Secondary 1
INNOVATE TO SUCCEED
La Découverte welcomes students aged 11 to 15 for the orientation cycle, sparking their curiosity, strengthening their self-confidence, and providing them with the essential skills to approach the next steps of their academic journey with peace of mind.
- ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Our
program
Our Lower Secondary (Secondary 1) educational program is designed to provide a dynamic, bilingual, and inclusive learning environment. While the curriculum is being finalized, we are committed to delivering high-quality teaching aligned with the Plan d’Études Romand (PER), sparking intellectual curiosity, building essential skills, and preparing our students to excel in their future studies and beyond.
Here is an overview of the subjects offered:
Languages
French, English, German
Our structured bilingual program teaches core subjects in French and secondary subjects in English, with language immersion. Students also learn German following the Swiss curriculum, with one hour in 10th grade and an exchange with a German school.
Fundamental sciences
Mathematics, Sciences
Natural sciences and biology are taught according to the Swiss curriculum, with STEAM projects in physics and chemistry. Two afternoons per week, students deepen their scientific knowledge beyond standard classes.
Humanities
History, Geography
One third of the humanities curriculum is based on transdisciplinary projects that integrate languages and mathematics. These projects offer a unique perspective, linking geographical and historical objectives to a broader understanding.
Music & Arts
Creativity & Artistic Expression
In partnership with galleries, theaters, and opera companies, we offer a variety of artistic projects across the city. These experiences enrich students’ artistic sensibilities while providing them with professional expertise and a broad perspective on the cultural sector.
Physical Education
Health and Well-Being Promotion
Physical education encompasses fitness, nutrition, and well-being. Our program offers a variety of team sports and specialized activities such as sailing, enabling students to obtain their certificate in Grade 11 while promoting an active and balanced lifestyle.
Technology & Computer Science
Technological Skills
In our makerspace, technology is integrated into the curriculum. Students learn to structure and create both digitally and manually, developing essential skills in digital governance and the responsible use of technological tools.
Citizenship
Active and responsible citizenship
Students explore local democratic structures to better understand governance in Geneva, in Switzerland, and internationally. They take part in debates, learning to structure and present their arguments, while deepening their knowledge of techniques and the history of philosophical thought.
Coaching & School meeting
Support & Leadership
Each month, two group sessions and one individual session allow students to track their progress. Families also have direct contact with the coach for any questions. A neuroscience-based program supports this guidance by helping them better understand their potential.
- Educational Philosophy
of Collège La Découverte
We believe that the environment plays a crucial role in learning. That’s why we are committed to providing pleasant, welcoming facilities where our students can thrive safely.
Acquisition of
knowledge
Thanks to active methods, our students develop solid knowledge, applied in transdisciplinary projects and in exam settings. This approach opens the doors to the higher education institutions of their choice.
Development of critical
and creative thinking
We encourage our students to develop their thinking skills in order to understand how they think and learn. This approach makes them autonomous in their learning and prepares them to tackle challenges creatively and critically throughout their lives.
Social and interpersonal
skills
During lower secondary school, our students explore various fields to identify their interests and choose their path. These enriching experiences strengthen their interpersonal skills, helping them build a solid foundation to determine the pathway that suits them best.
- Teaching methods
Our teaching techniques for the
Our teaching methods are designed to offer a dynamic learning environment that is stimulating.
Active and Participatory Approach
Our teachers use interactive and collaborative methods, such as group projects, hands-on workshops, and class discussions. These practices foster engaging, meaningful learning tailored to students’ needs.
Personalized Support
Thanks to regular monitoring and targeted interventions, each student benefits from individualized support to progress at their own pace. Our teachers work with them to identify their strengths and work on areas for improvement.
Bilingualism
Program subjects are taught through immersion with a two‑track approach. Bilingual students follow an English‑language program, while French‑speaking students benefit from intensive courses to develop their language skills.
- Learning environment
The
Each student benefits from the support of a coach, who becomes a point of reference for the student and their family. They guide the student’s personal development, monitor their academic progress across subjects, and support the development of critical and creative thinking.
- fees
Tuition
- FAQ
Frequently asked
Do you have questions about Collège La Découverte? Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our school, our services, and how we operate.
Students are continuously assessed throughout the school year. Assessment criteria include academic performance, class participation, individual and group projects, as well as interpersonal and behavioral skills.
Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 students benefit from modern facilities including well‑equipped classrooms, science labs, a library, music and art rooms, sports facilities, and technology spaces. These amenities are designed to provide an optimal learning environment.
Parents can track their child’s academic progress via our dedicated online platform, where they can view grades, assessments, teacher feedback, and report cards. We also hold regular parent‑teacher meetings to discuss students’ progress and needs.
Typical schedules for Secondary 1 students run from 8:30 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m., except on Wednesdays when classes end at 12:15 p.m. These schedules include lunch and recess breaks. Extracurricular activities take place outside class hours.
We offer personalized guidance, information sessions on different academic and career pathways, and meetings with professionals from various fields. Students are supported throughout their journey to help them make informed choices about their future.
Yes. We regularly organize educational trips and excursions that complement the academic program. These outings allow students to discover new environments, deepen their knowledge, and develop practical skills.
A first step towards
Contact us and join our educational community today to discover how we can guide your child toward academic and personal success while meeting their unique needs.