Quality of Teaching Staff
Our teachers represent the cornerstone of OBS’s educational excellence. We carefully select educators who bring not only outstanding qualifications and experience but also passion, creativity, and commitment to student success. Each teacher undergoes continuous professional development, staying current with the latest educational research and innovative teaching methods. Our faculty includes mainly native speakers for language instruction, subject matter experts with real-world experience, and specialists in various fields who bring practical knowledge to the classroom.
Beyond traditional teaching roles, our educators serve as mentors and guides, helping students develop both academically and personally. They work collaboratively with our support team, including teaching assistants, language specialists, and counsellors, to ensure each student receives comprehensive support. This integrated approach means students benefit from a network of professionals all focused on their success, with regular team meetings to discuss student progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Highly Qualified National and International Teachers
Our faculty represents the pinnacle of educational excellence, carefully selected from a global talent pool through a rigorous recruitment process that accepts only the top 5% of applicants. Most of our Middle- and Upper School teachers hold advanced degrees in their subject areas, possessing master’s degrees or PhDs, and all are certified in their respective educational systems (Swiss, British, American, German, as examples). Beyond academic qualifications, our teachers bring rich international experience – having taught in prestigious institutions worldwide – and maintain active connections with universities and research institutions. We maintain a balanced mix of Swiss and international teachers, ensuring students benefit from both local educational excellence and global perspectives.
Native Speakers for Language Instruction
Our commitment to true bilingualism is embodied in our extensive use of native speakers for language instruction, creating an authentic immersive environment that goes far beyond traditional language teaching. German is taught by native German speakers from Switzerland and Germany, while English instruction is delivered by native speakers from various English-speaking countries, ensuring students are exposed to different accents, cultural nuances, and communication styles. This native speaker approach extends beyond dedicated language classes – subject teachers are strategically paired so that students experience their core subjects in both languages. For example, a chemistry class might be taught by a native German speaker, while physics is taught by a native English speaker, allowing students to develop subject-specific vocabulary and academic language skills naturally in both languages. Our native-speaking teachers also bring authentic cultural context to their instruction, incorporating current events, literature, and cultural practices from their home countries. The effectiveness of this approach is evident in our students’ demonstrating the ability to switch effortlessly between languages in academic and social contexts.
Continuous Professional Development
Our teachers regularly engage in professional development, attending international conferences, participating in educational research, and undertaking additional certifications in innovative teaching methodologies. This exceptional faculty is supported by our teacher development programme, which includes mentoring partnerships with universities, regular peer observation and feedback. The result is a dynamic, highly qualified teaching team that combines subject expertise with pedagogical excellence, ensuring our students receive world-class education aligned with the latest educational research and best practices.
