The Outdoor Learning Programme will be the highlight of the Ignite: Switzerland experience, and consists of Seasonal Sports, Seasonal Activities, and Excursions.
Ignite: Switzerland offers a breadth of opportunities to the students to help provide a powerful learning experience. The unique experiences will undoubtedly stand out in the memories of the students. The alpine environment offers a variety of exciting, challenging and easily accessible sports and activities for all.
With the Swiss National Park and the southern alpine peaks on our doorstep, the students can walk from the school out into the most beautiful of surroundings. The students will develop confidence and resilience in the outdoors that will enable them to take leadership roles in other aspects of their lives in the future.
The sport programme has been developed around the seasons as the weather will dictate what we can do safely. Students may choose which sport they would like to focus on for either a 6-week or 12-week period.
Term 1 (Rock): Term 1 “Rock” will build resiliency and passion, with tough but rewarding activities focused on fully embracing the rugged mountain and lush forest trails that Switzerland has to offer.
Exciting Term 1 “Rock” activities include rock-climbing, camping, horse-riding and a high-ropes adventure park where 421 trees are connected in 9 high ropes courses. This term is all about teamwork, personal confidence, and developing resilience to conquer new heights, while instilling a deep connection and respect for the great outdoors.
Term 2 (Snow): Term 2 “Snow” will inspire confidence and fearlessness, teaching students to embrace the cold and appreciate the awe-inspiring alpine mountain peaks. Students will develop confidence and resilience in the cold outdoors that will enable them to take leadership roles in other aspects of their lives in the future.
Exciting Term 2 “Snow” activities include sledding, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice hockey and ice skating. This term is all about building the confidence to take on new challenges and capturing the passion that is required to reach new heights.
Term 3 (Water): Term 3 “Water” will build independence and confidence while inspiring creativity and innovation. Outdoor activities will focus on water in all shapes and forms – from rafting down winding rivers to kayaking on still lakes fed from glacier runoffs. Students will experience the beauty of spring and the return of growth and life to the Alpine environment after winter.
Exciting Term 3 “Water” activities include a 3-day sailing camp unique to this term, where students will build teamwork and confidence. As the weather grows warmer, more outdoor activities are available, such as horse-riding, hiking, golfing, and tennis, and other team sports. Term 3 “Water” is all about movement and growth, which students will experience first-hand whether in or out of water.
There will be a wide variety of activities on offer throughout the year allowing students the opportunity to discover many different activities and to acquire a growing range of skills and experiences. Fun packed weekends are in store!
Our extensive excursion programme offers a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain a better insight into their local environment. All the electives involve excursions away from HIF and are selected to enhance the learning experience and contribute to a truly holistic education. A one-week trip in Switzerland is planned towards the end of the Ignite: Switzerland experience. Students will have an opportunity to visit some of the major sights of Switzerland and enjoy many of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.