Primary School 5-11 year olds
Children in the Primary School learn according to the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme. Through a carefully designed learning environment which places strong emphasis on student well-being, children at ISL are nurtured towards being caring and active participants in a lifelong learning journey.

New Dual Language programme
The International School of Lausanne (ISL) has introduced a new dual language programme for students in the Primary School. Years 3 to 6. Two classroom teachers, speaking English and French, co-teach the Primary Years Programme through a Content and Language Integrated Learning Approach (CLIL). Find out more about our new programme, and explore the reasons why this programme would be valuable for your child.

Learning to learn
Grounded in inquiry and concept based learning, the IB Primary Years Programme is a curriculum framework that aims to achieve a balance between the search for meaning and understanding, and the acquisition of essential skills and knowledge. Character learning, articulated through the learner profile and approaches to learning skills, underpins all that we do in our pursuit to develop the whole child. At ISL, through a curriculum that is both rigorous and significant, we cultivate human connection; physical and emotional well-being; and cultural awareness to ensure that our children are well poised to make a positive difference in the world.

“The Primary School is a place where students can engage, interact, and explore their world in a caring and supportive environment. We believe that the explicit teaching of well-being is the foundation on which we develop confident lifelong learners.”
Frazer Cairns, School Director


Core curriculum
We understand that the main responsibility of Primary School is the acquisition of academic and study skills. However, to create truly enthusiastic students and lifelong learners, our curriculum also gives children meaningful opportunities to use their skills as both members of a community and independent learners.
In the Primary School, our teachers implement hands-on, experiential activities so students acquire essential skills, engage in creative thinking, broaden knowledge, and deepen understanding. Language immersion is a critical part of the curriculum.
The Primary School curriculum includes:
- Art
- Information technology
- English language
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
The following subjects are taught by specialist staff:
- English as an additional language (EAL)
- French
- Learning support
- Library
- Music
- Physical education
- Life skills

Do you want to know what makes education at the International School of Lausanne different?
Contact
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Primary School Principal
Stuart Armistead
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Assistant Principal – IB PYP Coordinator
Kyle Hawkins