Student Services

Career Counselling and additional Tutoring

We cater for each student’s individual needs by providing additional services in language development, remedial teaching and university/carrier services.

Counselling and other services

University Counselling

ISSH encourages the students to take responsibility and be actively involved in shaping their future. At ISSH we assist the students to explore their academic interests and to make well-informed subject choices before entering the Diploma Programme. From Grade 9 onwards, information sessions and workshops are organised for students and their parents.

Career Services

The world of work is ever changing; the ISSH Career Services aim to prepare students for these challenges and opportunities. We help secondary students expand, not narrow, their career options with career workshops, hands-on opportunities, and career skill development.

A ten-session workshop helps students understand themselves, explore their talents and skills and acquire solid job searching skills. Further career exploration is provided through participation in the “Swiss National Future Day”, where students spend a day shadowing a career of interest.  Regular career forums are offered where students hear from a panel of experts in various fields.  Students are also encouraged to explore future career interests by enrolling in university summer programs and applying for internships or part time jobs.

During the final two years in the Diploma Programme, we support our students in the fact-finding and procedures for university applications world-wide.

English as Another Language (EAL)

ISSH operates an inclusion program, which means that generally students are placed in the same grade as other students of their age. Students with a limited amount of English will enter the EAL programme for a period of six to eighteen months (depending on their progress).

They participate 4 times a week in special EAL lessons with an EAL specialist. These are organised on a one-to-one basis or sometimes in small groups. The lessons are scheduled with minimal disruption to the normal programmes. The EAL teachers, the class teacher and the subject specialists cooperate closely to ensure maximum support for the student. The EAL programme is at extra cost.

German as an additional language (GAL)

Students who arrive with little or no German are offered GAL. GAL is taught in small groups or one-to-one. Classes occur simultaneously with mainstream German classes. Progress is monitored and students join the mainstream classes when they are ready to be transferred.

Mother Tongue Languages

Many students have proficiency in languages other than those offered. We believe that continued development of mother tongue (and other languages that students are proficient in) is important and beneficial to learners. We therefore make every effort to support students by investigating resources, possible teachers and opportunities to help the student continue to develop in these languages.

Homeroom

Homeroom allows teachers to engage in a pastoral role and develop strong relationships with students. The main focus of homeroom is to review approaches to learning such as organization, collaboration and time-management skills. However, topics are interspersed with sessions on issues pertinent to young people and to planning school events as they arise.

Structured Study

Students benefit enormously by engaging in quiet independent study. Structured study periods allow time to reflect on and engage in their assignments or to extend themselves by doing background reading. During study periods teachers are present to answer questions and give advice on an individual basis.

Special Education Needs (SEN)

ISSH Special Education Need (SEN) Services provide case management and referrals for students with special educational or other needs. ISSH works closely with community agencies and professionals of all fields to provide the necessary support for students and where required for the parents and teachers. When needed Individualized Educational Plans (IEP), and behavior plans are implemented with the aim to optimize the student’s learning and school experience.

To support students who need regular one-on-one support, we offer learning support services inside and outside the classroom at extra cost.

For expert services, please see our referral list or contact Ms. Waterhouse at r.waterhouse@issh.ch for further information.