Freies Gymnasium is launching a new campaign focusing on the Preparatory Classes. The little duck learns to swim quicker and better on its own initiative. Thanks to the unique guidance offered in the Preparatory Classes of Freies Gymnasium Zürich.

Special subject teachers, Latin and social skills

The monolingual preparatory class is a good foundation for the Gymnasium or the Progymnasium: There are two preparatory classes at Freies Gymnasium Zürich:

• following grade 5 of the primary school: VK1
• following grade 6 of the primary school: VK2

The VK1 is intended for good pupils from grade 5 of the primary school who are aiming to transfer to our Gymnasium or Progymnasium. This is where the foundations are laid to enable pupils to enter the lower school of our Gymnasium or our Progymnasium without having to take an examination.

The same is true of VK2. It is intended for pupils who could benefit from an extra year to enable them to mature both physically and academically before progressing to the next school level.

Special subject teachers and the same subjects as in the Gymnasium

Pupils are taught by special subject teachers in our preparatory classes just as later in the Gymnasium. Our pupils become familiar with subjects, such as Biology, History, Geography, and also Latin. Extra lessons aim to eliminate weak areas in their basic knowledge of German and Maths should this prove necessary. By working closely together with the language teachers (German, French, English and Latin) pupils learn to recognise fundamental similarities in language structures. In Mathematics lessons, we also attach great importance to teaching and reinforcing the basic concepts.

Transfer to the secondary level

Pupils can qualify for the next education phase on the basis of a six-month assessment period rather than needing to take a stressful entrance examination.

After one year in the preparatory classes, our pupils are prepared to transfer to the Progymnasium or Gymnasium level. They have already become accustomed to being taught by special subject teachers and have been introduced to Latin. Furthermore, they have been instructed in learning and organisation skills. 

Friendly atmosphere with day school structure

Freies Gymnasium Zürich is a performance-oriented school. However we believe that it is essential for pupils in the preparatory classes to be able to learn in a relaxed yet focused atmosphere. All the children should feel at ease in their class as this facilitates the acquisition of vital social skills. We are committed to communicating key values to our pupils.

The integration week, which takes place away from Zurich after the first six weeks of term, provides pupils with the opportunity to practise vital inter-personal skills, including learning to treat each other with respect and tolerance. The programme also comprises art excursions, hikes, singing and learning about the geographic location of the field trip.

At Freies Gymnasium Zürich, there is a day school structure in place from early morning until the evening. Pupils can benefit from comprehensive supervision during this time. Lunch is served in the school canteen. After regular school hours, there is a homework support service where pupils can complete their homework under supervision or, if necessary, receive further learning support.

Special programme: introductory course in German and Mathematics

To help prospective pupils to prepare for the entrance examination for the preparatory classes, candidates can register for a special introductory course in German and Mathematics. This course aims to familiarise candidates with the content and structure of the entrance examination.

The course takes place at the following times:
Saturdays from 9.15am - 11.30am

Introductory course for preparatory class 1:

• 17 March 2012
• 24 March 2012
• 31 March 2012
• 14 April 2012

Introductory course for preparatory class 2:

• 24 March 2012
• 31 March 2012

Admission to the preparatory classes

Prior to registration for the examination, parents and prospective pupils take part in an admission interview with the Principal as part of the admission process. The entrance examination is based on material from the previous primary school classes. It comprises a written and an oral examination in German and Mathematics.

• Eligibility to take the entrance examination for preparatory class 1:
  Pupils must have a minimum average of 5 in German and Mathematics in the February report.
• Eligibility to take the entrance examination for preparatory class 2:
  Pupils must have a minimum average of 4.75 in German and Mathematics in the February report. They must also have the recommendation for admission to the Swiss Secondary A level.
• Entrance examination for school year 2012/13:
  Registration deadline: 23 March 2012
  
  
• Preparatory class 1:
  Written examination: 8 May 2012
  Oral examination: 14 and 15 May 2012      
• Preparatory class 2:
  Written examination: 10 April 2012
  Oral examination: 18 April 2012

«Admission to Preparatory Class 1»
«Admission to Preparatory Class 2»

School fees 2011/2012

CHF 21'500.-, payable in four instalments of CHF 5'375.-
Additional costs (all-inclusive) CHF 1'350.--, payable with the first instalment.
(Subject to change)

Contact us for a personal appointment

Our Heads of Department, Principle Dr. Thomas Bernet (for Preparatory Class 1) and Vice Principal Hans Rudolf Bühlmann (for Preparatory Class 2), would be pleased to give you further information. Please make an appointment with the administration office.

Phone administration office: +41 43 456 77 77
sekretariat@anti-clutterfgz.ch
tbernet@anti-clutterfgz.ch
hrbuehlmann@anti-clutterfgz.ch

Education Programmes Overview

Admission to 
Preparatory Class 1

Admission to 
Preparatory Class 2

Contact and address

Our day school offer