Study Plan
At ELA Basel, students follow a structured and internationally recognised learning journey that combines the excellence of the Cambridge International Curriculum with the foundations of the Swiss Lehrplan 21 curriculum. From the early years through to IGCSE and beyond, our programmes are designed to build knowledge, confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning at every stage of a child’s education.
Our unique Swiss–British approach combines academic rigour with a nurturing and supportive environment, encouraging students to develop curiosity, resilience and the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly globalised world. English immersion begins from day one, while students also develop multilingual confidence through the study of languages such as German and French.
At the heart of learning at ELA Basel is personalised attention and individual support. We recognise that every child learns differently, and our experienced teachers work closely with students to ensure they are both challenged and encouraged to achieve their personal best. This tailored approach allows students to progress with confidence while developing the academic and personal skills needed for future success.
As students move into the senior years, we continue to guide and support them through important academic decisions and future pathways, helping them set realistic goals and prepare for university and life beyond school. Throughout their journey, students at ELA Basel are empowered to become confident, compassionate and internationally minded young people, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Early Years
3 months to 5 years
Primary
6 to 11 years
Secondary School
12 to 16 years
Early Years / 3 months – 5 years
Welcome Message From Our Co-Heads of Early Years
As Co-Heads of Early Years, we are proud to lead a dedicated team of professionals who create a genuine ‘home from home’ environment for our children.
We refer to our programme as Early Years, reflecting our commitment to providing care and education during these foundational years. Depending on where in the world you are from, you may know it as a daycare, Kita, nursery, or another term.
Our bilingual Kita programme provides more than just childcare – we nurture each child’s natural curiosity and potential in both English and German.
From our youngest babies to preschoolers preparing for primary school, every child in our care receives the individual attention and support they need to thrive.
We invite you to visit our Early Years centre and experience first-hand the warm, nurturing environment that makes ELABasel special.
Katherine Robinson & Noemi White
Co-Heads of Early Years
A home away from home
How do children learn?
ELABasel implements the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, external site) Curriculum from the UK. This curriculum sets the standards that ensure children learn and develop at an appropriate pace.
It promotes teaching and learning that prepares children for school giving them a broad range of knowledge, skills and learning experiences that provides a solid foundation for future progress through school and life.
How do children settle?
ELABasel Early Years is proud to be described as a ‘home away from home’ by our families who entrust us with their children each day. Our mission is to provide children aged 3 months to 4 years with all the personal support and care they need as they grow and learn each day.
What our parents say
“For me, ELA was the best decision – one I would make over & over again.” – Carolina (ELABasel Early Years Parent)
“We really appreciate the warmth, professionalism and engagement from the teachers.” – Juan (ELABasel Early Years Parent)
“Having a bilingual environment is useful and I would recommend ELA 100%.” – Marta (ELABasel Early Years Parent)
“After his trial day my son was raving about ELA and could not wait to go back.” – Sharon (ELABasel Early years and Primary Parent)
Primary School (6-11 Years)
Shape your child’s future
ELABasel Primary School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, which we have adapted to incorporate our international character and Swiss affiliation, covering a wide range of subjects including Mathematics, English, and Science.
How do you teach languages?
For German and French teaching, children follow the Swiss ‘Lehrplan 21’ curriculum and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The French native Advanced programme also follows the French national curriculum.
What is the ELABasel experience?
Our children represent a wide variety of nationalities, which gives us a truly international perspective; our curriculum is enhanced by their richness of expertise and experience. Children are encouraged to be confident, independent learners who both benefit from and contribute to their class, school and wider community.
How are children supported?
Our class teachers plan and prepare the curriculum and are supported by teaching assistants. We offer a high adult-to-student ratio which enables us to offer personalised teaching, encouragement and support in an optimum environment.
Book a visit and let us show you how it works in practice.
What our Parents say:
“Liam’s integration was very smooth, and he has enjoyed ELA very much for the last 4 years. The quality of the teaching has been fantastic so far. Our son has had an impressive learning curve and the opportunity to improve his knowledge and skills in a broad range of subjects. Happy kids, happy parents!” Angelique & Brice (Primary Parents)
“Our kids have truly thrived at ELABasel. The curriculum, which challenges and engages them, combined with the school’s emphasis on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a genuine love of learning, has led to significant growth in their academic performance.” Paolo & Martina (Primary Parents)
Secondary School (12-16)
Flexible, empowering and no streaming.
At ELABasel Secondary School, families have the freedom to choose the pathway that best supports their child’s future.
How does this support my family?
Whether selecting the globally recognised Cambridge International Stream or the Swiss International Bilingual Stream, pupils benefit from exceptional flexibility, ensuring they can progress confidently into local Swiss schools, international schools, or universities around the world. This choice empowers families to plan long term, knowing their child is prepared for multiple future directions.
What’s the Cambridge Pathway?
Pupils in our International Stream follow the Cambridge pathway, preparing them for smooth entry into schools and universities around the world.
Explain the Lehrplan 21 Pathway
Pupils in the Bilingual Stream may transition directly into the Swiss system. This dual Swiss and international accreditation enables pupils to keep multiple pathways open, offering families reassurance and long-term flexibility.
Languages
German & French Programmes
We offer a Bilingual German-English Programme with a strong emphasis on French, catering to both native-speaking families and non-native learners. In addition, we provide comprehensive French and German programmes tailored to students’ varying levels of proficiency, from Beginners to Advanced students. Recognising the importance of immersive learning, German is integrated across the curriculum rather than confined to language lessons alone. Students benefit from a dynamic approach that includes enrichment activities in different languages, as well as subjects such as PE and swimming being taught in German. This immersive experience ensures that students do not simply learn a new language but actively live it, strengthening both their communication skills and cultural understanding of the country they live in.
Language Enrichment
To complement our Languages Programmes, we offer after-school enrichment activities that further support each child’s language development. A sample of these programmes is shown in the adjacent table. These sessions emphasise enjoyment, creativity and social interaction, giving pupils the opportunity to practise their language skills in relaxed and engaging settings. Through participation, children build confidence, form friendships and strengthen their communication skills in meaningful contexts. Each year, we also offer heritage classes based on the cultural backgrounds of our ELABasel community.
Language Outings and Events
As part of our Languages Programmes, pupils take part in German and French outings and events throughout the year, integrating with the local environment and applying language skills in real contexts. These include the Language Flea Market / Sprachen-Flohmarkt (Year 6), the Winter Theater / Wintertheater (Reception–Year 7), German Storytime for Preschool pupils (Years 3–7), the Kinder- und Jugendbücherschiff, kayaking at Parc des Eaux Vives in Huningue (Years 6–7), and the Year 5 day trip to Berne. These activities enrich learning and help pupils build confidence, fluency, and cultural awareness.
Music
Our Music curriculum at ELA Basel ensures every child learns to play an instrument, including the ukulele, keyboard, and guitar, nurturing their musical talents and appreciation. Beyond individual skills, students can join choirs broadening their collaborative and performance abilities. Our students have the opportunity to perform during weekly assemblies, at end-of-term events, and in our annual musical show at the Scala Theatre Basel.
Our students can also register for private and small group music lessons for a variety of instruments. All lessons take place on our campus, giving students the opportunity to further their skills in specialist instruments. Students may also opt to take the ABRSM exams from the Royals Schools of Music.
Theatre School
We offer weekly Saturday morning performing arts classes for children aged 4–7, 8–11, and 12–15. These classes cover singing, dancing, and acting across a range of performance styles. Alongside developing artistic skills, we focus on:
- Promoting inclusivity and a love for the performing arts
- Building confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment
- Encouraging empathy, sensitivity, and teamwork
Sports
At ELA Basel, sport and physical activity play a central role in supporting students’ education, wellbeing and personal development. Our Physical Education curriculum encourages teamwork, perseverance and personal achievement, helping children build confidence and develop a lifelong appreciation for healthy, active living.
Alongside traditional sports, students take part in activities such as orienteering, combining physical fitness with problem-solving and outdoor exploration. Our PE programme is further enriched through extracurricular clubs, interschool competitions and sporting events that promote participation, resilience and sportsmanship in a supportive environment.
Students also benefit from the unique opportunity of having PE lessons taught in German, helping to strengthen language immersion in a practical and engaging setting.
In addition, all students from Year 2 to Year 5 participate in a semester of weekly swimming lessons, developing water confidence, safety awareness and essential swimming skills as part of their broader physical development.
STEM
The Importance of STEM
STEM develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that benefit children both in and out of the classroom. Science is all around us, from medicine to technology and art, and understanding it prepares students for future challenges and exciting career opportunities.
How we teach it
At ELABasel, we emphasise working scientifically, encouraging children to approach learning with curiosity and purpose. Students ask questions, design investigations, collect and analyse data, and reflect on their findings. Our hands-on approach lets children explore, experiment, and discover, fostering independence, creativity, and a love of learning. By taking ownership of their journey, students develop problem-solving skills, take risks, and build resilience, gaining confidence to understand the world.
How we promote it
STEM is celebrated throughout the year at ELABasel, with highlights such as our Science Fair and STEM Week, where the whole school engages in design, building, problem-solving, and hands-on investigations. Students explore technology, take part in STEM Club, and make full use of the science room resources. Older children also benefit from special experiences, including a guest professor guiding them through organ dissections to bring classroom learning to life.
STEM across year groups
In Reception, Science begins with observing the world around them, sparking curiosity and a love of discovery. As children progress through the school, their science learning becomes increasingly detailed and investigation-led. Older students develop skills in planning experiments, collecting and interpreting data, and representing their findings, preparing them for more complex scientific thinking in Year 7 and beyond.
3 Reasons to Choose ELABasel
A Truly International School From Early Years to Graduation
ELABasel is evolving into a school that supports your child’s entire educational journey—from their first steps at 3 months old through to graduation. As a Cambridge International School, we deliver a globally recognised curriculum and join a network of more than 10,000 Cambridge schools worldwide. This gives families confidence, continuity and complete flexibility, whether they remain in Switzerland or relocate abroad. Pupils in our International Stream follow the Cambridge pathway, preparing them for smooth entry into schools and universities around the world.
A Swiss–International Bilingual School With Dual Accreditation
Alongside our international offer, ELABasel provides an authentic bilingual education, uniquely combining global standards with strong local connections. Through our agreements with Basel-Stadt, pupils in the Bilingual Stream may transition directly into the Swiss system—specifically into Year 11 after completing Year 10 with us. This dual Swiss and international accreditation enables pupils to keep multiple pathways open, offering families reassurance and long-term flexibility.
A Welcoming Environment for International Families
ELABasel prides itself on being a warm and inclusive community, ideal for families newly arriving in Switzerland. Our bilingual ethos, supportive onboarding processes and culturally diverse environment ensure a smooth integration for pupils and parents alike. With both global and local pathways available, we open doors for international families seeking a school where their children can thrive academically, socially and linguistically.