DCB in the Alps? Students Study abroad with Ignite: Switzerland

As part of an international group of schools committed to delivering a globally-minded, student-centred, holistic education that enables our students to develop their full potential, Dulwich College International launched Ignite: Switzerland.

Ignite: Switzerland is a 12-week experiential learning programme exclusively for Dulwich Year 9 students which will see some of them spending a term in the stunning Swiss Alps.

Successful applicants will have the unique opportunity to spend 12 weeks in the south-eastern region of Switzerland, leading their own expedition into the world of learning, discovering their own potential, and reflecting on the world around them in an awe-inspiring natural environment.

The program is inspired by Education in Motion (EiM)’s vision to provide pioneering education for a sustainable future and underpinned by its global network of resources and industry knowledge. Ignite will give students an exceptional experience of indoor and outdoor learning, where they will encounter new challenges and discover their passions, bringing out the very best version of themselves.

The Location

This exciting opportunity will be taking place in the Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG (HIF), a member of the Dulwich College International family of schools. Located in the Lower Engadin valley near Ftan, three hours from Zurich and two hours from Milan, the HIF campus is 1,700 metres above sea level, has a magnificent panoramic view of the southern alpine peaks and, thanks to its close proximity to the Swiss National Park, allows students to become stewards of the natural environment, and inspire them to explore its wildlife, mountains, forest, pastures, and rivers.

Much more than just 12-weeks away from home with life-changing outdoor learning experiences, Ignite: Switzerland also provides a rigorous academic programme that allows students to seamlessly continue their academic progression from Year 9 through to the commencement of the IGCSE programme.

Academic Programme

The core academic programme will ensure that all students study English, Maths, Science, and a language to the same standard as Dulwich College Beijing. All subjects will be aligned to, and fully meet, the criteria of the Year 9/IGCSE curriculum.

The electives provide a personal pathway for students to develop their passions or try something new, as they will have the opportunity to select 2 electives to study in depth for 12 hours a week for 12 weeks.

Their learning will culminate in a Passion Project, which they will share with their fellow students and teachers in the programme, and with their parents and classmates when they return to their respective colleges. The Passion Project encourages students to practise and strengthen their approaches to learning (ATL) skills, to consolidate prior and subject-specific learning, and to develop an area of personal interest.

Outdoor Learning Programme

The Outdoor Learning Programme will be the highlight of the Ignite: Switzerland experience. With the Swiss National Park and the southern alpine peaks on their doorstep, the students can walk from the school out into the most beautiful of surroundings. The alpine environment offers a variety of exciting, challenging, and easily accessible sports and activities for all.

Seasonal Sport Programme

The Seasonal Sport Programme has been developed around the seasons, taking advantage of what different weather can offer and ensuring safety at all times.

Applications for this school year have closed, but we look forward to applications for rising Dulwich Year 9 students in the next upcoming Academic Year.

Learn more about the programme here.