Below you will find a selection of the most recent entries from bloggers in our Education section.
To view the entries from individual bloggers, click on the links below:
- Local Teacher Bloggers
Instead of asking teachers or staff from one particular school in the area, we've decided to host all of them under one heading. We expect great things to happen on this page, so make sure to check often to read their stories, insights, explanations, and thoughts on education for children, adults, special needs, or extra-curricular.
- Philippa Dobree-Carey is an adept project manager for an international organization in Geneva. Author of the award-winning student guide "From High School to Uni", Philippa successfully steers students step-by-step through the process of packing, preparing for and thriving in the university environment. This firsthand perspective has driven her to create a library of well-defined, pragmatic resources aimed at facilitating the transition to university life. Discover a treasure trove of invaluable resources by visiting her website www.fromhighschooltouni.com.
- Sabine Hutcheson
Sabine Hutcheson is an education professional with over twenty-five years’ experience in teaching and leadership in schools in Switzerland, the UK and neighbouring France. Sabine has worked as a Teacher, Education Consultant, University and Careers Advisor and, in the past eight years, has held senior leadership positions in schools in Geneva. She is currently the Head of Secondary Admissions at Geneva English School.
- Trudi Hayes
She is the Director of Swiss Language Group in Geneva, which comprises of three schools. Wall Street English, Swiss French School and Ecole Suisse d’Allemand. Trudi has a background in client relationship and service management and is a qualified English teacher. She and her team of language consultants help students find the best language courses for them, according to their individual objectives and requirements.
- Sandra Steiger
TutorsPlus Academic support manager, Sandra and has over 10 years’ experience teaching English at various schools in Switzerland. During her 6 years at the International School of Geneva, she was also the Service Learning programme Coordinator, Homeroom Mentor and Head of Year 8. Now she helps parents and students get the academic support they need.
- Sarah Frei
Head of Marketing and Communication at Brillantmont International School, Sarah is excited by the opportunities created by technology not only to communicate with the multicultural, far-flung school community but also to share knowledge and experiences about educational practice.
By Sabine Hutcheson, Director of Marketing & Head of Secondary Admissions at Geneva English School
Why does Drama play an important role in children’s education?
Amongst the creative arts that are taught in most schools, namely Music, Art & Design, and Drama, the latter often doesn’t feature formally on the curriculum or, more often, is undervalued and amalgamated with language learning. Drama is, however, a key discipline through which children develop personally and emotionally and hone the skills that will serve them throughout their lives as successful members of their community.
How does Drama fit in a school's curriculum?
Drama is often overlooked in schools, as reflected, for example, in its complete absence from the Swiss curriculum. Exceptions are found, however, in schools such as Ecole Rudolph Steiner, which includes theatre and circus acts in its programme. Placing Drama at the heart of learning is a pedagogical choice to link personal development with academic progress. Schools offering the English National Curriculum, as Geneva English School, make a deliberate effort to afford the same consideration to Drama as to the other creative arts. From the Early Years Programme all the way to Secondary school, children are taught by a specialist teacher, in a bespoke drama studio. From storytelling to interpreting characters, to using body language to convey emotions, to verbally articulating complex ideas, skills explored in Drama are essential for the personal growth of young people.
Drama as a tool for personal development
Drama is an invaluable tool for developing confidence, communication skills, and effective social and professional interaction. It acts as practice for life itself - teaching how to conduct oneself successfully, understand emotions, and interact more constructively with others. It links perfectly to the study of language, syntax, tone and vocabulary.
In the Geneva region, in addition to choosing a school that delivers Drama as part of its curriculum, international families have the opportunity to enrol their children in English-speaking theatre groups that offer structured and wide-ranging programmes, such as Simply Theatre. Beyond traditional theatrical performance, children and teenagers have access to LAMDA examinations in acting and musical theatre. The former, training for which can also be held within schools such as GES, covers Speaking Verse and Prose, Reading for Performance, and Speaking in Public. In doing so, young people learn to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively, and also build their confidence and self-esteem.
By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni
By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni
- Carbs: rice, pasta, quinoa, couscous
- Proteins: eggs, tinned beans, lentils and tuna
- Mixed veg: frozen spinach, broccoli and peas, tinned tomatoes
- Condiments: salt, pepper, soy sauce, mixed herbs, stock cubes
- Extras: cooking oil, flour, peanut butter
By Sabine Hutcheson, Director of Marketing & Head of Secondary Admissions at Geneva English School
What is Outdoor Education?
The term Outdoor Education encompasses a broad range of activities, topics and skills. From learning about nature, to planning and taking part in an expedition in the mountains, it is an opportunity to get young people away from their phones and laptops and out into the great outdoors.
How does it fit into a school's curriculum?
For decades in the UK, teachers have been trained to deliver the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Secondary schools. The programme consists of a series of challenges that lead to three levels of certification for young people between the ages of 14 and 18: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Challenges range from setting up camp to planning and leading expeditions, increasing in duration and difficulty.
Local schools such as Geneva English School offer a broader range of opportunities leading to the Duke of Edinburgh Award to ensure students of all ages, starting with Early Years and Primary, experience life outdoors and develop essential life skills, including problem-solving, working as a team, resilience and managing stressful situations. Physical activity outdoors helps the mind focus on the here and now, which ultimately contributes to greater focus and discipline both in and out of school.
By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni
- Travel and culture experiences
- Volunteer work for a cause they’re passionate about
- Developing new skills, languages or hobbies
Young adults can build confidence and real-world experience that will be invaluable in the future workplace and give them a sense of renewed focus and motivation.
- Apprenticeships offer a dynamic alternative to traditional education:
- Practical, hands-on training and earning a wage while you learn
- Recognized qualifications
- Immediate industry connections
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