Departments

Biology lessons train scientific thinking and deepen understanding of life forms and processes, from the basics of molecular biology and individual organisms to entire ecosystems and the biosphere. The focus is on practical and experimental work which gives the students valuable experiences. Through a respectful and responsible approach to life forms, the students experience the diversity of nature which helps awaken and foster their curiosity and joy of discovery.

In chemistry lessons, pupils research the fascinating properties, structures and reactions of substances. By immersing themselves in the atomic world, they gain deeper insights into the visible world around them. They discover the central role of chemistry in both animate and inanimate nature, in everyday life and in personal and social issues.

In everyday life, people face complex economic and legal challenges that require different and sometimes contradictory approaches and are often associated with value conflicts – for example, between individual and collective interests, local and global requirements or short- and long-term goals. These questions affect personal, professional and social areas of life. In class, pupils learn to recognise and understand these problems and to make informed decisions by critically examining their roles as consumers, professionals and citizens.

In our globalised world, English is a key language and serves as a lingua franca. English lessons enable pupils to communicate with people from all over the world competently, confidently, openly and with sensitivity to cultural differences.  They learn to negotiate a media world based on English, to process information and to assess its relevance and trustworthiness.

French and Italian as the second national language strengthens multilingualism in Switzerland and promotes awareness of Swiss identity and national cohesion. By learning additional languages, including Spanish, students broaden their understanding of the different linguistic communities of this country – not only linguistically, but also socially and culturally.

Geographical phenomena and processes such as globalisation, population growth and migration, as well as conflicts over resources and climate change, influence our lives in many different ways. Geography lessons help pupils to better understand these complex challenges. They learn to recognise the interactions between society, the economy and the environment at local, regional, national and global levels and develop greater awareness of how our actions impact the world.

Language is our main tool for relating to the world. We all think in language and express ourselves in language. In German lessons, students explore how language and literature help us to share our thoughts and experiences. Students develop their abilities to present facts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to communicate effectively and to express themselves. German lessons contribute to personal development and to the formation of a linguistic and cultural identity.

History shows us how remembering and forgetting the past shape our beliefs and identities today.  In history lessons, pupils discover how social, cultural, economic and political phenomena have been shaped and changed over time. They learn that societies and cultures are created and shaped by people and thus gain insights into the dynamics and development of the world around them.

Information technology teaches pupils the essential skills they need to navigate the digital world. They learn how technologies work, assess their impact and actively participate in technological and social developments.

Latin, a cultural and literary language more than two thousand years old, was once the common language of Europe's scholars. From late antiquity to the 19th century, Latin enabled the use of modern languages for science and continues to shape scientific terminology to this day.

Greek is the key to over three thousand years of intellectual history. It allows the understanding and research of a multifaceted system of thought from antiquity to the present day. Greek texts form the foundation of many sciences and contemporary society.  They promote an understanding of connections across different fields of knowledge and facilitate cultural mediation, interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity.

Mathematics combines findings, structures and working methods developed over thousands of years from different cultures around the world. It is defined by its high level of coherence and abstraction, based on precise evidence without contradictions. This gives mathematical insights an objective character.

The contents of the subject build systematically upon one another and require a solid foundation for in-depth understanding and further findings.

Music lessons involve fundamental cognitive, emotional, social and physical experiences. The creative and multi-perspectivist approach to music enables innovative thinking and action in musical and interdisciplinary contexts. The interplay of practical musical and aesthetic experiences and critical-reflective approaches supports holistic personal development.

The natural science physics explores phenomena in nature and technology and seeks to explain their interconnections. It uses mathematical models to make and verify predictions. As a result, theories and experiments are further developed in close interrelationship. Natural sciences, engineering sciences and medicine can build on the findings thus acquired.

Preparatory classes 5 and 6 offer motivated and gifted primary school pupils targeted support over two years to ensure a smooth transition to the challenging (Pro)Gymnasium level.

In our pluralistic, globalised society, we encounter people from different cultures, world views and social backgrounds. Religion focuses on the personal, interpersonal and social challenges that arise as a result and the associated opportunities. It promotes the intercultural competence of pupils and thus strengthens their solidarity, tolerance and responsibility.

Philosophy poses fundamental questions about human existence: What is a good life? What is justice? What can I know? What is true, and what appears to be true? Questions like these shape our thoughts and actions. Philosophy seeks answers through critical reflection and dialogue with contemporaries and with great thinkers of the past in order to provide guidance for people and society.

Sports lessons help students in their holistic development – physically, socially, cognitively and emotionally. They learn to participate in traditional as well as the latest sports and physical culture and thus expand their individual exercise and sporting skills. Sports lessons approach sport as a diverse area that encompasses not only performance and competition, but also play, creativity, fitness and health.

Art classes open doors to creative worlds by combining productive, receptive and reflective approaches. The pupils sharpen their perception, develop their creativity and express their own artistry. By exchanging ideas about aesthetic and visual types of expression – whether individually or collectively – they broaden their perspectives. Through practical experiences and the deliberate use of analogue, digital and hybrid materials and media, they develop valuable imagery and media skills.