The arts are an essential part of every child’s journey.
Our art studios, music rooms, recording spaces and theatres are vibrant, welcoming places that are bursting with creativity. In Primary School, students are encouraged to explore, take creative risks, and discover the joy that comes from making, performing, and expressing themselves.
Through a balanced and engaging arts programme, we help students develop their imagination, build confidence, and experience the pride that comes from creating something uniquely their own.
Supporting Creativity from the Start
From their earliest years, students are immersed in the arts. Painting, singing, dramatic play, and musical exploration are all part of their everyday experiences, with creativity woven throughout their learning. Our specialist teachers create a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to try new things and express their ideas.
The Performing Arts play an integral role in this journey. All Early Years students enjoy weekly lessons, from community singing in Early Years 1–Kindergarten to class-based sessions in Grade 1.
Opportunities also extend into outdoor learning and free flow time, making the arts a natural part of how children explore the world. Students learn not only about the arts, but also through them, building rich, transdisciplinary connections with units of inquiry and subjects such as German, Maths, Language and Science.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
The arts at ISZL go far beyond scheduled lessons. Primary students have many opportunities to explore their interests in a variety of creative spaces. These include:
- After-school clubs such as theatre, music ensembles, and set design
- Grade-level concerts, performances, and exhibitions
- Memorable events like Finding Nemo: The Musical and singing on Zurich’s beloved Singing Christmas Tree
- The ISZL Music Academy, which offers instrument lessons beyond the core curriculum. Our team of professional music educators provides lessons after school on the Zug campus, from Monday to Friday. Parents can learn more on our Parent Portal.
Music
Music is a lively part of life at ISZL. Students begin with foundational skills in Grades 2 and 3 by learning the recorder, which introduces musical notation and rhythm. In Grade 4, they get to try a variety of instruments like clarinet, saxophone, violin, flute, or classical guitar before choosing one to focus on in Grade 5. Weekly lessons continue through Middle School, allowing students to grow as musicians over time.
Beyond class, our Instrumental Music Team organises experiences like ensemble trips to Chalet Bergheim in Wengen and performances with our Guitar Band, Wind Band, and String Orchestra.
Theatre
Theatre gives students the chance to step into new roles. Drama activities help them build confidence, develop empathy, and strengthen communication skills. Whether they’re improvising scenes, rehearsing a play, or learning about costumes and lighting, students are encouraged to take part and have fun.
Drama is also meaningfully connected to classroom learning through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), supporting transdisciplinary learning and deepening students’ understanding of ideas through storytelling and performance.
Visual Arts
In our visual arts programme, students explore a wide range of materials and techniques as they develop their artistic voice. From Grade 1 to Grade 5, they take part in regular art lessons designed to encourage curiosity and inspire personal expression.
Each project invites them to experiment, reflect, and connect with different cultures and perspectives through the visual world.
Why the Arts Matter
The arts offer more than just creative outlets — they help students grow into well-rounded, reflective learners. Through the process of creating, performing and responding to the arts, students learn to express themselves, collaborate with others, and appreciate diverse ways of doing things.
