7 Ways the Ecole Breaks the Hamster Wheel
As the new school year approaches at the Ecole d'Humanité, excitement is in the air. The prospect of reuniting with friends, diving into new subjects, and participating in our community activities is thrilling. However, as we prepare for the academic year, it's crucial to focus on achieving a healthy school-life balance.
Why School-Life Balance Matters at the Ecole d'Humanité
The Ecole d'Humanité is more than just a boarding school—it's a place where holistic education thrives. Our supportive environment encourages not only academic excellence but also personal growth, creativity, and a strong sense of community. In a boarding school setting, where the boundaries between schoolwork and leisure time can blur, maintaining this balance is essential.
How We Support School-Life Balance at the Ecole d'Humanité
1. We Encourage Prioritizing Time Management
At the Ecole d'Humanité, we guide our students in organizing their schedules to balance academic classes with extra-curricular activities. We support students in prioritizing their tasks while ensuring they carve out time for hands-on activities out of the classroom. By fostering effective time management skills, we promote long-term success.
2. We Foster Engagement in Community Activities
Our community activities at the Ecole d'Humanité are carefully designed to enrich students' experiences. We encourage participation in these activities as a way to enhance education while maintaining a healthy balance between work and play. Engaging with our community not only builds strong relationships but also contributes to overall well-being.
3. We Promote Self-Care Practices
At the Ecole d'Humanité, we place great importance on both mental and physical well-being. Our students are encouraged to engage in activities that promote self-care, such as participating in creative arts, attending a meditation class, building meaningful connections with friends, or simply taking time to relax and recharge. By integrating self-care into their routines, students can maintain a balanced lifestyle and thrive in the boarding school environment.
4. We Provide a Supportive Community
If students find themselves feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help. The Ecole d'Humanité is a supportive community where teachers, family heads, tutors, and peers are always available to offer guidance. We encourage open communication and provide resources to ensure that students can seek help whenever needed.
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Family Evening
5. 10 Steps into the Forest
Our school is not only nestled in the Swiss mountains but also right on the edge of a forest, in a quiet village with hardly any traffic or noise. This means our students breathe fresh mountain air at 1,000 meters above sea level every day. Even when they’re not actively enjoying outdoor activities like snowboarding in winter or climbing in summer, they’re still close to nature—even when deep in math studies, with the mountain skyline as their backdrop.
Check out our incredible surroundings with our virtual tour.
6. Intensive Week
Another unique aspect of life at the Ecole d'Humanité is our annual Intensive Week, where students take a break from the usual school routine to dive deeply into a week-long project of their choice. Whether it’s exploring the arts, crafting, outdoor adventures, or even digital music composition, this immersive experience allows students to discover new passions and develop valuable skills. Intensive Week embodies our commitment to holistic education, encouraging creativity, and hands-on learning in a relaxed and focused environment.
7. Our Hikes
At the Ecole d'Humanité, hiking is a key part of our educational philosophy, with two major hikes each year that stand out. One is a 6-day trek, and the other is a 4-day journey, both taking students deep into the mountains. These multi-day hikes challenge students physically and mentally, fostering resilience, teamwork, and a profound connection to nature. The extended time spent in nature allows students to disconnect from daily routines and immerse themselves fully in the experience, reinforcing the values of perseverance and community.
Start the School Year Right
The beginning of the school year at Ecole d'Humanité is an opportunity to set the tone for success. By embracing the balanced approach we advocate, students will be well-equipped to face challenges and make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Welcome (back) to the Ecole d'Humanité!
Comparison with Study
Where The Ecole stands in relation to the study "School culture and student mental health: a qualitative study in UK secondary schools"
This study explores how school culture is conceptualized by students, parents, and staff in UK secondary schools, and which components of school culture are perceived to be most important for student mental health.
Structure and Context
Study Claim
School location and geography impact culture
The Ecole's Implementation
Located in Swiss Alps, providing unique setting
Study Claim
Student diversity influences school environment
The Ecole's Implementation
Diverse student body across ethnicity and socio-economic status
Study Claim
Physical environment affects student interactions
The Ecole's Implementation
Campus designed as Swiss alpine village with rustic chalets
Organizational and Academic
Study Claim
Leadership plays key role in shaping culture
The Ecole's Implementation
Leadership prioritizes shaping positive school culture
Study Claim
Staff composition influences student experience
The Ecole's Implementation
No direct match identified
Study Claim
Curriculum should be inclusive and diverse
The Ecole's Implementation
Curriculum includes US diploma and Swiss Matura options; Focus on arts, outdoor education, and practical skills
Study Claim
Teaching styles impact student mental health
The Ecole's Implementation
Progressive education approach with experiential learning
Community
Study Claim
Quality of relationships is crucial for mental health
The Ecole's Implementation
Strong emphasis on student-staff relationships; Family-style living arrangements in small groups
Study Claim
Inclusive practices promote positive culture
The Ecole's Implementation
Regular community events like family evenings
Study Claim
Student voice mechanisms are important
The Ecole's Implementation
Student voice encouraged through councils
Study Claim
Parent engagement influences school culture
The Ecole's Implementation
Active parent engagement and communication
Safety and Support
Study Claim
Pastoral support is vital for student wellbeing
The Ecole's Implementation
Dedicated staff for student wellbeing and pastoral support
Study Claim
Mental health promotion should be prioritized
The Ecole's Implementation
Mental health education integrated into curriculum
Study Claim
Targeted support for mental health is necessary
The Ecole's Implementation
Targeted support available including counseling
Study Claim
Inclusive approach to discipline is beneficial
The Ecole's Implementation
Restorative approach to discipline
