OFFERING A PERSONALISED LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Our school is committed to the International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum, meaning that our teaching is inquiry-based and planned around our students' developing needs and interests. 

The ISZL Early Years Programme focuses on the following pillars of learning: 

play

The daily schedule is built around opportunities for adult-supported, freely chosen play alongside adult-led, small group activities. 

Outdoor learning and physical development

The children participate in daily outdoor learning sessions and regular forest visits led by our dedicated forest learning educators. In our Early Years playground, students have access to a range of materials and resources as well as to the outdoor stage, mud kitchen, sandpit, climbing tree, pond area, fire pit and vegetable garden. Our Early Years Gym is equipped with a range of equipment to develop coordination and physical skills. 

Literacy development

Teachers understand the vital role of literacy for learning and focus on encouraging children's enjoyment of reading alongside their developing interest in signs, symbols, letters and writing. Children and families have access to our Early Years Library to support their learning, which has an amazing collection of over 48,000 books in over 20 languages. Our Early Years Teacher Librarian is always on hand to assist.  

Multilingualism

Our Early Years German Teacher and Assistant Teacher encourage integration with the Swiss community by offering German language tuition and focusing on Swiss culture. For children from non-English speaking backgrounds, we offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. 

arts and music

Children have regular visits to our music room equipped with an array of different instruments and supported by the Early Years Music Teacher. All of our learning spaces have an emphasis on the creative arts with well-equipped studio areas. 

mathematical development

Our learning spaces provide preschool children with opportunities for reasoning and problem-solving, supported by teachers. Cooking and baking provide real contexts for mathematics and are incorporated into our weekly routines. 

A Wealth of Experience and Expertise

Our Early Years team is comprised of highly qualified international educators specialised in the particular needs of young preschool children. Our student-to-teacher ratio is low allowing each student multiple opportunities for personal attention. Our teaching team also benefits from the inclusion of assistant teachers in all classes and specialist teachers for Music, Art, Physical Education, English as an Additional Language, German, Literacy and Technology.

The teachers at ISZL are well-respected as early childhood experts and our school regularly hosts workshops, conferences and events for teachers from around the world. By following an ongoing professional growth programme, our teachers are committed to keeping up-to-date with current research and best practices in early childhood education. 

early years VOICES

Enrolment Options

• Early Years 1 and 2 - students can attend school either mornings only or the full school day.
• Kindergarten - students attend for the full school day.
• Regular school hours are 8.50 to 15.30.

Our classrooms and outdoor areas are seen as a space to celebrate and encourage learning. When setting up and adapting learning spaces, teachers are mindful of the children’s sense of belonging, their cultural identity and needs, and the connections they will make. 

Our Early Years Programme is located on our Zug campus, which offers the following amenities:

• Beautiful location surrounded by forest and farmland
• Large outdoor play areas, including a stage, pond, vegetable garden, sandpit, mud kitchen and fire-pit
• Inviting and personalised classrooms with access to additional technology resources
• Well-resourced multilingual library that hosts frequent events and book fairs
• State-of-the-art theatre
• Indoor gym
• EAGLES Club after-school care
• School nurses providing care all day
• School bus transportation services
• Fresh, healthy lunch service 

Take an interactive Campus TOUR

ISZL encourages parental involvement and participation in all areas of school life. We provide parents with learning opportunities to help them understand and participate in their child’s education. Our Parents' Association dedicates itself to ensuring that every member of our school feels welcomed and has the opportunity to get involved.

Here families share their experience as part of our Early Years Programme: