Active pedagogy at the bilingual school La Découverte

La Découverte school: a bilingual curriculum and active teaching methods for children aged 3 to 12 in Geneva and Mies.

École de La Découverte is first and foremost a family affair! It was founded 30 years ago by a mother who wanted to offer her children a different kind of education, one that was more personalized and adapted than that offered by other schools. The La Découverte school values a bilingual curriculum and an active pedagogy so that children - tomorrow's adults - become autonomous, confident and critical of the world around them. MotherStories tells you more about this unique school, which deserves to be in the spotlight. A wonderful discovery!

In 2018, Nicolas Firmenich took up the torch and became the school's new Director continuing his mother's mission with passion and conviction. Today, La Découverte school has 340 students divided between two establishments: the first in Geneva located in the international organizations district and the second in Mies. A third school is due to open soon - we'll keep you posted!

The two distinctive features of the La Découverte school are its methods, which involve children in situations that encourage experimentation, cooperation and creativity, and its part-time bilingual French/English immersion teaching.

The 3 cycles of La Découverte

Cycle I
Grades 1 to 2 (3-5 years)
3years during which the school's pedagogy is already taught.
Cycle II
Grades 3 to 5 (6-8 years)
3 years during which an introduction to IT tools is introduced and, from 5th grade onwards, German is taught.
Cycle III
Grades 6 to 8 (ages 9-11)
3years of intensified classroom and homework to prepare students for the transition to secondary school.

Each class groups together two school levels at the same time: 1P/2P, 3P/4P, 5P/6P, 7P/8P. In this way, the younger children learn from and are inspired by the older ones, while the older ones become role models, thereby empowering them. A win-win situation with measurable positive results for the children.

Activities & Daycare at La Découverte

Pupils in all 3 cycles attend classes from 8:45 am to 3:30 pm. This is followed by snack time and a choice of activities such as taekwondo, gymnastics, cinema, chess, art, Chinese... Parents are offered a day-care service until 6pm.

The advantages of La Découverte

Clearly defined objectives, linked to those of the Plan d'Etude Romand, and organized into 3 Periods
Ongoing formative assessment that takes into account the student's learning pace
A keen interest in reading, philosophy and social-emotional education
An educational project presented to parents by the teacher and child at twice-yearly meetings
Setting up a computerized portfolio
An annual school theme to guide specific school activities
A progressive approach to new computer technologies
Regular cultural outings (theater, concerts, shows or school events)
Pleasant classrooms and a safe playground
A 3-day camp at the end of the year for each class

Not to be missed!
A group visit to discover the school and ask your questions is organized on Tuesday May 9 in Geneva and Thursday May 11 in Mies from 8.45am to 10.15am. To register, simply send an e-mail to: admin@decouverte.ch.