College Alpin International Beau Soleil
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia, International Baccalaureate
Description of College Alpin International Beau Soleil
- Location: Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland,
- Year of foundation: 1910,
- Number of students: about 300,
- Age of students: from 11 to 18 years old,
- Languages of instruction: English, French,
- Type of teaching: mixed.
International College Alpin Beau Soleil is a prestigious private boarding school located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, in the prestigious resort town of Villars-sur-Ollon.
Beau Soleil provides a quality secondary education from grades 6 to 12, based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Students have the academic choice at the time of entering grade 11 to earn the IBDP diploma or graduate with the ASDP diploma. All programs are accredited and internationally recognized, so graduates of the institution have competitive credentials and advantages in university admissions.
About 300 students are enrolled on campus, among them representatives of more than 55 countries. Small class sizes allow students to immerse themselves in an international atmosphere, learn languages and familiarize themselves with the cultures of other nationalities, thus broadening their horizons and making friends. Active student life and socialization are fostered not only by academic classes, but also by a wide variety of on- and off-campus activities, from festive events to excursions and sporting competitions, Beau Soleil aims to create a friendly, multicultural community where everyone is comfortable.
What are the key factors parents consider when choosing a Swiss school?
Generally, parents look at the school's reputation, location, level of care, potential for personalized attention, curriculum specifics, teacher quality, extracurricular offerings, and, of course, tuition fees.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in College Alpin International Beau Soleil
More than 50 years ago, Switzerland created the universal program International Baccalaureate, which makes it possible to compare the systems of school education in different countries and unify the preparation of schoolchildren from all over the world. After completion of the program, students receive IB Diploma, which is recognized by colleges and universities of the world as a standard certificate of secondary education.
Despite the fact that the program spends a significant amount of hours of self-studying of schoolchildren, its main value is the development of adolescents' social adaptation and motivation to achieve academic heights. Children are not only taught to analyze phenomena and events, but they also teach tolerance, attentive and respectful attitude to the opinion of others. Different degrees of primary school preparation allow children to study academic subjects on a standard or advanced (complicated) level.
The complex of attestation courses (Honours courses), several subjects of Advanced Placement (preliminary enrollment) and selective electives are the basis of the AP. This course thoroughly prepares students for university life and is recognized by colleges as pre-university.
The program provides for the writing of the final qualifying work and the accumulation of 26 annual attestations (credits). Optional subjects will require 8 credits, students receive 4 credits for social studies and English courses. The courses of mathematics and natural disciplines provide for three necessary annual attestations each. Two credits can be obtained for a foreign language, and lessons in physical culture and fine arts are evaluated for 1 credit. Benefits for the school community should be at least 100 hours during the program.
FB is a qualification that gives the applicant the right to enter a French university. The international program for obtaining a certificate is distinguished by a high level of academic preparation of students. FB has a distinctive feature. The program allows students to effectively develop the special skills necessary for studying at the university. At the FB course, applicants learn how to develop ideas, to form judgments, and critically think.
The program is available to foreign students who speak French at least at an intermediate level. In the course of studying, language skills can be developed to the level required for admission to the university.
FB, like the Swiss, Italian system, allows students to choose specialization in high school. The future applicants of French universities can study art, economics, social, natural sciences.
The private school of Beau Soleil invites schoolchildren between the ages of 7 and 16 to spend an unforgettable vacation in the summer camp located in an alpine village, two hours from Geneva.
All children are divided into the following age groups:
- 7-9 years;
- 10-11 years;
- 12-14 years;
- 15-16 years.
Each group is offered thematic events according to age, for example:
- Interactive language classes, studying in practice (for all),
- Basics of circus art (7-9 years, 10-11 years),
- Climbing wall for all;
- Dances (for all);
- Art and creativity (for all);
- Archery (7-9 years, 10-11 years);
- Cinematography, music classes (12-14 years);
- Orientation on the terrain (12- 14 years, 15-16 years);
- Science (7-9 years, 10-11 years);
- Culinary festivals, themed lunches and dinners (for all);
- Slacklining (for all);
- Courses for leaders (15-16 years),
- Sports events, individual and team sports, sports and cultural event "Summer Alpine Games", paintball (for everyone) and etc.
The students are also offered excursions to various parts of Switzerland, hiking in the mountains with an overnight stay in a mountain cabin, interesting guests and autograph sessions and many other memorable events!
The private school of Beau Soleil invites schoolchildren between the ages of 7 and 16 to spend an unforgettable vacation in the summer camp located in an alpine village, two hours from Geneva.
All children are divided into the following age groups :
- 7-9 years;
- 10-11 years;
- 12-14 years;
- 15-16 years.
Each group is offered thematic events according to age, for example:
- Interactive language classes, studying in practice (for all),
- Basics of circus art (7-9 years, 10-11 years),
- Climbing wall for all;
- Dances (for all);
- Art and creativity (for all);
- Archery (7-9 years, 10-11 years);
- Cinematography, music classes (12-14 years);
- Orientation on the terrain (12- 14 years, 15-16 years);
- Science (7-9 years, 10-11 years);
- Culinary festivals, themed lunches and dinners (for all);
- Slacklining (for all);
- Courses for leaders (15-16 years),
- Sports events, individual and team sports, sports and cultural event "Summer Alpine Games", paintball (for everyone) and etc.
The students are also offered excursions to various parts of Switzerland, hiking in the mountains with an overnight stay in a mountain cabin, interesting guests and autograph sessions and many other memorable events!
Middle Years Program (MYP)
- Age - from 11 to 15 years,
- The term of study is five years.
The middle school curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) (MYP) system and provides an academic foundation for learning in grades 6-10. By providing flexibility and depth of learning, encouraging students to make connections between classroom learning and the real world, educators empower students to become creative and reflective thinkers.
The MYP curriculum consists of eight subject groups that provide a broad and balanced education:
- Language acquisition,
- Language and Literature,
- Individuals and societies,
- Science
- Mathematics
- Art
- Physical and health education,
- Design.
The program requires at least 50 hours of study time for each subject group annually. In grades 9 and 10, students have the opportunity to attend courses in six of the eight subject groups to provide greater flexibility in meeting individual needs and achieving goals.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Beau Soleil has six residences that provide a warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere for students of all nationalities. Experienced boarding staff are available 24/7 to oversee student life, supporting students in their learning and personal growth.
Each of the six residences accommodates up to 50 students. They mainly occupy double rooms, but single and triple rooms are also available in limited numbers in the buildings. The residences are fully furnished, giving each student personal space. Each boarding house has a common area where students can relax, cook, watch TV, engage in self-study and hobbies.
Beau Soleil restaurant offers students three meals a day with many dishes: hot and cold, snacks and drinks, pastries and sweets. When creating culinary creations, the chefs carefully consider the diverse international backgrounds of the students, often preparing popular national dishes.
Subjects, specialties
Activities College Alpin International Beau Soleil
Beau Soleil supports the many interests of its students - the campus infrastructure allows students to pursue music, sports, drama and art at an almost professional level. Participants in extra-curricular clubs not only develop skills that interest them, but also strengthen them by performing at school events, taking part in competitions and contests. Every week at the college is packed with activities - more than 100 themed meetings, festivals, seminars and other social events await students!
With more than 90 different clubs and extracurricular activities, every student will find an activity that interests them: horseback riding, singing, skating, tennis, swimming, bird watching, yoga, boxing, drumming, debating and many other hobbies are realized by Beau Soleil clubs.
Not the least of the extracurricular activities are expeditions: skiing and snowboarding in the winter, local sightseeing and paintballing in the summer months, visiting galleries and museums, going to the movie theater, and many other activities brighten the academic year. Students can explore not only nearby places, but also take a group trip to Lausanne or Geneva, fly in a helicopter over the Alps, learn to surf in Bali, and even climb Kilimanjaro - each year Beau Soleil presents about 35 tourist and cultural trips of various scales.
Advantages
- Bilingual education: English and French,
- On-campus accommodation in full board format,
- Leading bilingual school in the French part of Switzerland,
- International Baccalaureate IB + ASDP Diploma,
- Campus in a rural setting, making the atmosphere calm and safe,
- Small class sizes,
- Emphasis on a holistic approach to education with learning material based on practical experience,
- Highly qualified teachers with years of experience in teaching children,
- Over 50 nationalities among the students,
- 100% of the students live in the school's residences.
Facilities and equipment at College Alpin International Beau Soleil
Alpin Beau Soleil College is located in an extraordinary alpine setting, in the center of the small village of Villars-sur-Ollon. Students who come here from all over the world are inspired every day by the views of the Swiss Alps and the natural beauty that surrounds them!
Combining tradition and modernity, the campus is built to capture the best of the magnificent Alpine surroundings, offering students an inspiring living and learning environment. Beginning with the school's historic main entrance that dates back to 1910, the campus has grown to provide the latest technology in every classroom, outstanding athletic facilities, and dedicated spaces for design, technology, music, dance, yoga, and theater. Because most of the campus is "under one roof," students enjoy a variety of social and learning spaces that foster a family atmosphere.
Outside of the main campus, pupils have access to a mountain chalet on the ski slopes and many village facilities including an ice rink, swimming pool, tennis courts and much more.
Thanks to the school's convenient location, Geneva Airport is only an hour and a half drive away - easy access provides students with a variety of leisure activities, including sightseeing in European cities.
Admission dates and extra charges
Important dates for the school year:
- Fall trimester: September-December,
- Spring trimester: January-March,
- Summer trimester: April-June.
- Since all students live in residence halls, they follow a special schedule each day. The school day, Monday through Friday, runs from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm. After class, students can devote time to clubs and activities, self-study, or relaxing after a busy day. Bedtime for different ages of students is organized from 21:00 to 22:00.
A sample list of additional costs:
- Registration fee,
- Deposit,
- Uniform,
- Accommodation and meals,
- Annual travel contributions,
- Additional activities, including sports and creative activities,
- Participation in specialized programs such as skiing and racing,
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance,
- Rental of sports equipment,
- Pocket money and personal expenses.
Extras:
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 3000 CHF
- Deposit for a course/programme 15000 CHF
- Uniform 5950 CHF
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 1000 CHF
Enrolment process
Step-by-step admission to Beau Soleil:
- Completing the online form and submitting documents,
- The Admissions Office will contact the student's previous school for a recommendation form,
- Payment for the submitted application,
- Visiting the campus for an interview and placement tests in English and math,
- Review of results and enrollment of new students within a week of application submission.
Enrolment statistics
The number of places in Beau Soleil is strictly limited, as the campus can accommodate up to 300 people.
Perspectives
In 2022, 100% of graduates received IB diplomas with an average score of 34, which is three points higher than the world average. About 60% of high school students graduated with a bilingual diploma, and three students received an advanced level certificate.
Competitive knowledge, practical experience and developed personal qualities allow students to enter leading universities around the world, among which there are often Russell Group universities.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
The Admissions Office advises that applications be submitted between September and December one year prior to anticipated enrollment, as class space is limited.
International applicants will need:
- Copies of school records for the past two years,
- A handwritten letter of motivation,
- Certificate of English or French language proficiency, if available.
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about College Alpin International Beau Soleil
We chose a really cool school for the child. We were hesitating over England and Switzerland . Smapse helped us a lot in the search - it's nice to work with people who really know their business.
The town, where the school is located, is very quiet and calm, a beautiful mountain town: we were looking for a small resort, where there are no tourists. The territory of College Beau Soleil is fully equipped with everything we have been looking for: swimming pools, sports grounds, children's residences, modern and new classrooms. The child feels at school well, has made friends with other students. Educators and teachers care about students. We are happy to have chosen College Beau Soleil.
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
