The Program
Preschool
The VIS Preschool offers a nurturing dual language (French/English) environment, where children from the age of two begin their learning journey through play and exploration. With a strong emphasis on outdoor education, children take part in regular local excursions and benefit from our Forest School programme.
The enriched early years curriculum includes Music, Physical Education, and nature-based learning experiences. Guided by the Learning Through Play philosophy, the Preschool fosters curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder about the world.
Primary School (Foundation Stage 1 to Year 6)
In the Primary years, students build a strong academic foundation within a caring and inclusive environment. Following the English National Curriculum, the programme is broad, balanced, and creatively delivered to nurture independent thinking and a lifelong love of learning.
Instruction is taught in a dual language setting (French and English) from Foundation Stage 1 through to Year 2, ensuring that children are immersed in both languages from an early age. From Years 3 to 6, instruction is primarily in English, supplemented by daily French lessons to ensure continued language development and fluency in both languages.
Experiential learning is central to the Primary experience at VIS, with students engaging in hands-on activities both inside and outside the classroom. With a focus on well-being, students enjoy an active lifestyle through a wide range of sports, excursions, and community involvement.
Teachers encourage perseverance, confidence, and collaboration, helping each child to develop the skills and character needed for future success. The school environment is one where every child feels safe, happy, valued, and respected.
Lower and Upper Secondary (Years 7 to 11)
From a smooth and supportive transition into Year 7 to the completion of IGCSEs in Years 10 and 11, VIS Secondary students receive a thorough academic preparation alongside a broader educational experience that emphasises character development, global awareness, and personal growth.
VIS is an accredited Cambridge International School, and students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary curricula. This globally recognised framework ensures a high standard of education, with a strong emphasis on academic rigour and critical thinking. The curriculum prepares students for success in their IGCSEs while encouraging them to go beyond the classroom and strive for excellence in all areas of their development.
The curriculum is rich and varied, encouraging students to think critically, act responsibly, and embrace diverse perspectives. Core subjects include Mathematics, English, all Sciences, French, German, Spanish, History, Economics, Geography, Religious Studies, and Digital Literacy.
Student progress is closely monitored, with support provided not only by subject teachers but also by class teachers and key support staff. The Headmaster maintains an active presence in students’ daily lives, ensuring a high level of pastoral care and communication between school and families.
Flexibility in the timetable allows students to tailor their learning to their individual goals, taking on challenges that inspire and motivate them.
IB Diploma Programme (Years 12 and 13)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at VIS offers more than an academic qualification—it provides a transformative educational experience. Students in Years 12 and 13 engage with a broad curriculum while also choosing subjects to study in greater depth, allowing for both breadth and specialisation.
The IB programme fosters intellectual curiosity, intercultural understanding, and academic integrity. Students develop the skills to think critically, reflect deeply, and learn independently—preparing them not only for university but also for a lifetime of learning and engagement across disciplines.
With opportunities to pursue areas of personal interest through the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), IB students at VIS graduate with both academic excellence and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
VIS Ski Programme
At Verbier International School (VIS), skiing is an integral part of the Winter term experience. All students ski at least twice a week, immersing themselves in one of the largest and most stunning ski areas in Switzerland. Our comprehensive ski programmes cater to all levels, ensuring every student has the opportunity to progress and enjoy the sport.
In collaboration with the Ecole Suisse de Ski (ESSV) in Verbier, each ski group is led by a qualified ESSV ski instructor, ensuring safety and expert guidance. The ski programmes are tailored to different stages in students’ development, offering a variety of options for beginners to advanced skiers.
