Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
320 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
35 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
German, French |
| Max. number of students per class |
17 |
| Average number of students per class |
13 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
We use a variety of learning tools in the classrooms from Interactive White boards to iPads, to Laptops, VR headsets |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
| External examinations or assessments available |
GL Assessments, PASS Assessments and CHECK tests (Swiss Language Testing) |
| Results in these examinations |
60% of our students score above average in English and Maths |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
It varies by grade. From a few minutes for Reception pupils to a maximum of 1 hour for Year 7 pupils |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
We support Wave 1, Wave 2 and Wave 3 Students with a mixture of small group and individual support |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Differentiated instructions are developed on a one to one basis |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Students are referred to specialist support if deemed necessary and in agreement with the families |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
We review previous academic records and invite students for additional testing if deemed necessary |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:30 |
| School finish time |
15:30 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Students can come to school from 7:30 and they will be supervised until class starts. We have a varied afterschool offering including Enrichment Programmes |
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Homework, board games, art and painting, sewing, sport, kids in the kitchen, football. |
| Sports activities included |
We offer Swimming to all Primary students as part of our curriculum. PE is also part of our curriculum offering the children opportunities to learn about different sports |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Facilities at the school |
Our campus is located in two beautiful historical buildings in the centre of Basel. We have an English library, French and German Library, Science Lab, Music room including keyboard room, ICT suite, Art room, large light and airy classrooms. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Indoor recreation room, playground, easy access to nearby sports facilities |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School is an independent, not-for-profit organisation located in Basel, Switzerland. It is committed to providing high quality childcare and education appropriate for young children from the age of 3 months to the end of Primary School at 12 years old. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
ELA cultivates the values of respect, integrity, compassion and intellectual independence and challenges children to learn with creativity and curiosity while fostering a sense of responsibility toward others both within the school and in the community. ELA nurtures and educates children, shaping inspired and empowered citizens who embrace the diversity in others and the uniqueness in themselves. |