Switzerland Secondary I (Years 7-9) Syllabus - First Foreign Language

The Swiss education system gives significant importance to language learning. Students in Secondary I (Years 7-9) are required to study a first foreign language, which is typically French, German, or Italian, depending on the student's native language and the canton (region) where they live.

The curriculum framework for education in Switzerland is Lehrplan 21. It aims to harmonize compulsory education across the different cantons, while still allowing for regional variations. The implementation of Lehrplan 21 is ongoing, with some cantons having fully adopted it, while others are still in the process of implementation.

The choice of the first foreign language is generally determined regionally. In German-speaking cantons, French is typically the first foreign language, followed by English. In French-speaking cantons, German is usually the first foreign language, followed by English. Italian-speaking cantons typically have German or French as the first foreign language, followed by English.

Canton-Specific Examples:

• Canton of Bern: French is introduced in Year 3 and English in Year 5. This has been the practice since 2011.

While Lehrplan 21 provides an overall framework, the specific details of the syllabus and implementation can vary between cantons. The curriculum emphasizes communicative competence in the four main linguistic skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

Further research into the specific cantonal implementations of Lehrplan 21 would be needed for more detailed information on the first foreign language syllabus in each region.