Header image: Director and Primary Principal of ELA Basel, Dr. Sally Hirsch.
ELA Basel’s Director and Primary Principal, Sally Hirsch, talks about the school’s Transition Agreement with Basel-Stadt secondary schools and how it benefits students.
Dr. Sally Hirsch, the Director and Primary Principal of ELA Basel, has been guiding the school through an exciting and dynamic period of growth and development.
ELA Basel – Building strong local partnerships
As ELA Basel continues to thrive and expand, one key aspect of the school’s success is its strong collaboration with local secondary schools in Basel-Stadt. This year, Sally discussed the importance of the school’s transition programme with Basel-Stadt’s secondary schools, a programme that is benefiting students now and into the future.
ELA Basel has a special agreement with the Basel-Stadt educational authorities, which allows students who have been part of the German Advanced programme to transition directly into Basel-Stadt secondary schools without the need for additional entrance exams. “At ELA Basel, we are fortunate to offer this streamlined path, thanks to the exceptional quality of our German programme,” Sally explained. “We’ve seen firsthand how this agreement opens doors for our students, particularly those in our bilingual stream, who can strengthen their academic German skills and gain confidence as they prepare for their next steps.”
Academic Pathways Through German Language Support
Students can begin to increase their exposure to German from Year 5 with the German Maths option. In Years 6 and 7, they can choose a bilingual programme that provides the academic German language skills needed for a smooth transition to a German-speaking secondary school. This stream provides a unique opportunity to improve both their academic German and their overall language proficiency.
“We take an individualised approach, ensuring that we provide every child with the best possible guidance.”
“Basel-Stadt trusts our programme and acknowledges the thorough preparation we provide. The students are ready for secondary school because of the strong foundation they receive here,” Sally said.
Supporting Every Student’s Journey
While the German Advanced programme is a clear pathway for many students, ELA Basel also supports families who have children who are still at an intermediate level of German.
Sally explained that Basel Stadt offers a “sur dossier” option, where students can be recommended for a specific Basel-Stadt secondary school stream based on their overall academic performance. “This ensures that every student is prepared, regardless of their specific language abilities,” she added. “It’s especially beneficial for students who join us later on in their primary school years, as it gives them time to develop their German skills while keeping all future options open.”
To support families during this transition, ELA Basel begins the process in Year 6, the second-to-last year of primary school. Sally explained that the school works closely with each family, considering their child’s unique needs and aspirations.
“We help them understand the different educational pathways, both within the Basel-Stadt system and beyond,” she said. “We take an individualised approach, ensuring that we provide every child with the best possible guidance.”
Governance, Values, and Looking Ahead
ELA Basel is more than just a place for academic learning. The school prides itself on being a non-denominational, politically neutral institution that promotes a culture of inclusion and respect. As a registered Swiss not-for-profit Verein, ELA Basel’s governance is managed by a diverse Board, composed of both parents and non-parents who serve for two-year terms. The Board is responsible for overseeing strategic direction, approving the annual budget, and guiding the school’s broader goals, such as accreditation with the Educational Department of Basel-Stadt. “Our strong governance and clear focus on student success allow us to offer the best possible education to our students without having to compromise educational goals in order to make a profit,” Sally remarked.
As ELA Basel continues to enhance its educational offerings and strengthen partnerships with local institutions, the transition programme remains an integral part of the school’s mission. Sally looks forward to further developing these partnerships and continuing to support every student’s journey to success.
For parents interested in learning more about the school’s Transition Agreement or any other aspects of ELA Basel, Sally encourages them to reach out and book a personal tour. “We’re always happy to answer any questions and show prospective families how our school’s unique offerings can benefit their child,” she added.
ELA Basel – Pathways to success
Do you want to learn more about ELA Basel?
Learn more about ELA Basel’s facilities, school hours, and After School and Holiday Programmes here:
https://www.ela-basel.ch/
Or, in our free magazine, the Summit Family Guide, Basel Edition – The complete guide to childcare, private education, and international schools in Basel here.
