Your questions. Our answers.
For sports students
As a student athlete, the question often arises as to how school, training and tournaments can be reconciled. Here you will find answers to typical questions about everyday life, flexibility and support.
We have a fixed timetable for the entire school year. Students participate either on site (at one of our locations) or online. All lessons are recorded and can be accessed later.
Participation takes place via our school platform. This offers:
On-site support is provided to students at our locations (Swiss Tennis Biel, Dürnten Sports School, Freies Gymnasium Basel) by class teachers who are also specialist teachers in certain language subjects. Our students in the online program receive support from our study coach.
Lessons and all examinations are held entirely in English.
Absences must be reported in advance. Missed material is made up with the help of the records and individual learning plans.
At least 6 subjects are required for the IGCSE diploma (recommended 7 for ETH ambitions).
In the A-level program, 3 subjects are usually chosen.
Yes, individual part-time models are possible.
A-Levels correspond to the 11th and 12th school year in Switzerland. Subjects consist of 4-6 units.
Approximately half of these are examined in the first year (AS level). The remaining units follow in the second year (A2 level).
For parents
Would you like to know how your daughter or son is looked after, what to expect as a parent and what the school day looks like in concrete terms? Here we clarify the most important points for parents.
The timetable is tailored to training times. It leaves enough room for regeneration, travel and competitions.
By a class teacher and a study coach. The support is individualized and tailored to athletic requirements.
A laptop or tablet with a stable internet connection, webcam and headset with microphone.
Via regular updates, performance overviews and individual feedback from teachers and study coaches.
Specialist teachers with international qualifications (e.g. Cambridge, IB).
12 hours of fixed live lessons. In addition, approx. 8-12 hours of (supervised) self-study.
A mixed holiday plan applies, which combines various cantonal regulations (e.g. Basel, Zurich, Bern).
Through internal reports, feedback from mock exams and personal discussions with the study coach.
Exams & graduation
How do the exams work? What qualifications are there? And how recognized are they? This section gives you an overview of IGCSE, A-Levels and all relevant exam questions.
The "International General Certificate of Secondary Education" is an international qualification at secondary level (comparable to the 9th/10th school year in Switzerland).
A globally recognized university entrance qualification, comparable to the Matura.
An IGCSE qualification with a grade of at least B (A-G system) or 5 (9-1 scale).
If individual subjects are not passed, they can be made up in parallel with the A-level program.
The examinations take place in authorized centers (e.g. Hull's School Zurich) and last approximately two months. Subjects consist of several "units". The final grade is the average of these.
Twice a year: in May/June and possibly in October/November.
IGCSE exam: between. CHF 500 - CHF 780 per subject (depending on the center).
A-Level costs vary depending on the provider and the number of subjects.
The exam is rated as "Ungraded" and can be repeated in the next session.
Through homework, tests and internal examinations ("mock exams"). These are used to assess learning progress, but do not count directly towards the final grade.
Several attempts are possible, but at a charge.
Yes, internal performance overviews and the official certificates of the examination providers.
At least grade B (A-G) or 5 (9-1 scale), which corresponds approximately to a grade 4.5 in the Swiss system.
Change of school & entry
Changing schools is a big step. We'll show you when and how you can join us and how we can help make sure everything runs smoothly.
Entry is possible at any time. Depending on the timing, integration is coordinated with an adapted timetable.
First, we clarify together where you currently stand. Then we build up your personal curriculum. The introduction and familiarization takes place step by step.
That depends on what you have learned at school so far. Our coaches will help you to work through any gaps.
Yes, within the first few weeks we will look together to see if the model suits you.
Recognition and access to universities
Whether in Switzerland, Europe or overseas: our degrees are internationally recognized. Here you can find out which paths are open to you after graduation and how we support you with applications.
Yes - A-Levels are officially recognized by swissuniversities.
Yes - universities in Europe, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and many more accept the degree.
Yes - in cooperation with the Dürnten Sports School, we provide active support with applications, visas, scholarships and placement. Beyond Sports students benefit from better conditions.
Almost all international universities worldwide.
Yes - if 7 IGCSE subjects and A-Levels have been completed with grade AAA.
