Switzerland Cycle d'Orientation (Sekundarstufe I) Civics

The Cycle d'Orientation (CO) is the lower secondary level of education in Switzerland, covering the last three years of compulsory education (ages 12-15, grades 9CO-11CO). The Swiss education system is decentralized, with each of the 26 cantons responsible for its own curriculum. Therefore, the specific Civics curriculum for 11CO will vary by canton.

While there is no national curriculum, the cantons are obliged to coordinate and harmonize their educational systems. Civics education is often integrated into other subjects such as history, politics, or humanities and social studies. In some cantons, a specified number of hours per week are devoted to civics education.

Lower secondary education typically includes the local cantonal language, a second national language, English, math, science, history, geography, civics, home economics, art, music, and physical education. One example of a civics-related project at the Cycle d'Orientation level is the project at the Cycle d'Orientation de Monthey, which focuses on citizenship and biodiversity. Another example is a participatory budgeting program that promotes citizenship education.

A research article discusses civic education at the lower secondary level, using teaching sequences on "Europe - EU - Switzerland" as an example.