Vision: Full-Time Educational Program (B-01-025)

The main target demographic for the full-time educational program "Vision" are refugees who are in the integration process in the canton of Zurich, as well as provisionally admitted individuals. Participants are typically aged between 16 and 35 and often arrive in Switzerland without family members. They are familiar with the Latin alphabet and have at least an A1 level of the German language (beginner level). This program is not designed for individuals who are highly qualified or have strong ICT skills.

• Age: 16 to 35 years
• Residence: Canton of Zurich or surrounding regions
• Interests: Require support and preparation for full-time educational programs to transition into the regular structures of Swiss upper secondary education
• Values: Participants vary greatly in their prior professional and educational background, experiences, attitudes, and motivation. Therefore, there is a high degree of heterogeneity within the target demographic. They differ in their sociocultural identity as well as demographically (age, gender, culture, origin, and educational path).
• Diversity: People of all ages, with disabilities, of different ethnicities and religions, and of various sexual orientations are welcome. The Benedict School ensures gender-neutral teaching and promotes diversity and tolerance.

Placement Test: Before enrolling in the course, participants will take a language assessment test and review the admission requirements.

Participants start the course at language level A1 and begin learning a variety of subjects in basic education, such as German, Math, ICT, and General Knowledge. This approach provides a diverse weekly schedule and a consistent teaching structure.
Throughout the course, the participants are introduced to the "Career Preparation" section within the General Knowledge module, which specifically helps them prepare for future vocational education. By the end of the course, participants will have progressed to language level A2.

Course Duration
40 school weeks (1 year)

Lessons per Day
7 lessons of 45 minutes per per day

Lessons per Week
35 lessons of 45 minutes each per week

Course Days
Monday to Friday

Total Lessons
1400 lessons (40 weeks x 35 lessons per week)

German

With the textbook Menschen as the course foundation, both participants with prior schooling and those with less formal schooling are selectively trained in the various skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking comprehension. The primary focus is on speaking and everyday language used in Swiss society. Participants are introduced to German grammar, including word formation, vocabulary, syntax, phonetics, and pragmatics, through various methods such as dialogues, reading texts, images, videos, audio materials, and newspaper articles. Lessons include vocabulary acquisition and exercises designed to deepen understanding, with grammar exercises primarily aimed at developing language competence. These exercises serve as tools for handling communication situations, enabling participants to form clear and understandable sentences in German. Pronunciation and intonation are also enhanced through practice.

The scope of grammar exercises is tailored to participants' language usage. Instruction is based on the Menschen textbook from HUBER Verlag, supplemented with relevant and current materials. Sociolinguistic competencies, such as knowledge of forms of address, politeness conventions, and region-specific or job-specific language aspects, are important for language use and are incorporated into language training exercises. Sociolinguistic skills, including knowledge of the different addressing forms, politeness customs, and region-specific or job-specific language aspects, are essential for effective language use. These cultural elements are also integrated into the language training exercises. The language and cultural sections of the course program are enhanced by action-oriented scenarios and tailored to everyday knowledge for the specific target demographic. The emphasis of the course is not simply on learning vocabulary and grammar, but more importantly on applying the language in real-life speaking situations. Language proficiency development focuses on improving both oral and written reception (listening and reading comprehension), oral and written production (speaking and writing), as well as interaction (dialogue speaking and writing). This is achieved through structured thematic areas featuring a variety of exercises, many of which are accessible via an app that includes listening exercises for comprehension, pronunciation practice, and videos. With the support of well-prepared teachers and diverse learning techniques and strategies, participants receive optimal guidance at their respective levels to develop good language competence, expression, and communication skills. Correct pronunciation and fluency are specifically targeted through various listening and speaking exercises. The participants are always at the center of each teaching sequence, encouraged to share their personal experiences and actively shape the lessons. They also have a say in selecting the focus of each session and setting individual, needs-based priorities.

Math program

To achieve the outlined learning objectives, the Mathematics 6 textbook for 6th grade from LMVZ is used as the primary teaching material and reference. This textbook follows a spiral curriculum over six years, covering all relevant topics outlined in Curriculum 21 up to the secondary level. Please be aware that, due to limited class time, not all topics are treated with the same intensity.
It is essential for the participants to first master basic arithmetic operations in order to apply their knowledge in everyday situations. The module plan clearly indicates which topics are optional, depending on the participants' progress and their different skill levels. Formative assessments are employed to measure the learning progress, and the results are included in the final evaluation report.

ICT program

To achieve the ICT learning objectives, materials from WINGS pubisher are used to effectively prepare the participants for the ECDL certification tests. These tests serve as an assessment tool, as they encompass most of the essential ICT skills.
General Knowledge program (including Career Preparation)
Our goal is to familiarize foreign participants with aspects of everyday life in Switzerland that may be new and unfamiliar to them. We aim to bridge this gap by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of Swiss culture, geography, history, politics, education system, economy, and law. Participants are not provided with a specific textbook due to the linguistic complexity of most available materials. However, teachers are supplied with a range of resources to assist in lesson preparation, which will be further defined with a forthcoming curriculum.
The Career Choice Portfolio project is an additional tool to introduce the participants to career preparation topics.

Topic 1: Geography and Culture of Switzerland
Participants will identify Switzerland's geographic location on a world map. They will develop an understanding of Switzerland's basic geographic features, including its mountains, lakes, and neighboring countries. They will describe key cultural characteristics and traditions of Switzerland and understand the significance of its four official languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh).

Topic 2: History and Politics of Switzerland
Participants will name key events and developments in Switzerland's history up to the present. They will gain an understanding of Switzerland's political structure, including the federal system, cantons, and the federal state. They will identify the main political institutions in Switzerland and explain their functions, such as the Federal Council, Parliament, and the Federal Court. The basic principles of Switzerland's direct democracy, including the referendum and popular initiative, will also be covered.
Topic 3: Leisure Activities and Culture
Participants will identify various leisure activities and cultural events in Switzerland and understand how to utilize the recreational offerings. They will grasp the importance of leisure and relaxation in Swiss life.

Topic 4: Education System in Switzerland
Participants will explain the structure of the Swiss education system from primary school to higher education. They will understand the importance of education in Swiss society, as well as the role of vocational training and lifelong learning in their integration into Swiss society and the economy.

Topic 5: Economy and Law in Switzerland
The participants will be able to explain the basic principles of Switzerland's legal system, including the separation of powers and the rule of law. They will understand the key legal regulations affecting daily life in Switzerland and identify the country's major economic sectors and their significance to the Swiss economy. Additionally, they will learn about Switzerland's economic policies, including the promotion of competition, innovation, and sustainability.

Career Preparation

The topics of the labor market and integration are covered using the Career Choice Portfolio and various activities, such as reading and analyzing job advertisements, writing short personal profiles (CVs) both in written and oral form. In career preparation, the Career Choice Diary addresses various aspects of career planning, from self-reflection on interests, skills, and values to researching career fields and developing a career goal. The material encourages participants to actively engage in activities such as internships, informational events, and discussions with career advisors to gain insight into different career fields. Setting realistic goals and approaching career planning systematically is emphasized. The diary format allows participants to document their thoughts, insights, and progress, providing a personal guide for their career choice. Practical exercises and worksheets help participants recognize their strengths and weaknesses, explore career options, and make informed decisions. The general education lessons hence provide the participants with a comprehensive understanding of Switzerland in various aspects and contribute to enhancing their knowledge and integration into Swiss society and the labor market.

Cooperative, differentiated and everyday-oriented learning as well as working methods are employed in face-to-face instruction. For the participants with prior schooling, these methods are supported by digital learning formats and individualized enrichment opportunities.

Monday to Friday (35 lessons per week)

Lesson 1: 08:30 – 09:15 AM (10-minute break)
Lesson 2: 09:25 – 10:10 AM (20-minute break)
Lesson 3: 10:30 – 11:15 AM (10-minute break)
Lesson 4: 11:25 AM – 12:10 PM

Lunch Break

Lesson 5: 01:10 – 01:55 PM (10-minute break)
Lesson 6: 02:05 – 02:50 PM (10-minute break)
Lesson 7: 03:00 – 03:45 PM

27 January 2025 / 5 May 2025