond the classroom.
These include:
- Ski and Skate Fridays during the winter months, giving students the opportunity to enjoy Swiss winter sports and spend time together outside of school
- Outdoor Education Week at the start of the school year, where students take part in group activities, build independence, and get to know their classmates
- Opportunities in the arts and athletics, allowing students to develop creativity, physical wellbeing, and new interests
- Participation in personal development activities, encouraging students to take part in creative, active, and service-based experiences
These shared experiences play an important role in helping students build friendships, develop resilience, and feel part of a supportive school community.
Who Can Join
Open to students in the Bern region and surrounding cantons
The Grade 10 Bridging Year is open to students who have completed their compulsory schooling in Switzerland, as well as those from other educational backgrounds.
We welcome students living in the cantons of Bern, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, and Solothurn who would like to take part in this programme.
Students should already have a good level of English (approximately B2 level). Those with an A2 level or above can also join and will receive additional English as an Additional Language (EAL) support from a specialist teacher.
Our School Fees
We understand that choosing a private full-day school represents an important investment for families.
We take this responsibility seriously and work hard to provide a high-quality education with a fair and accessible fee structure.
You can find further information about our fees in the Admissions section of our website.
If you would like to learn more, please contact our Welcome Desk Team at +41 31 959 10 00 or office@isberne.ch. We would be happy to speak with you and discuss the options available for your family.
Experience the Warm Atmosphere of ISBerne in Person
We strongly recommend that you visit our school with your family. This allows you to experience first-hand what makes ISBerne such a special place to learn.
You may register for an individual meeting or attend one of our upcoming information events and group tours available in Swiss German, Standard German, English, and French. Our School Leadership Team will be pleased to show you our campus, visit classrooms with you, and give you the opportunity to experience our vibrant school community.
Advanced registration is appreciated. Spontaneous visits are also very welcome.
Getting Started at ISBerne
Choosing the right school is an important decision, and we will support you every step of the way. Our team will take the time to understand your family’s needs, answer your questions, and help you determine whether ISBerne is the right fit for your child and your family. Our Welcome Desk specialists, Ms Françoise Boillat and Ms Alice Germann, are happy to advise you by phone. If you prefer to make initial contact by email, they will also be pleased to respond to your written inquiry:
+41 31 959 10 00
office@isberne.ch
A STUDENt’s Experience
When I joined ISBerne, I really liked how small the school was — it felt like a very open and welcoming community.
Learning alongside students from different cultures and backgrounds also helped me understand new perspectives, which I really value.
For my Personal Project, I chose something I really enjoy — refereeing basketball games — and even got my referee licence during the process.Luka