2024-25 Course Guide - Surval Montreux

2024-2025 CourseGuide

HighSchool

CurriculumOverview

ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY

Every student at Surval takes five academic subjects, which equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success at High School and university. Students will be guided to choose the selection of courses and electives which benefit their interests and prior learning to ensure creativity, progression and ambition.

In Grade 8, students follow our Springboard to High School Curriculum, which prepares students to master High School study. Grade 9-12 students follow the American High School Diploma at Surval, a challenging programme which acts as the ideal foundation for university study. High School students have the opportunity to study Advanced Placement courses in English, History, French, Maths and Science. These APs are universitylevel courses which culminate in an external exam and are prized by universities around the world due to their rigour and challenge.

Beyond these academic subjects, girls at Surval benefit from the COL Curriculum, which links our three values: Challenge, Own, Lead. This curriculum offers a range of elective subjects to ensure that a Surval girl's learning is broad, interesting and reflective of the world around them.

Students in Grade 11 and 12 have an expanded range of Electives to prepare them for potential academic passions they may wish to study at university. We believe that the combination of rigorous academic learning and individual passions in languages, the arts and sport provide every Surval student with an individualised curriculum unrivalled in Switzerland.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

English

English

Course Sequence

Grade 8 and 9: The Power of Words in a Changing World; Medieval to Modernity

Grade 10, 11 and 12: Stories & Voices, Honours English: Breaking Boundaries; AP English Literature & Composition

The Power of Words in a Changing World

In Grade 8 English we ask the question “What changes can be made in the world when we understand the power of words?” The course equips students with the skills to flourish in High School Literature and Language classes. The course takes a creative approach to teach students how to understand complex prose, explain their personal response to texts and begin to scrutinise the choices which authors make. Through a combination of seminars, independent research tasks and guided one-to-one sessions, students will begin to develop strong foundations of written and verbal communication skills for their academic futures. Students will explore writers such as Martin Luther King, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare. As well as exploring literary texts, students will also have the opportunity to pursue their own creative writing, from speeches to advertisements to letters.

Medieval to Modernity

How has language changed over hundreds of years? How should 21st Century readers react to centuries old texts? Has modern media changed English forever? These are just some of the questions that this course explores. The course covers English Language and Literature, from 16th Century sonnets, to 19th century Realist dramas, to 21st Century social media. Students will learn about the historical and modern landscape of literature and media and how it impacts them. They will develop their skills of inference and analysis, as well as building a range of essay-writing skills and approaches to creative writing.

Stories & Voices

In this course, students learn about inspiring female contributions to the world of Literature and Language. The course draws on Surval's reputation as a school for exceptional young women. Drawing on historical and socio-political contexts to inform their studies of poetry, prose, and non-fiction texts, students will unpack the central question: Whose stories are told and why? From contemporary poetry to Austen and the Brontes, students will independently and collaboratively uncover the untold stories of the past and give voices to those stories in the present. Students will learn how to construct both creative and analytical pieces of writing with intended effect, recognise a range of purposes and audiences, and will have the opportunity to work with digital media to present independent research projects to their peers.

Honours English: Breaking Boundaries

What does it mean to be an English scholar? How do students develop the critical and independent skills to excel in English at school and beyond? The Breaking Boundaries course answers these questions and many more. The course will develop knowledge and skills which help students long after they leave the classroom. The course encourages students to question the cultural world around them; from specific word choices, to structural effects in literature, to the larger questions of how one might apply such knowledge in the outside world. Students will study a range of literary devices within a culturally diverse anthology of prose texts from the 19th-21st Century. The writing of Sandra Cisneros, Kate Chopin, Maya Angelou and many other female authors will be explored before delving into Shakespearean poetry and plays to discover the craftsmanship behind some of the literary canon’s most famous works. The course evaluates the features of social media and the transformative impact of technology on traditional text types such as news articles, posters and infographics. A flexible approach to the form of main assessment allows students to take the initiative to recognise their strengths and best demonstrate them. The course’s emphasis on flexible forms of assessment and self-reflection shapes students into confident learners and prepares them to study English at AP level and beyond.

Advanced Placement - English Literature & Composition

AP Literature & Composition is a challenging and fast-paced course which is ideal for students who are passionate about literature. This is a university-level course which prepares students for undergraduate study and leads to a qualification recognised by universities around the world. Students study a range of fiction, poetry and drama to try to develop their understanding of character, setting, structure, voice and language. Students study texts as diverse as The Great Gatsby, Macbeth, Victorian sonnets, First World War poetry and a range of 19th Century American short stories. The text selection is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of English literature with which to hone their critical skills. The course emphasises heavily the critical writing style needed for the Free Response essays and the reading skills of understanding, inference and interpretation needed to succeed in the multiple-choice section of the exam. Successful students will master essay-writing and will be ideally placed for high-level study at university.

Any student intending to study AP English should be prepared to spend significant time outside the classroom studying for the course. All students who sign up for the course will have the opportunity to take an exam in May.

Mathematics

Mathematics

Course Sequence

Grade 8 and 9: Fundamentals of Mathematics; Algebra 1

Grade 10, 11 and 12: Algebra & Geometry; Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry; AP Calculus

Fundamentals of Mathematics

All great Mathematicians first developed knowledge of the fundamentals of their subject. This one-year course helps Surval students to build the foundations and essential skills for future success in Mathematics. The course content prepares students for the American High School syllabus in Algebra and Geometry. Students will develop skills in solving real-world problems and will engage in rich tasks to help ignite excitement in Mathematics. The course includes number work, shape, and the fundamentals of algebraic logic. Students will be able to transfer these skills across subject areas in the school to help enhance their learning experience across a number of areas and especially in Science.

Algebra 1

Logic and problem-solving skills are at the heart of Algebra at Surval Montreux. The Algebra 1 course aims to prepare successful students for either Algebra 2 or Geometry. The course gives students a good grounding in all elements of Algebra and focuses on strengthening foundation skills learned in earlier years, while learning the beauty of Mathematics. Successful students will develop skills in solving real-life problems in which questions involve real numbers, expressions with two variables, systems of equations, inequalities, linear functions and quadratic manipulation. The problem-solving skills developed include the ability to think logically and in an abstract context. Students will be engaged in class discussions, group work, race tasks, and individual practice of new concepts.

Algebra & Geometry

Challenge and excitement are at the heart of this course. Building on topics learned in Algebra 1, students begin to explore high-order Mathematical concepts. Algebra & Geometry focuses on reinforcing and expanding topics learned in Algebra 1 and to prepare students for Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus courses. This challenging course includes linear and quadratic function; exponential and logarithmic functions; and higher order polynomials. Students will develop skills in sketching graphs and deriving equations of functions from graphs and transforming them. Students will engage in a variety of learning tasks such as discussions and independent research.

Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry

Surval Montreux aims to stretch and challenge all students and this course does so in an engaging and thoughtprovoking way. The course is intended to challenge mathematically motivated students to explore topics at a deeper level. Students are exposed to polynomial, logarithmic and exponential, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric and piecewise functions. The concept of the function’s rate of change is introduced and the notion of differentiation to solve real-world problems. Students will develop skills in manipulating algebra and develop skills in solving methods of equations using these functions, building models, interpreting results and verifying conclusions.

Advanced Placements - Calculus

AP Calculus prepares students to study Mathematics at university and will challenge them to develop their skills beyond a normal High School level. This course provides in-depth studies of differential and integral calculus, building on everything students have successfully completed in previous years in Algebra 2 and PreCalculus and Trigonometry classes. Students will learn how to differentiate and integrate using many different techniques and be able to solve problems by carefully choosing how solve difficult problems. As the year progresses, the problems become more complex and students will use a variety of Mathematical techniques to solve them. Successful students will be able to apply their skills to a range of different scenarios and environments and will be well prepared to study Mathematics at university and beyond.

French

French

Course Sequence

Grade 8 and 9: Beginner French I - Introducing Oneself and Getting Ready for Daily Routines; Beginners French II - Developing a Conversation around Daily Life

Grade 10, 11 and 12: Intermediate French - Formulating Opinions on Wider World Issues; Advanced FrenchTaking the Lead in Public Speaking; Refining your Writing, and AP French Language and Culture

Beginner French I - Introducing Oneself and Getting Ready for Daily Routines

I have just landed in a French-speaking country. How do I introduce myself and get acquainted with someone? How do I describe my likes and dislikes to a friend? How do I ask for and give instructions and directions? How do I make an appointment? How do I accept or refuse an invitation? How do I make a reservation and order at a restaurant? This course gives girls an opportunity to gain life skills and obtain the internationally recognised DELF certificate, which is valid for life. Starting with the exploration of topics around their daily life – family, hobbies, school, holidays, new technologies and life in town – while also developing their sociocultural knowledge – how locals greet and express politeness, for instance – they will be able to navigate the most essential situations of her life with confidence.

Beginners French II - Developing a Conversation around Daily Life

Aiming at preparing the students for the DELF A2 examination, this course will consolidate the girls’ functional skills in the most familiar situations of their daily life. This level will equip them with the tools to engage in longer, more detailed conversations with new friends. They will have the opportunity to describe their favourite books and movies, compare life in a town and in the countryside, explain the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and plan their next holidays, among other areas. At this stage, your vocabulary expands and you are starting to develop the ability to give additional information and reformulate your ideas, if necessary. This course also covers a wider range of grammar features and prepares you to describe a past, present and future experience.

Intermediate French - Formulating Opinions on Wider World Issues

Moving on from a descriptive use of the language at A1 and A2 levels, girls preparing for the DELF B1 examination will hone their analytical skills in the written and spoken language. They express their opinions on social media and the global world, discuss issues around the environment, make university choices and imagine their ideal workplace, among other tasks. This is the right time to engage in animated but friendly debates! At this stage, the girls are encouraged to engage with authentic resources more independently. Watching series and movies, reading local newspapers or listening to radio programmes will refine their understanding of their environment.

Advanced French - Taking the Lead in Public Speaking and Refining your Writing

This course offers an opportunity to demonstrate a high level of fluency in the language and a deep understanding of the local culture. More specific, sometimes unfamiliar topics are covered, ranging from current trends to the arts and literature, which will serve as a springboard for lexical enrichment. You will routinely manipulate synonyms, antonyms and polysemy with a view of gaining expertise in the spoken and written language. At this stage, you should be able to deliver a speech, conduct an interview, write a cover letter or engage in formal and informal interaction using the right tone and register. In Grammar, she will develop a habit of expressing abstract ideas using the conditional tense and the subjunctive mood, for instance.

Advanced Placements - Calculus

This course is equivalent to an intermediate level college degree in French. Students cultivate their understanding of French language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public identity, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.The AP French Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. It also develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions), practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture), and perspectives (values, attitudes and assumptions).

Science

Science

Course Sequence

Grade 8 and 9: Big Ideas and Key Concepts; Exploring the Bigger Picture

Big Ideas and Key Concepts

Students in this course begin their Science journey by delving into the endless world of scientific discovery. Students study a combined science course covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All units are linked by the Big Ideas in Science; such as Particles, Cells and Energy which forms a detailed base of knowledge for students to excel in all areas. The science journey begins with an understanding of biological systems which enhances their understanding of human physiology and the link to health and medicine. This curriculum links to the wider world and careers in healthcare, medicine and research. Concepts explaining how chemical reactions occur to describing changes of state and effects of forces help students to understand abstract ideas in Chemistry and Physics for them to explain phenomena that occur in nature. This inspires students to build their knowledge about space and particle physics beyond the classroom.

Exploring the Bigger Picture

This course truly takes Science beyond the confines of the classroom to an exploration of Science in the world around us. Students will study all types of cells, tissue and organs, and understand the study of cells using microscopes. This knowledge builds the explanation of the breathing and digestive systems and how enzymes play their part in health and nutrition. Organic Chemistry within measuring rates of reaction is taught as a new unit and builds understanding of industrial reactions that link to our carbon footprint. A new unit discovering the Chemistry of the Atmosphere helps build understanding of the Earth’s natural and finite resources which enhances students' awareness of the importance of the natural world and how humans have innovated the use of materials. The course gives students opportunities beyond the classroom in Geology and Environmental Science .

Environmental Science: Our Planet

Earth faces untold threats to its future and humanity is creating inventive scientific solutions to its sustainability. Our Environmental Science course follows a multi-disciplinary approach to learning about the threats, management and sustainability of our planet. Environmental Science is a hugely relevant course that provides a detailed picture of our planet and our relationship with it: the living and physical environment, its biological and natural resources, and how these are interconnected. In studying Environmental Science students will explore the key challenges facing our planet, learning how the environment supports us; how we threaten these support systems and how we can embrace technologies and strategies that deliver a more sustainable lifestyle. Studying wildlife conservation, resource management, energy use, pollution and food production, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the problems the planet faces and the solutions. We will look at the many aspects of the world around us, including conservation methods, land-use conflict, global climate change, pollution, energy resources, sustainable biological resources, evolution, biotechnology, ecosystems and population dynamics. Students will gain important knowledge about how society makes decisions about environmental issues and how these contribute to the success of the economy and society: a key 21st century skill set.

Advanced Biology: Life on Earth

As girls explore the Biology curriculum at Surval, they will gain an understanding of life on Earth. In the first term, they will focus on life at its smallest level—the cell—and examine the chemical processes of life alongside how improvements in microscopy and the development of different types of microscopes have led to increased understanding of different types of cells and their organelles. In term 2, the major concepts covered are population genetics, the nervous system, the circulatory system, the kidney and exchange surfaces in organisms such as fish and insects. This allows students to focus on the micro processes occurring in these systems such as the transportation of nutrients and substances around the body and across membranes. This knowledge is built by then learning what can go wrong with physiology, so covering communicable diseases, the immune response and vaccination which acts as a springboard to any career in medical science. Students have the option to take Advanced Placement Biology, a university-level qualification recognised by institutions around the world.

Chemistry: Unravelling the Mysteries of Matter

A Chemistry curriculum will prepare students to fully comprehend the composition and properties of matter, changes and interactions of matter, organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Students will challenge their understanding of concepts, such as greater depth of electron configuration in elements and understand the trends in ionisation energies in the periodic table. They will review and enhance their understanding of how bonding links to physical properties, referring to both intramolecular bonds and intermolecular forces. Students will be able to predict the shapes of molecules and also determine the polarity of molecules, based on their understanding of electronegativity. They also explore group chemistry, specifically the reactions and uses of group 2 and group 6 elements. Students learn about transition metals and their unique bonding and applications, particularly in medical sciences.

Physics: Exploring the Forces of Nature

Students will explore the fascinating world of physics in this course designed to ignite curiosity and critical thinking. Students will delve into fundamental concepts such as motion, forces, energy, and waves through hands-on experiments and real-world applications. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and practical applications of physics principles. Engaging discussions, interactive simulations, and laboratory experiments will deepen understanding and foster a love for the subject. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and waves, preparing them for advanced studies and real-world challenges.

Humanities

Humanities

Course Sequence

Grade 8 and 9: Global Perspectives; Modern World History

Grade 10, 11 and 12: History: Regional Studies; Business: The Shifting Landscape of Business; AP History

Global Perspectives

What forces create change and lead to a more interconnected and globalized world through time? Global Perspectives is an interdisciplinary course that explores the role of the environment, technology, disease, and religion in determining the course of human civilization and our own modern experience. In Global Perspectives, students learn about historical phenomena while also evaluating contemporary events: in the unit about diseases, the fourteenth century's Black Plague and the 1918 Spanish flu are studied in parallel with the Covid-19 pandemic. Students will learn to appreciate how the past is deeply tied to the present. This introductory, interdisciplinary course is designed to scaffold key skills in reading, writing and analysis. Students will learn how to evaluate primary sources, engage in image analysis, write analytical paragraphs, and design presentations. Global Perspectives also introduces students to research skills.

Modern World History

Who creates history? How can we know what really happened in the past? To what extent is world history a story of progress; for whom? Modern World History is a year-long survey that explores the modern experience from the French Revolution to the 21st century. Students will evaluate the role of nationalism, revolution, democracy, industrialization, imperialism, and conflict in shaping our world. We will use primary sources as windows into the past, to better appreciate the diversity of voices that determined history. Students will learn that revolutionary France featured not only Maximilien Robespierre's 'Justification of the Use of Terror' but also witnessed Olympe de Gouges' 'Declaration of the Rights of Woman'.

Modern World History establishes a strong framework for subsequent depth courses in Regional Studies and AP History. Students will acquire foundational skills necessary for more advanced study: analyzing primary and secondary texts, writing source-based essays, and conducting research projects.

History: Regional Studies

The twentieth century was a time of intense change and conflict across the globe. In Regional Studies, students can discover events as world-altering as India's independence, China's communist revolution and Vietnam's wars. Students can expect to engage deeply with complex primary sources as they weigh historical figures and events. A study of the French-Indochina War, for instance, will involve not only the writings of Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giap, but also look at how the war was portrayed in contemporary articles in Paris, earning the name la sale guerre in the press. Regional Studies seeks to understand the complicated legacies of colonialism, imperialism, and nationalism in determining the course of the twentieth century.

Business: The Shifting Landscape of Business

21st century Business is dynamic and fast paced. Students preparing for a career in Business require a similarly dynamic course to prepare them for a life of entrepreneurship and industry. The Business course focuses on our changing world and investigates a cross-section of business disciplines to develop students' confidence and subject competence. The course aims to make sense of the business world in real-time, coupled with a sound theoretical basis: our work involves analyzing individual companies as well as sectors of the economy. Students will study what a business is, how it operates, and how it is managed. Introductory discussions of the economic setting of business, the structure of business, business financing, management, ethical and social responsibilities of business, marketing, and physical distribution of goods and services are all explored. In sum, this course acts as a foundation for more specialized courses in Business at university and prepares students so they can ultimately thrive in their economic roles of consumer, employee, and informed citizen.

Advanced Placements - History

“In history a great volume is unrolled for our instruction, drawing the materials of future wisdom from the past errors and infirmities of mankind.” (Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France, 1790). AP European History is a course that seeks to understand the major figures, events, and changes that determined Europe's historic course and continue to affect its present. What can we learn from Europe's turbulent past? How does the past shape the continent's future in a globalized world? Throughout the year, AP students will learn to analyze primary and secondary texts, visual sources and other historical evidence in their focused study of Europe. Students will also craft historical arguments and write primary source-based essays.

The AP curriculum is taught at the university level, demanding a strong dedication to rigorous coursework. Any student that takes AP History should be willing to devote a significant amount of time outside of class preparing for AP History.

Electives

Electives

Information on Electives at Surval

Language Enrichment

In a globalized world, knowledge of world languages is more important than ever. All girls at Surval Montreux take English and French, to develop their language ability to thrive in the 21st Century. However, Language Enrichment electives allow girls to broaden their linguistic understanding. They can study Beginner Italian, Beginner Spanish and French Conversation. Also on offer are additional English support lessons for those seeking to improve their academic English, as well as online lessons in home languages if a girl chooses it. These Language Enrichment electives help girls to develop their confidence to operate in a more globalized and multilingual society.

Visual Arts: Personal Expression and Individuality

Every student is unique. Their backgrounds, their interest in the world around them, what they think and how they process their thoughts are all unique to them. Valuing each student as an individual and creator is at the core of Visual Arts at Surval. Students make a lot at Surval. The more students experiment and express themselves, the more personal and creative their work becomes. This is what Visual Arts is about; it is not about the ability to copy reality or mastering each and every technique or skill. Students are challenged and stimulated, in traditional 2D and 3D media, painting and sculpture, but they are also introduced to mixing media, recycling materials, and making use of their digital skills. They work across broad themes: portraying objects in a composition or the human figure in 2D and 3D. They explore spaces, find inspiration in a material, outdoors, in photography, poetry, or their memories. Students are shown contemporary artists’ work and practices to broaden their views. Students share and discuss their own work in the supportive environment of the classroom and as students begin to trust themselves more, in the broader community.

Culinary Arts: Crafting Creativity

For decades, Culinary Arts has been at the centre of life at Surval Montreux. Crafting delicate pastries, creating complex desserts, and learning how to make traditional regional dishes, girls will develop a range of sophisticated skills in Culinary Arts. As well as developing their technical skills of cutting, baking, presentation and tasting, students will learn to work as part of a team in the kitchen under the instruction of our professional pastry chef. Personal creativity is valued in this course and girls will develop the ability to bring their own personal flair to cooking and preparation in the kitchen.

History of Art: Michelangelo to Modern

What is art? How do we study it? How and what does artwork communicate? In the History of Art each term, we will approach art both as a reflection of its time and as a projection of the human experience. Students will become familiar with artistic periods and trace how they developed in distinct social and historical contexts across the world, moving from the 1500s to the present over the course of the year. Students can expect to learn about Aztec featherwork alongside the frescoes of Leonardo da Vinci; the self-portraits of Frida Kahlo alongside those of Rembrandt. As part of the class, students will also visit local museums and galleries to experience artwork firsthand. The goal of Michelangelo to Modern is develop a lifelong appreciation for art!

A Beginner's Guide to Psychology

In this innovative and exciting introductory course, covering a wide variety of psychological disciplines, students will master topics such as child development, social functioning, abnormal behaviour, as well as gaining insight into the most influential psychologists throughout time. Upon completion, it is expected students will be able to understand the research principles that make psychology a scientific discipline, be able to critically evaluate research findings, understand the biological and psychological factors involved in cognitive and emotional development from birth to old age, know the causes and effects of psychological disorders, and appreciate various psychotherapies. As well as preparing students for further study in the field of Psychology, this course will complement existing studies in social sciences. Students can typically move on to the A Level, IB or AP qualification.

Media Studies: The Changing Face of 21st Century Media

The media landscape has changed forever. This century, social media companies have altered the way that we read, watch and interpret the world around us. This course aims to explore the impact of technological developments on modern media, from newspapers and magazines, to advertising and cinema. As well as developing their cultural appreciation, the course will help girls to make connections between their academic subjects, as well as enhancing their analysis, interpretation and evaluation. Graduates in the 2020s need to be flexible and reactive to the society around them and Media Studies will help Surval girls to develop these skills.

An Introduction to Accounting

Students will unlock the world of finance in our Introduction to Accounting course. Modern businesses rely on innovative accounting to make financial decisions and to survive in an increasingly competitive business world. From decoding balance sheets to mastering the art of budgeting, this course transforms accounting principles into immersive real-world experiences. Students will develop crucial life skills, gaining insights into personal finance and business management. In a rapidly evolving global economy, understanding accounting isn't just valuable – it's essential. We hope that Surval girls become future leaders and this course will equip them with the financial acumen for personal and professional success. In this course, numbers come to life, financial literacy becomes a reality and girls prepare themselves for potential careers in finance and accounting.

Surval Core

Surval Core is the backbone of Surval education. For two hours per week, students develop the skills necessary to make them a confident, self-aware and responsible member of society. The subject operates as a carousel, with each student taking lessons in Etiquette and Communications, Life Skills, and University and Careers Studies. From how to conduct oneself in a meeting, to choosing university courses, to first aid, the course underpins the academic life of the school. Every term culminates in a Surval Core Exhibition, in which students showcase their work for an audience to demonstrate their learning and progress. It is an ideal way to share Surval Core with the whole community while giving a spotlight to the learning of the students.

Sports

The philosophy of Surval is to ensure that every student can access a physically active lifestyle which supports their overall health and lifelong participation. During curriculum sports lessons, girls are taught the importance of healthy lifestyles and physical activity for lifelong participation, utilising both our internal facilities (tennis court, dance studio, fitness gym and surrounding woodlands), and external opportunities, to provide a balanced curriculum of sport. Girls benefit from a timetabled Sport afternoon each week, as well as Societies which offer a variety of additional sports, covering individual, team, holistic, intense and recreational opportunities. Wider competition is also available with local schools. For students wanting to develop their sport at a high level, Surval offers a range of super-curricular options. These include: Horse Riding (beginner to advanced), Swimming (club level), Martial Arts, Running (track, road & trail), Tennis (beginner to advanced), Ski & Snowboard Racing. One of the highlights of the Surval sporting calendar is ski season during Winter Term. Girls use local resorts to receive expert tuition in skiing or snowboarding every Thursday, as well as having the option for single day and two-day weekend skiing excursions.

At Surval, we pride ourselves on offering something for every girl, at a level ideal for her.

*super-curricular sport is at additional cost as determined by the local providers

Guided Study & Coaching

At Surval, we believe in fostering independence and resourcefulness in girls. Doing so, helps them to become future leaders. To do so, each girl has Guided Study during the school week to work independently on tasks devised by their teachers. Support in all matters academic and pastoral is given by a personal coach, who is a teacher that girls work with to develop their approaches and attitudes to learning and wellbeing. We believe that Guided Study & Coaching provide Surval girls with guidance and support, while encouraging independence and resourcefulness.

University Counselling

University Counselling

At Surval, we prepare every student for life beyond school and have an outstanding university guidance counselling service for High School students. Experienced teachers guide students through university application processes for countries all over the world, ensuring that they are knowledgeable, informed and prepared to present themselves as the strongest applicants possible to top universities.

During the past three years, our carefully devised university programme has helped students to earn places at universities in the UK, France, the USA, Mexico, Switzerland and Spain. Whether girls want to pursue vocational courses in the Arts, competitive academic courses at Ivy League Colleges, or International Foundation Courses at the best universities in the UK, our programme is designed to support their ambitions.

We believe that the support we offer each student in their journey to university is unique and gives girls the best opportunity possible to attend a university which will enhance their future career prosepects. Below are details of the support that Surval students receive at each stage of their education at the school. Surval Guidance Counsellors are happy to speak with prospective parents and students about the type of support the school could offer in their applications to university.

Grade 8

Surval Core lessons will help girls to focus on areas of academic passion and interest to ensure that they develop ambitious goals for their High School years

Grade 9

Surval Core lessons continue to refine girls' academic interests and individual pathways. They will also learn about a range of careers to establish a foundation of knowledge about life beyond school.

Coaches will discuss potential academic and career pathways with students, identifying challenging Honours and AP courses for those girls who wish to stretch themselves academically in Grades 10-12.

Grade 10

Grade 10 girls attend university fairs with their guidance counsellors to learn about courses and universities from Admissions Tutors from countries around the world.

The School's university partner, Millie, an organisation which specialises in supporting students in their applications to universities, begins to work with students in this Grade level. Students attend Masterclasses on applying to university, as well as having access to weekly webinars from professors, students and professionals in a range of competitive graduate industries.

Grade 11

Students will begin to work with their Surval Guidance Counsellor to establish a roadmap to university.

Each student intending to return in Grade 12 will also have a 1-1 Millie Counsellor, who will create a personalised plan to prepare the student for applications in their chosen subject and countries. The counsellors run five weekly meetings with the student and meet with parents at the end of the process to present their individualised plan.

Students will be supported by Surval Guidance Counsellors to take SATS, language proficiency tests and entrance exams as necessary in the final term of this year.

Grade 12

Each Grade 12 student will work with their Guidance Counsellors to complete applications to universities. Counsellors will support them with application forms, letters of intent, essays and interview preparation.

Mille Counsellors will continue to provide online support to Surval students to enhance their chances of attending their chosen universities.

Sample Curriculums

GRADE 8 : SAMPLE CURRICULUM

English:ThePowerofWordsinaChangingWorld

FundamentalsofMathematics

BeginnerFrench:DevelopingConversation

Science:BigIdeas&KeyConcepts

GlobalPerspectives

BeginnerItalian

CulinaryArts:CraftingCreativity

Sports:Tennis

SurvalCore

GuidedStudy&Coaching

GRADE 9 : SAMPLE CURRICULUM

English:MedievaltoModernity

BeginnerFrench:DevelopingConversation

Science:ExploringtheBiggerPicture

ModernWorldHistory

BeginnerItalian

VisualArts:PersonalExpression&Individuality

Sport:Skiing(WinterTerm)

SurvalCore

GuidedStudy&Coaching

GRADE 10 : SAMPLE CURRICULUM

English:Stories&Voices

Mathematics:Algebra&Geometry

IntermediateFrench:FormulatingOpinionsonWiderWorldIssues

Chemistry:UnravellingtheMysteriesofMatter

History:RegionalStudies

MediaStudies:TheChangingFaceof21stCenturyMedia

Sports:Cycling

SurvalCore

GuidedStudy&Coaching

GRADE

11 : SAMPLE

HonoursEnglish:BreakingBoundaries

IntermediateFrench:FormulatingOpinionsonWiderWorldIssues

AdvancedBiology:LifeonEarth

APEuropeanHistory

ABeginner’sGuidetoPsychology

AnIntroductiontoAccounting

Sports:HorseRiding

SurvalCore

GuidedStudy&Coaching

GRADE 12 : SAMPLE CURRICULUM

Business:TheShiftingLandscapeofBusiness

HistoryofArt:MichaelangelotoModern

SurvalCore

Tofindoutmoreinformation,arrangeachatorbookaplace, pleasevisit www.surval.choremailadmissions@surval.ch