Athletics
Home of the Bears
At the International School of Berne, we value and provide a positive and inclusive sports culture that develops social and emotional skills, molds character, and prepares our students for competition while in school and for life. Our athletics programme provides a range of competitive sports training sessions, friendly games and official tournaments.
We have competitive teams in track and field and football (soccer) for most age groups in the school, as well as basketball in the secondary school. We also offer an assortment of other competitive sports–based on student interest and coaching availability–such as unihockey, volleyball, cross-country, and badminton.
Our school is a member of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS) sports league which offers various sporting tournaments in age groups from ages 7 to 19. SGIS enables students to compete in tournaments against their peers at other international schools across Switzerland and periodically compete in international and local tournaments. Being part of a team, learning to work together, and honing attitudes of sportsmanship are valuable experiences and we encourage students to participate in an SGIS competitive team.
Physical Education
At the International School of Berne, we believe that physical activity is necessary for the maintenance of the health and fitness of the students. Our Physical Education programme highlights the development of students’ physical skills, their cooperative interaction with others, and the discovery and understanding of themselves and their limits. Physical Education is a compulsory part of the curriculum for students in the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. In the Primary Years, swimming lessons also are scheduled on a regular basis at a pool near our campus.
NCAA Accreditated
The International School of Berne proudly holds accreditation by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), ensuring that our courses meet the academic standards required for students aspiring to become college athletes in North America. This recognition means that students who study with us can count their coursework toward fulfilling the academic prerequisites necessary to compete at the collegiate level.
The NCAA is an esteemed organization committed to the well-being and achievement of college athletes in the United States and Canada. With numerous member institutions, the NCAA facilitates athletic scholarships annually and offers comprehensive support to help student-athletes excel in their sports and successfully graduate from college or university.
Our Athletics Facilities
Our purpose-built campus in Gümligen offers a modern double gym, changing rooms, soccer field, and basketball court as well as easy access to nearby swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts and athletics tracks.
Ski and Skate Fridays
For more than thirty years, 'Ski and Skate Fridays' have been a special tradition at the International School of Berne. Over seven weeks during the Winter, students in all grades participate in skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating.