The International School of Lausanne

Ribbon cut at Swiss international school

International School of Lausanne's new world-class campus helps students reach their full potential

Posted by Stephanie Broad | October 20, 2015 | International

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An inauguration ceremony at the International School of Lausanne (ISL) drew more than 100 dignitaries, corporate partners, media and architects from around the commune of Vaud. Lyn Cheetham, Director and Rosalie Hoffmann, Board Chair, together with Anne-Catherine Lyon, the State Councilor, Head of the Education Department, Youth and Culture of the Canton of Vaud, and Jean-Pierre Sueur, Syndic of Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, cut the red ribbon to signal the official opening of the 42,300 sq m new campus.   

The ribbon is cut, officially opening the campus

“We thought carefully about what a world-class education would look like for our students who learn, study and who will eventually work in an ever-changing global society,” said Lyn Cheetham, Director of ISL. “Using our Mission as the cornerstone, and after working with parents, students, staff and the Board, it became evident that in order to achieve this, we would have to broaden the curriculum and choice of subjects, improve the facilities, and increase and diversify the student cohort.”  

Two years after the groundbreaking for the CHF 46 million capital expansion project, ISL started its 2015-2016 academic year with five new IB Diploma subject offerings, a brand-new world-class campus and 820 students from 66 nationalities. 

Students performed music during the ceremony

“The Board’s role is to ensure that ISL fulfills its directives for continued excellence, as set out in the schools’ Mission and Aims,” said Rosalie Hoffmann, ISL Board Chair. “On behalf of the Board, I’d like to congratulate Mrs. Cheetham and her team, the team at CCHE Architecture et Design SA, and the entire staff at ISL for their collaboration over the last few years in delivering a truly world-class campus on time. 

Anne-Catherine Lyon, the State Councilor, Head of the Education Department, Youth and Culture of the Canton of Vaud, said: “Switzerland is home to some of the best international schools in the world, and the International School of Lausanne’s IB results year upon year are one of many of the school’s exceptional achievements. An IB education in English language is increasingly of interest to local students who want to have the flexibility to choose to further their education in Switzerland, or abroad.” 

The new facilities, spread over a North and South campus, accentuate ISL’s focus on rigorous academics, a holistic approach to education beyond academics, and a strong sense of community – all in a new custom-designed space. 

The South Campus includes:

• Coffee bar and café dominating the entrance of the South Campus
• A multi-purpose tiered auditorium to seat 400 people.
• New technology, science and math labs
• Art rooms, drama studios, sound-proofed music and practice rooms, band and orchestra rehearsal areas, and a multimedia broadcasting and recording studio using ethernet
• Lounges and study areas for IB students
• A school spirit shop and a Community Room

The North Campus includes:

• Early Childhood Centre (ECC)
• Primary and Secondary libraries
• Specialist exploratory rooms and labs
• A triple-sized Olympic gym, fitness and weights facilities
• An expansive playground and outdoor sports facilities
• Collaborative learning areas and outside garden
• New cafeteria featuring healthy Fourchette Vert meals 

“The design pays particular attention to innovation and space, the pedestrian flow and student safety,” said Hannes Ehrensperger, Associate Architect, CCHE Architecture et Design SA, the architects for the expansion. “This included an adjoining esplanade between the north and south campuses campus and a spiral staircase that is suspended, rather than “sitting” on the foundation of the South Campus. 

The school will be heated with wood chips, an environmentally friendly option. The floor area has doubled, from 11,300 to 23,300 sq m, and the total area of the new ISL campus is 42,300 metres square. 

www.isl.ch