Institut Florimont’s Middle School programme (known as Cycle d’orientation, Cycle or Secondaire 1) provides students with a structured and supportive environment to prepare them for the school-leaver’s diploma (Secondaire 2).

Educational approach

Founded on Fransalian tradition, our educational approach is based on excellence and kindness. We are intent on supporting every student to reach their full potential, taking account of their strengths and their weaknesses.

To help students through this period of transition, we give them the tools and skills they need to become confident learners and understand the world around them.

Structure, education and learning

We accept students into our Cycle programme from age 11 (leaving CM2 or 7P Harmos) or 12 (8P Harmos).

The common Cycle programme prepares students over three years for the Swiss Diploma (Plan d’Etude Romand), French Baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Combining tradition with 21st century skills, our Cycle curriculum not only gives an academic education but supports personal growth and socialisation. By the end of the 3-year course, our students are well equipped to choose the best diploma programme and follow their chosen path with confidence.

Bilingual track and the importance of languages

With over 70 nationalities in our school, one of the foundations of our education is languages. Bilingualism is key to Florimont’s curriculum with a bilingual programme available to students at every age.

We offer two language pathways in Cycle: bilingual and French (French + optional intensive English, depending on preference and student’s level of English).

From 6ème, students are grouped by level for English and German. In 4ème, they also have the option to learn Spanish as a second language.

To confirm their language achievements, which surpass the required level in Cycle, we encourage students to take exams including Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET) for Schools A1 to B2, Trinity College English certificates or FIT in Deutsch for German.

Supporting our students

Joining Cycle is a big step, especially the move into 6ème from primary. This can mean many changes for students and we offer them all the support they need to settle in.

STUDY SUPPORT

Study support is offered to students from 6ème with homework and revision, helping them develop an effective system of study that works for them.

The support staff work with 3-4 students, checking that they have completed their homework and making sure that they have understood the content of the day’s lessons.

CLASS TUTORS AND PASTORAL CARE

The school day in Cycle begins with a class tutor session. This is an important time of day that gives students the chance to discuss what is happening at school, ask questions or raise any problems they might have with a subject.

At Florimont, we have a dedicated team to support both students and parents with non-academic issues. Our Vie Scolaire teams play a vital role in the running of the school, handling everything from absences and late arrivals to lockers and supervision.

BULLYING PREVENTION

As part of our policy on school bullying, we have adopted the Pikas method. It takes the approach of encouraging the bullies to find solutions to the problem they have created, through individual interviews which remove the group influence.

These interviews are between a member of the team, the bully or bullies and witnesses, and aim to arouse empathy for the victim and resolve the situation.

Specific features

ART/SPORT PROGRAMME

Florimont’s Art/Sport programme is available to students who practice an arts or sport discipline to a high level, and to any other student simply seeking to work on a project in these areas.

It allows students to maintain the highest levels of academic study alongside the pursuit of their artistic or sporting endeavours.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD (DOFE’S AWARD)

Institut Florimont is accredited to train students for this challenging and rewarding programme.

The DofE awards were set up by the late Duke of Edinburgh over 60 years ago to encourage young people to try new experiences and become “world ready”. 

Open to students aged 14 and over, it requires motivation, commitment and good organisational skills to ensure completion of their Diploma studies.