Meet ISBerne

At the International School of Berne (ISBerne), our teachers and staff bring a wealth of international experience, cultural perspectives, and personal passions to our school. In our Meet ISBerne Q&A series, we introduce the people who help make our community such a welcoming and inspiring place to learn.

We are pleased to introduce Ms. Corinne Peyrache, our French teacher for the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. Ms. Peyrache has been part of the ISBerne community for a decade and brings a deep love of languages, culture, and international education to her teaching.

What inspired you to become a teacher? How did your journey lead to ISBerne?

Born in France and raised in Portugal, I grew up between two cultures and languages, which shaped both my identity and my passion for education. My desire to become a teacher came from wanting to share my origins, my language, and the richness of Francophone culture with others.

Through teaching, I hope to inspire students to see language not only as a subject, but as a bridge to new perspectives, connections, and opportunities.

I began my teaching career in Portugal, where I developed my passion for education and language teaching. After several years, I wanted to broaden my horizons and pursue an international career. This ambition led me to Istanbul, where I spent six rewarding years teaching at an American school.

Working in such a diverse and multicultural environment allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, while strengthening my belief in the importance of international-mindedness in education.

As my journey continued, I wanted to become part of an International Baccalaureate (IB) school community. The IB philosophy, with its focus on inquiry, global citizenship, and holistic learning, strongly resonated with my values as an educator. This path eventually brought me to ISBerne, where I am now completing my tenth year.
 

What do you think makes ISBerne unique?

What makes ISBerne truly unique to me is its warm and welcoming community. As a small school, it offers an environment where students, teachers, and families genuinely know and support one another.

 

This strong sense of belonging helps students feel safe, valued, and confident, while encouraging meaningful relationships throughout the school community.

Another aspect that makes ISBerne so special is the caring atmosphere that can be felt both inside and outside the classroom. Students are encouraged not only to achieve academically, but also to develop empathy, respect, and resilience.

Teachers take the time to understand each student as an individual, helping them grow both academically and personally in a supportive environment where every voice matters.

At ISBerne, students are inspired to think beyond themselves, embrace different perspectives, and grow into responsible global citizens who are ready to make a positive contribution to an international society.
 

What impact do you hope to have on students?

I hope to have an impact on students that goes beyond language acquisition, helping them see French as a living tool for communication, cultural connection, and personal expression.

My goal is to create a classroom where students feel confident taking risks, making mistakes, and growing from them. I want them to understand that fluency is built through practice rather than perfection.

Just as important is the human aspect of learning. I place great value on building positive, respectful relationships with my students, where trust and mutual understanding help them feel supported and willing to engage.

Teaching French within the IB framework is especially meaningful because it supports the development of internationally minded, reflective, and compassionate learners.

Learning a language is also an opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, develop empathy, and strengthen the ability to connect with others.

Through strong relationships in the classroom, students are better able to find their voice, take intellectual and personal risks, and grow not only as language learners, but as thoughtful members of a global community.

What do you enjoy outside of school?

Outside of school, I value maintaining a balanced lifestyle that helps me stay energised and grounded.

I enjoy reading, which allows me to learn, reflect, and explore different perspectives. I also prioritise regular exercise, including Pilates and indoor cycling, which help me recharge both physically and mentally.

In addition, I find great peace in spending time by the ocean and, of course, enjoying seafood.

Equally important is spending quality time with friends and family. These moments of connection provide a strong sense of support and help me maintain balance in both my personal and professional life.

Do you have a fun fact to share?

A fun fact about me is that I enjoy eating snails and can easily eat up to a kilogram for lunch during the summer! Sharing this often surprises students and usually sparks some lively conversations in class. I find that little personal stories like this are a great way to build connections with students, as they are always curious to learn more about their teachers and appreciate seeing the human side of us beyond the classroom.

At ISBerne, we are proud to have dedicated educators like Ms. Peyrache who bring international experience, cultural understanding, and genuine care for students into every lesson. Through her passion for languages and commitment to building meaningful relationships, she helps students develop not only their French skills, but also the confidence and global perspective that will serve them throughout their lives.