Safety & Well-Being

At OBS, we have cultivated a school culture that balances academic rigor with personal growth and social responsibility. Our community values intellectual curiosity, respect for diversity, and ethical behaviour. Students learn to appreciate different perspectives, take responsibility for their actions, and contribute positively to their community. This strong cultural foundation helps students develop a clear sense of identity and purpose while respecting and learning from others’ differences.

The impact of our school culture extends beyond the classroom through various community initiatives, service projects, and cultural celebrations. Students develop a deep understanding of global citizenship and social responsibility through practical experience. Our values-based approach to education ensures that students not only achieve academic success but also develop strong character traits and ethical principles that guide their decisions and actions throughout life.

At OBS, resilience is cultivated as a fundamental life skill that empowers students to face challenges with determination and adaptability. Through guided practice and supportive encouragement, students learn to persist through difficulties, understanding that setbacks are natural stepping stones to success. This approach helps students develop the emotional fortitude to recover quickly from adversities, whether in academic challenges or personal growth. By fostering resilience in a safe and nurturing environment, OBS prepares students to approach uncertainty with forethought and determination, building the psychological strength they need for future success.

Creativity at OBS extends far beyond traditional artistic expression, encompassing innovative thinking across all subjects and activities. The school nurtures students’ natural curiosity and encourages them to explore new ideas and approaches to problem-solving. By valuing “out of the box” thinking, OBS helps students develop unique perspectives that enhance their learning in all academic areas. This emphasis on creativity not only enriches their educational experience but also prepares them for a future where innovative thinking and adaptability are crucial skills.

OBS recognizes that true education encompasses more than academic achievement. Our approach to balance focuses on developing the whole child by nurturing intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being. Students learn to manage their time between academic pursuits and personal interests, understanding the importance of both work and play. This balanced approach helps students develop healthy relationships with learning, success, and personal growth, while also teaching them to recognize the interconnectedness of different subjects and life aspects.

In the OBS community, being principled is about more than following rules—it is about developing a strong moral compass and ethical understanding. Students learn to act with integrity and honesty, making right choices even when unobserved. Through daily interactions and guided discussions, they develop a deep sense of fairness and justice, learning to respect the dignity and rights of others. This foundation in ethical behaviour helps students become responsible global citizens who understand the impact of their actions on others.

OBS’s bilingual environment provides a unique platform for developing strong communication skills in multiple languages and contexts. Students learn to express themselves confidently and creatively, understanding how their words and actions affect others. The school’s emphasis on effective communication helps students develop active listening skills, empathy, and the ability to collaborate across cultural and linguistic boundaries. These skills are essential for both academic success and building meaningful relationships in an increasingly interconnected world.

At OBS, caring is actively cultivated through experiences that develop empathy, compassion, and respect for others. Students learn to understand and appreciate the perspectives of their peers while developing a commitment to service and positive action. This nurturing approach creates a supportive learning environment where students celebrate each other’s successes and help one another through challenges. The emphasis on caring helps students develop strong emotional intelligence and social awareness, essential skills for personal and professional relationships.

OBS’s diverse community provides an ideal environment for developing open-mindedness. Students learn to appreciate different perspectives, cultures, and traditions while critically examining their own assumptions and biases. This approach helps them understand that diversity is a strength and that different viewpoints offer opportunities for growth and learning. Through exposure to varied ideas and experiences, students develop the cultural competence needed to thrive in a global society.

Competence at OBS is developed through a thoughtful blend of theoretical understanding and practical application. Students are encouraged to explore knowledge across different subjects, making connections and developing critical thinking skills. This comprehensive approach helps them build confidence in their abilities while understanding how to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. The focus on competence extends beyond academic achievement to include social skills and emotional intelligence.

Independence at OBS is fostered within a supportive framework that encourages students to take ownership of their learning journey. Students develop self-confidence and self-reliance while understanding when to seek help and collaboration. This balanced approach to independence helps them become self-directed learners who can manage their time, set goals, and take responsibility for their actions, preparing them for future academic and professional challenges.

OBS encourages systematic reflection as a tool for personal growth and learning improvement. Students regularly evaluate their progress, thinking critically about their experiences and learning strategies. This reflective practice helps them understand their strengths and areas for growth, while developing metacognitive skills that enhance their learning effectiveness. By welcoming feedback and viewing it as an opportunity for growth, students develop a growth mindset that supports lifelong learning.

Respektlotsen (Respect Navigators) serve as student mediators responsible for cultivating and maintaining a respectful atmosphere at OBS Bilingual School, with a particular focus on spaces outside the classroom. Their role embodies the school’s philosophy that a positive learning environment requires more than just academic achievement – it demands attention to how community members treat each other and the physical space they share. Selected through a rigorous application process requiring 80% proficiency across five key competencies, these students undergo two intensive 2-day workshops focusing on conflict resolution and promoting positive behaviour. They handle various situations from peer conflicts to bullying, and are especially attentive to maintaining quality learning spaces, addressing issues like untidy common areas or disruptive behaviour. Meeting weekly with a supervising teacher, they review interventions and discuss ways to enhance the school’s respectful culture. Their duties include organizing well-being events, updating the “Be Well Wall,” supporting new students through buddy systems, and monitoring day-to-day school life for issues like littering or vandalism. If cases prove too challenging, they can escalate to Friedensvermittler (Peacekeepers) or school leadership. The role exemplifies the school’s commitment to student-led conflict resolution, operating within a Swiss-inspired system of separated powers where Respektlotsen work alongside School Leadership to ensure every student finds their place within a supportive, respectful community.

The Friedensvermittler (FV) represents a unique student leadership programme designed to maintain community standards and support fellow students at OBS. Students from grades 8-13 can apply for this role through an annual selection process, which involves contacting the Well-Being Coordinator or FV leader, completing a case study, and presenting it to the FV and LPR team for evaluation. Once selected, FVs undergo a comprehensive two-day training workshop to prepare for their responsibilities. Currently comprised of students from grades 10-13, the FV team meets weekly to discuss cases and develop strategies to support students who have violated OBS rules or values. Their approach emphasizes positive intervention, requiring students to sign the OBS Positive Conversation Chart and engage in community work, while receiving ongoing support from both their assigned FV and Personal Coach throughout the remediation process.