Middle | Ages 11-14

Since 1961, Grades 6 – 8 at the International School of Berne (ISBerne) have been a vibrant, student-centered community. Following the International Baccalaureate® Middle Years Programme (MYP), our programme meets the unique needs of young adolescents as they develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world. Just as our school’s mission states: “We welcome and connect. We nurture and inspire. We challenge and prepare.”

Grades 6 – 8 are a crucial time of development for students. They are building, reflecting, and strengthening the attitudes, values, and dispositions that will shape and guide the adults they will become. We are eager to support them in building the skills they need for their overall sense of wellbeing and future success. Most students seek more independence during these years, so our school environment provides them with opportunities to have more control over their experience, preparing them for the more complex life choices they will face.

Our programme is enriched by visits to our Gym and Library, local excursions, and active participation in whole school activities and productions. To learn how IS Berne can benefit your family, please explore the ‘Middle School in Depth’ section below or contact our admissions team for a personal consultation.

Middle School in Depth

Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is the framework we use at the International School of Berne to provide an inclusive and challenging curriculum to students aged 11 to 16. This international curriculum helps students develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world. It also creates an essential link between our Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). We ensure that all of our students have the skills and knowledge necessary for thriving academically, whether they continue here, in their home country, or abroad.

Our students learn through inquiry, action, and reflection across subject groups connected through key concepts and global contexts. As a result, they develop skills that empower them to manage their learning, meet the objectives of the different subjects, and build a strong foundation for the future. In addition, they benefit from the following subject areas: English, French, German, Mathematics, Integrated Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), History, Geography, Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Design, and Physical and Health Education.

The International School of Berne is also a haven rich in the Arts, Athletics, and Activities. Our campus is nestled close to the rivers, forests, and mountains of the world-famous Bern region, a place that provides further opportunity for students to explore concepts linked to the natural environment and to reflect on their responsibility for its sustainability. Whether engaging in after school programmes, organized athletic events, or musical and dramatic performances, our students thrive on elevated opportunities to do, learn and experience more.

The following special programmes make ISBerne unique and are deeply embedded into our school life:

Service Learning

An integral part of Middle School and the culture at ISBerne is service learning. All students are involved in age-appropriate activities, where they make connections between what they learn in the classroom and what they see happening in the outside world.

Outdoor Education

At the beginning of each academic year, students participate in an Outdoor Education trip to learn more about their classmates, Switzerland, and themselves over a week-long educational bonding experience. In addition, students frequently go on excursions to deepen their learning in their subject matter outside of their classrooms.

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Ski and Skate Fridays

During the Winter season, the Middle School takes part in our Ski and Skate Friday programme. Over a seven-week period, Middle School students will go skiing or snowboarding in the Alps. All students are taught by professional instructors at the world-famous Zweisimmen resort.

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To learn more in-depth about the Middle Years programme at ISBerne, we invite you to visit our "About the IB Middle Years" webpage.

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School Day

Classes are held Mondays – Fridays from 8:30 – 15:30, except for Wednesdays when school ends at 14:30. Students then have the option of joining our After School Activities (ASA) programme. They can participate in activities that are not offered within the framework of the curriculum, such as Band, Drama, non-competitive Sports, and much more.

Many students at this age chose to use the excellent public transportation system to come to and from school each day with their friends.

Classrooms and Facilities

Our classrooms and outdoor areas in the Middle School are seen as a space to celebrate and encourage learning. When setting up and adapting learning spaces, teachers are mindful of the unique needs of adolescents and teens. Our students enjoy the following amenities and resources:

Modern, speciality built facilities
Inviting classrooms with access to additional technology resources
Well resourced library and media centre
State-of-the-art theatre and aula
Large indoor gym
Outdoor recreation areas
Fresh, healthy lunch service
Personal storage lockers
Easy access to one of the world’s best public transit systems

Watch a tour of our campus

Teachers

The International School of Berne has highly-qualified and internationally experienced educators dedicated to Grades 6 – 8:

Our teachers have a wealth of teaching experience. At a minimum, they hold a university degree in Education and receive ongoing professional development.
Our student-to-teacher ratio is low, allowing each student multiple opportunities for personal attention.
Specialist teachers teach Art, Music, and Physical Education in learning environments dedicated to their subject.
A Counsellor, Learning Support Specialist and English as an Additional Language Specialist are available to provide support should there be a requirement.
A dedicated, full-time Curriculum Coordinator and the School Director oversee the programme.

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Getting Started at ISBerne

We are grateful for your interest and want you to have all the information you need to consider ISBerne for your child. Click the buttons below to navigate to the admissions section of the site, where you can find out more about the process, schedule a tour, and make an online enquiry. Your family can join ISBerne at any time during the school year as long as space is available. You may also contact us by emailing admissions@isberne.ch or by calling +41 31 959 10 00.

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In This Section

Middle | Ages 11-14

Middle School in Depth

Curriculum

Service Learning

Outdoor Education

Ski and Skate Fridays

School Day

Classrooms and Facilities

Teachers

Getting Started at ISBerne

Middle School News & Stories

Join our High School Virtual Q&A