ELA Connect Winter 2025/26 (Vol.2 Issue 1)

ELA CONNECT
B r i n g i n g Y o u t h e B e s t f r o m O u r C o m m u n i t y
V O L . 2 I S S U E 1
W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 / 2 6
I N S I D E
A first for
ELA Basel
Alumni Benedikt
Burckhardt enrols his
son at ELA Basel Kita.
Winter
Fayre
Festive spirit shines
bright at our annual
celebration.
Stadtlauf
ELA Basel runners turn
out in force for the
city’s big event.
The Dzwonkowski family enjoying all the Winter Fayre has to offer.
Two Big Announcements
One Bright Future
Just before the Christmas break, ELA Basel
shared two significant and exciting
announcements that mark a major milestone in
the school’s history and future development.
After many years of requests from parents, ELA
Basel is delighted to confirm that the school is
officially expanding into secondary education. This
long-anticipated step will allow students to
continue their educational journey within the ELA
Basel community beyond primary school. The new
secondary provision will offer two clear and flexible
pathways. Students may follow the world-renowned
Cambridge International curriculum, providing an
internationally recognised route with global
opportunities, or they may choose the Swiss
Lehrplan 21 pathway, designed for families who wish
to remain within the Swiss education system. This
dual-pathway model reflects ELA Basel’s
commitment to flexibility, academic excellence, and
meeting the diverse needs of its families.
The second exciting announcement concerns the
ownership of the school. ELA Basel has been sold to a
new partnership led by Patrik von Arx, a long-standing
and highly valued member of the ELA Basel community.
Patrik has been part of the school family for over 15
years, with both of his children having attended and
graduated from ELA Basel. His deep understanding of
the school’s values, culture, and educational quality
makes him an ideal custodian for its future.
Joining Patrik is José Antonio Parra, a passionate
education entrepreneur who owns schools in Spain and
Zug. Together, this partnership ensures stability,
security, and sustained growth, safeguarding ELA
Basel’s future for many years to come.
To learn more about our new Secondary School and
what it offers families, please see page 2.

SECONDARY WITHOUT LIMITS
Providing access to universities in Switzerland or anywhere in the world,
thanks to our Cambridge International and Lehrplan 21 curricula
ELA Basel has announced a major
milestone in its development with the
opening of its Secondary School in
August 2026, offering families in Basel a
distinctive and forward-looking
educational pathway.
The expansion will introduce two clearly
defined streams, giving students flexibility of
choice while retaining structured learning
and internationally recognised
qualifications.
The new Secondary School is grounded in
ELA Basel’s mission to combine high-quality
academics with strong social and emotional
development. Students will be supported to
become confident, capable and wellrounded
young people, with clear
progression routes and no restrictive
academic streaming. A strong emphasis on
global-mindedness, bilingualism and futureready
skills—including critical thinking,
creativity, collaboration and digital
confidence—will prepare students for life
beyond school.
The expansion is led by Patrik von Arx and
José Antonio Parra, whose partnership brings
complementary strengths to ELA Basel’s
future. Patrik von Arx explained that his
motivation comes directly from the school
community. “I’ve seen the dedication of our
families and staff. Now, it’s my personal
commitment, backed by the financing from
my company, to provide the immediate, nonnegotiable
financial stability our school
needs,” he said. He added, “This stability is
the foundation for our vision: a stronger ELA,
the Cambridge curriculum pathway, and the
exciting growth into a Secondary School.”
José Antonio Parra brings extensive
experience in delivering Cambridge
International Secondary Education, having
successfully implemented the curriculum at
SAGE College Jerez in Spain for 18 years
and led the complete establishment of a
Cambridge International School at ISCS Zug
in Switzerland over seven years. Reflecting
on the partnership, he said, “Our partnership
is built entirely on preserving ELA's unique
identity—its community heart, bilingual
strength, and focus on high-quality
education. We are not here to change the
school; we are here to strengthen it and
ensure its continuity.” He continued, “I have
been deeply impressed by ELA Basel's
educational rigor and academic excellence.
The framework we are proposing is designed
to safeguard this excellence and unlock a
seamless educational pathway, including the
expansion into our Secondary School.”
Drawing on the strengths of ELA Basel’s
bilingual foundation and José Antonio
Parra’s Cambridge expertise, the new
Secondary Programme will feature two
distinct streams: International and Bilingual.
Students in the International stream will
follow the prestigious Cambridge pathway,
recognised by top universities worldwide,
including in Switzerland.
“Our partnership is built
entirely on preserving
ELA’s unique identity: its
community heart, bilingual
strength, and focus on
high-quality education.”
- José Antonio Parra
The Bilingual stream will incorporate the
Swiss-aligned Lehrplan 21 curriculum,
offering flexibility for families seeking strong
local integration alongside international
opportunities.
ELA Basel is also planning to benefit from a
transition agreement with Basel-Stadt,
extended up to Year 10.
(L-R) New owners Patrik von Arx
and José Antonio Parra with
members of our School Council.
The Secondary phase will be completed in
three years, with fees set below those of
many international schools and supported by
sibling discounts, making the programme
accessible to a broad range of families in
the Basel region.
For prospective families, José Antonio Parra
can organise visits to ISCS Zug, providing
opportunities to speak with other parents, as
well as trial days for Year 8 students to
experience the Cambridge curriculum firsthand.
Parents are warmly invited to attend ELA
Basel’s Open Day at St Alban-Vorstadt 32
on Saturday, 17th January 2026, from 09:00–
14:00 The event will offer families the
chance to learn more about the new
Secondary School opening in August 2026,
including a special Secondary presentation
at 10:00. Throughout the day, families can
explore the bilingual curriculum, and
discover enriching programmes in STEM,
Languages, Reading & Phonics and the Arts.
With activities for children, opportunities to
meet the teaching team and a welcoming
community atmosphere, the Open Day
promises to be an informative and enjoyable
introduction to ELA Basel’s next chapter.
2 ELA Connect

ELA CONNECT
PRIMARY
W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 / 2 6
NEW INITIATIVES &
FIRST FUNDRAISER
The new School Council began its work in August, following elections
in which pupils from Years 3 to 7 selected their representatives.
With one councillor from each year group, the council meets monthly to
discuss school life, raise pupil concerns, and propose improvements. The
aim is clear: to ensure that every student has a voice in shaping their
school community.
One of the council’s early initiatives this term has been the introduction of
a pop-up School Council office in the Hof each Friday. Councillors take
turns staffing the desk during part of their break, offering fellow pupils a
chance to share suggestions, pass on feedback, or learn more about
upcoming events. The office has quickly become a popular stopping point,
encouraging open communication and greater visibility for the council’s
work.
The highlight of the term was the council’s first major fundraising event:
Crazy Hair Day. Pupils arrived with vibrant colours, inventive structures,
and quirky designs that brought a cheerful buzz to the school throughout
the day. The creativity and enthusiasm on display set a positive tone for
future events.
All funds raised will go towards new play equipment for the Hof, ensuring
that the entire school community benefits from the council’s efforts.
WHY OUR FAMILIES
CHOOSE ELA BASEL
Our three boys have been at ELA Basel
since they were babies, and it has truly
felt like a second home for our family.
The school offers a warm, intimate
environment where children are
genuinely known and cared for. With
its small size and close-knit
community, families quickly build
strong connections. Our children have
thrived both academically and
personally, and we deeply value the
strong sense of community that makes
ELA Basel so special.
Some of our students who
took part in Crazy Hair Day!
Andrew & Claire
MORE TESTIMONIALS
ELA Connect
3

INNOVATION & DISCOVERY
Our eagerly awaited STEM Week brought hands-on learning, creativity
and collaboration that inspired the whole school community
ELA Basel’s annual STEM Week
returned at the beginning of
November, offering pupils a full
week dedicated to Science,
Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics.
This year’s programme further
strengthened the school’s
longstanding commitment to handson,
inquiry-based learning and
provided pupils with opportunities to
think critically, collaborate
effectively and explore the world
around them in new and exciting
ways. With a combination of wholeschool
activities, specialist sessions
and family involvement, STEM Week
once again proved to be one of the
most anticipated events on the
school calendar.
A key highlight was the hugely
successful Family STEM Night, which
welcomed an exceptional turnout of
parents, pupils and even several
enthusiastic grandparents. Families
were invited to take part in four
structured STEM challenges
designed to stretch both creativity
and problem-solving skills.
Participants worked together to
construct stable towers, design and
build bridges, create balloonpowered
cars capable of travelling
impressive distances, and assemble
working catapults that combined
careful engineering with playful
experimentation. The energy in the
classrooms was evident throughout
the evening, as families discussed
ideas, tested prototypes and
celebrated successful designs. More
importantly, the event reinforced the
strong partnership between home
and school, demonstrating how
STEM learning can be both
academically enriching and an
enjoyable shared experience.
Equally impressive was the Glow
Lab, a long-standing highlight of
STEM Week.
In the weeks leading up to the event,
pupils contributed to a large-scale
collaborative artwork depicting the
evolution of technology, from early
mechanical inventions to modern
space exploration.
Once STEM Week began, classes
entered the Glow Lab to explore
how UV light interacts with different
materials to create vivid fluorescent
Students and parents enjoying the fun challenges that awaited them during Family STEM night 2025.
effects. Under the expert
guidance of STEM Coordinator
Emma Carragher, pupils
engaged in several
demonstrations and mini
experiments, including
investigations into how
sunglasses block UV rays and
how certain liquids change
appearance under UV exposure.
“I enjoying going
into the Glow Lab
to make slime and
seeing how it
reacted to light.” -
Kate
The sessions captured pupils’
imaginations and encouraged
them to think more deeply about
the science behind light, energy
and materials. Many described
the Glow Lab as one of the most
memorable activities of the
entire week, noting that the
blend of visual impact and
scientific explanation helped
them understand complex ideas
more clearly.
Throughout the week, pupils also
took part in LEGO Education SPIKE
challenges, which focused on
engineering, coding and
collaborative design. Every class
had the opportunity to build and
programme their own miniature
Herbstmesse rides, drawing
inspiration from Basel’s beloved
autumn fair. Working in small
groups, pupils experimented with
gears, motors, balance points and
movement patterns to achieve
smooth and functional ride
mechanics. The challenges
encouraged pupils to iterate on
their designs, reflect on what
worked and what did not, and
communicate effectively with their
teammates. By combining
problem-solving with creative
construction, the sessions
highlighted the power of learning
through play and helped pupils
develop confidence in their ability
to think like engineers.
This year’s STEM Week once again
illustrated ELA Basel’s dedication
to fostering curiosity, innovation
and resilience in its pupils.
Through a programme filled with
meaningful,
hands-on
experiences, students not only
deepened their understanding of
STEM principles but also
strengthened their teamwork,
creativity and enthusiasm for
discovery. The week left a lasting
impression on the school
community and set an inspiring
tone for future STEM learning.
A new activity this year was LEGO
SPIKE which proved to be a hit with
students young and old.
WATCH THE VIDEO
4 ELA Connect

ELA CONNECT
PRIMARY HIGHLIGHTS
W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 / 2 6

LESSONS LEARNED & CHERISHED
Former student Thimo Winzenried looks back on the skills he learned at
ELA Basel that carried him into secondary school and beyond
Thimo Winzenried attended ELA Basel for
12 years, beginning in the baby groups and
completing Primary 6.
“I basically grew up in ELA,” he recalls,
reflecting on more than a decade of
experiences that shaped both his education
and his character.
When asked about his fondest memories,
Thimo did not hesitate. “My fondest memories
always were and always will be sports days. I
remember the pure sportsmanship and
fairness and I always adored the values that
we were taught, especially in sports.” He
described how the school’s emphasis on
teamwork, integrity, and respect left a lasting
impression on him, both on and off the field.
Thimo found it difficult to single out just one
teacher, explaining that many had made a
positive impact on his time at ELA. He
mentioned a few by name: Ollie, Jamie,
Claire and Jeff—teachers who inspired him,
even when he occasionally got into trouble.
“These are some people who I still have very
happy and cheerful memories with,” he said,
demonstrating the deep connections he
formed over the years.
Looking back on his education, Thimo
particularly valued the school’s inclusive
ethos. He appreciated how ELA Basel
welcomed pupils of all religions, beliefs, and
nationalities, and how teachers engaged with
students on an equal footing. The emphasis
on moral education and personal values, he
said, was something that stayed with him
long after leaving.
Former ELA Basel student Thimo Winzenried.
The preparation he received for secondary
school proved invaluable. Thimo explained
that ELA’s approach to learning gave him
confidence in both academic and personal
development. He reflected, “It prepared me
so well that I had zero problems in secondary
and still now in Gymnasium I sometimes think
back to certain calculations and grammar we
learnt.”
“ELA prepared me so
well that I had zero
problems in secondary
and still now in
Gymnasium.”
Before closing, Thimo expressed his
gratitude. “I would like to thank all
teachers and classmates who
accompanied me on my path. It has truly
been a pleasure and an honour to work
with you. Please as a school stay the same
cheery place I remember.”
For Thimo, ELA Basel was more than just a
school—it was a community that nurtured
his abilities, instilled lasting values, and
prepared him for both academic success
and life beyond the classroom.
Thimo and his team celebrate scoring a
point during a recent vollyball tournament.
Looking to the future, Thimo is combining his
academic pursuits with his passion for
volleyball. He will join the Swiss professional
team Volley Schönenwerd, competing in the
highest league in Switzerland and hopefully
against international teams. Alongside this,
he continues his studies at Gymnasium Liestal
in the sports class, with three years still to go
before graduation.
Thimo with some of the former ELA Basel
classmates during their graduation.
6 ELA Connect

ELA BASEL HITS THE STREETS
FOR THE STADTLAUF 2025
ELA Basel joins Basler Stadtlauf 2025 in strong show of school spirit
On Saturday, 22nd November 2025, pupils,
families and staff from ELA Basel came
together to take part in the 42nd Basler
Stadtlauf — the annual city run through the
beautifully illuminated centre of the city.
The event attracts thousands of runners of all
ages each year, celebrating sport, fitness and
community.
The day began at ELA Basel’s Primary School
campus at Wildensteinerhof, where students
and their families met for warm pre‐race drinks
and snacks. Sports Coordinator and PE
specialist Jonas Müller guided the group
through a lively warm‐up, ensuring everyone
was ready for the race ahead. With smiles all
around, the runners proudly grabbed the ELA
Basel banner before making their way to
Münsterplatz, the official starting line.
It was fantastic to see runners kitted out in
their ELA Basel colours, many sporting branded
headbands, which made them easy to spot in
the crowd. Some of the younger pupils chose
to run alongside a family member, enjoying the
shared experience, while others ran with
classmates, showing teamwork and
encouragement throughout the route.
At the finish line, every participant received
a well‐deserved Stadtlauf medal,
celebrating their effort and determination.
The sense of achievement was evident on
every face as pupils and families reflected
on a job well done. It was a proud moment
for everyone, demonstrating the dedication
and school spirit that ELA Basel encourages.
A huge thank you goes to the ELA Basel staff
who volunteered before, during and after
the event, helping to make it such a smooth
and enjoyable experience for all. Their
commitment ensured the day was a
resounding success, reinforcing the strong
sense of community that runs through the
school.
By taking part in the Basler Stadtlauf, ELA
Basel not only promoted fitness and healthy
competition but also showcased the energy,
enthusiasm and togetherness of its school
community. It was a memorable day of fun,
determination and pride for everyone
involved.
Three generations of the Cavallino family took
part in the Basler Stadtlauf this year. TOP: ELA
Basel runners gather at Münsterplatz.
WATCH THE VIDEO
ELA Connect
7

LEARNING TO STAY SAFE
Our Reception students get hands-on experience learning essential road
safety skills with guidance from Basel-Stadt Polizei
Road safety is a vital part of our pupils’ education at ELA
Basel, and this year’s programme began in style with a very
special visit to our Reception class from Heidi, a Traffic
Instructor with Basel-Stadt Polizei.
Heidi spent the morning teaching our youngest pupils all the
essential skills they need to stay safe when crossing the road.
From stopping and looking both ways to understanding pedestrian
crossings, the children practised each step under her careful
guidance. The lesson was interactive and hands-on, with pupils
taking turns to demonstrate what they had learned, helping to
ensure the skills will stay with them as they become more
independent and travel safely to and from school.
The Reception pupils were fully engaged, asking questions and
showing enthusiasm as they practised crossing the “mock road”
set up in the classroom. The excitement continued when Heidi
took the children outside to the surrounding streets. Under her
close supervision, the pupils got to put their new skills into
practice and cross real roads safely by themselves, gaining
confidence in a practical setting while still having the safety of
expert guidance.
For many, it was their first introduction to road safety outside of
the family context, and it gave them practical experience in a
safe, supportive environment. A big thank you goes to Heidi for
sharing her expertise and keeping our little ones safe! As the
pupils move through the school, road safety education continues.
Heidi uses a model pedestrian crossing to
demonstrate crossing the road safely.
Older year groups visit the popular Verkehrsgarten, where they cycle on
a miniature road system complete with junctions, pedestrian crossings,
and working traffic lights. Here, they gain practical experience
navigating roads safely and confidently under supervision.
From Reception to upper primary, ELA Basel’s road safety lessons equip
pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to become responsible,
independent road users, keeping themselves and others safe every step
of the way.
WATCH THE VIDEO
8 ELA Connect

ELA CONNECT
STEM WEEK
W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 / 2 6
ELA Connect
9

ELA CONNECT
KITA
W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 / 2 6
BUILDING MATHS FOUNDATIONS
Discover how play-based learning at ELA Basel Kita helps our youngest
children to build confidence with numbers, shapes and patterns
Mathematics plays a central
role in early childhood
development, and at ELA
Basel’s Kita, it is woven
naturally into each child’s daily
experience.
From a very young age, children
are instinctively curious about
numbers, patterns and shapes.
They notice who has more, who
has less, and how objects fit
together. The Early Years
Foundation Stage (EYFS)
curriculum, which underpins
teaching and learning at ELA
Basel, recognises this curiosity
and uses it as the foundation for
meaningful mathematical
learning.
Within the EYFS, Mathematics is
one of the seven key areas of
child development and is taught
in a way that is practical,
engaging and age-appropriate.
In the Kita, learning focuses on
three core strands: Number;
Shape, Space and Measure; and
Patterns and Sequences.
Developing confidence with
numbers begins early. Children
learn to count reliably, recognise
numbers up to 10 and understand
that numbers represent real
quantities. These skills are
reinforced daily through playful
routines such as counting
children during morning register,
matching numerals on flashcards
to the correct number of objects,
and singing familiar counting
songs. These repeated
experiences help children build a
secure understanding of number
while having fun.
Children learn to group objects by colour and then count how many items
are in each set.
Shape, Space and Measure are
explored through hands-on
activities that encourage children
to investigate the physical world
around them. Sorting objects by
size, shape or colour helps develop
early classification skills, while
building with bricks or 2D and 3D
magnetic shapes strengthens
spatial awareness and problemsolving.
Children also explore
concepts such as weight, capacity
and volume through cooking
activities, pouring water, and filling
cups—learning by doing rather than
by rote.
Recognising patterns and
sequences is another important
area of early Mathematics.
Children are encouraged to spot,
copy and create patterns using
colours, objects, sounds and
movements. These activities lay
the groundwork for logical
thinking and prediction, skills that
will support later learning across
the curriculum.
Importantly, Mathematics in the
Kita is not taught in isolation.
Weekly planned Mathematics
activities are complemented by
spontaneous learning moments
throughout the day. Challege
cards and colouring activities
help consolidate understanding,
but the emphasis remains firmly
on interactive, play-based
learning.
Counting and matching is fun!
By embedding Mathematics into
everyday routines and play, ELA
Basel ensures that children
develop a positive relationship
with Mathematics from the very
beginning—one built on
confidence, curiosity and
enjoyment.
10 ELA Connect

ELLIOT FOLLOWS IN HIS
FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
One family shares a special story of legacy, care, and belonging at ELA Basel
For Benedikt Burckhardt,
returning to ELA Basel isn’t just
a nostalgic journey—it’s a
continuation of a family story
that began over 30 years ago.
Benedikt first joined the school,
then called Tiny Tots, in 1993 and
graduated from the Primary years
in 1999. Today, he is back at ELA
Basel, not as a student, but as a
father, watching his son Elliot
take his first steps in the same
classrooms that shaped him
decades ago.
“I’m always excited when I walk
into the building,” Benedikt
recalls. “The location may have
changed, but the atmosphere
and feeling are exactly the same.
Sometimes I’d honestly prefer to
stay for the day rather than go to
work.”
Benedikt’s fondest memories
reach far beyond the classroom.
From playing in the garden and
going on little excursions along
the Rhine to enjoying a sandwich
his mother made—which, to his
great disappointment, she never
quite managed to recreate again
—Tiny Tots left a lasting mark. He
still cherishes friendships from his
time at the school, including with
classmates he met at Tiny Tots,
and maintains a close
relationship with the founder,
Jeanne Darling, who became
both a family friend and mentor.
He remembers the teachers with
great fondness, noting the lasting
influence of Jeanne Darling,
whose guidance shaped not only
his school years but life beyond
them. “She had—and still has—a
huge impact on me,” Benedikt
says.
The school’s strong sense of
community played a pivotal role
in his decision to enrol Elliot. He
recalls that during a visit to the
Gartenstrasse campus, Katherine
Robinson highlighted the warmth
and family-like atmosphere of
the school. Benedikt felt that ELA
Basel was exactly the kind of
safe, fun, and caring environment
he wanted for his son.
Although it wasn’t initially
planned for Elliot to follow in his
father’s footsteps, the decision
ELA Connect
Former ELA Basel student Benedikt Burckhardt and his partner, Fluorine, with their son Elliot, who has followed in his
father’s footsteps and now attends ELA Basel Kita.
quickly felt natural. Benedikt’s
mother and sister, both Tiny Tots
alumni, immediately asked, “So
when does he start at Tiny Tots?”
For Benedikt, the choice was
simple—it just took a little
convincing of his partner, Fluorine
Branchu, which turned out to be
easy after their first tour. Elliot
soon became part of the ELA Basel
family.
“We hope he has
fun and feels
cared for—just as
I did at more than
30 years ago.”
Benedikt
Elliot has settled in beautifully.
Benedikt notes that his son is not
only excited to see Aurelia and the
rest of the staff each day but has
also grown more social with both
children and adults. “It’s wonderful
to see,” he says.
What makes the family atmosphere
at ELA Basel even more special is
the long-term dedication of staff.
Many of the Kita team members
have been with the school for 20
years or more. Their commitment
is a testament not only to the
positive environment experienced
by the children and their families
but also to the deep sense of
community that has developed
over decades among the staff.
This continuity reinforces the
family feeling across the school
and ensures that every child
experiences care, familiarity, and
connection from the moment they
join.
Looking ahead, Benedikt hopes
Elliot experiences the same joy,
care, and sense of belonging he
did. “Above all, we hope he has
fun and feels cared for—just as I
did at Tiny Tots more than 30
years ago,” he shares. Benedikt
also hopes that Elliot will grow
into someone who positively
contributes to society, trusting
that ELA Basel will lay the
foundations for that journey.
Reflecting on his own time at the
school, Benedikt offers advice to
today’s students: “Enjoy every
minute you have here—you will
miss it one day.”
For the Burckhardts, ELA Basel is
more than a school—it’s a family
legacy, one that continues to
reverberate across generations
and the wider school
community.
A young Benedikt (right) with one
of his Tiny Tots friends.
11

ELA CONNECT
KITA HIGHLIGHTS
W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 / 2 6

ELABASEL
EXPERIENCES
TO DISCOVER
6School enrolment not required!
ENGLISH EXPLORERS
We follow an official UK phonics
programme to build strong
foundations in English literacy. With
expert teachers and high-quality
resources, your child is supported
every step of the way. Join English
Explorers on Mondays and/or
Wednesdays.
VACATION PROGRAMMES
ELA Basel offers exciting, themed
Vacation Programme weeks during
most school holidays, including
Fasnacht, Spring, Summer, and October.
Open to all primary-aged children, these
Monday-to-Friday sessions are packed
with fun and engaging activities.
MUSIC LESSONS
ELA Basel offers private music
lessons with a qualified music
teacher in piano, violin, acoustic
guitar, electric guitar, and drums.
These one-to-one sessions support
skill development, creativity, and a
lifelong love of music.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
At ELA Basel, After School provision is
split into two sessions. The first
session (15:30–16:30) offers
supervised care with time for social
interaction and free play. The
second session (16:30–18:00)
includes a choice of structured
activities such as sports, reading, or
guided play, designed to encourage
engagement and teamwork.
THEATRE SCHOOL
ELA Basel offers Saturday morning
performing arts classes for children
aged 4 to 15, covering singing,
dancing, and acting. These sessions
build confidence, creativity, and
teamwork in a supportive, inclusive
environment.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES
Choose from over 25 structured
Enrichment Programmes designed to
spark curiosity through art, music,
dance, woodwork, science, sport, and
more. Running Monday to Thursday
from 15:30, and Fridays from 14:00,
these engaging activities are led by
qualified teachers.
ELA Connect
BONUS DISCOVERY
Why not book a visit to explore
all that our Early Years (Kita),
Primary and Secondary School
has to offer?
Visit www.ela-basel.ch to learn more
+41 61 313 05 80
office@ela-basel.ch
ELA Basel, Gartenstrasse 93,
4052 Basel, Switzerland

NURTURING YOUNG MINDS
FOR TWENTY YEARS
Aïssata inspires learning through dedication, kindness, and experience
Aïssata Thiam is celebrating a
remarkable 20-year milestone
at ELA Basel, where she has
devoted two decades to
nurturing and guiding young
learners in the Early Years.
Sitting down with us, she
reflected on her journey and what
has kept her so passionate about
her work.
“My studies in child development
and English guided me to ELA,”
she explained. “I immediately felt
at ease here—it felt like home.
What has kept me is that sense
of family and the way parents are actively
involved in their children’s education.”
Over the past two decades, Aïssata has
witnessed significant growth. She described
how the school began with small groups
across two centres before merging into the
larger organization it is today. Despite this
expansion, the focus on children’s readiness,
interests, and individual pace has remained
central.
When asked what sets ELA Basel Early Years
apart, she highlighted the warm, nurturing
environment and the genuine relationships
staff build with children and families.
The school’s multilingual staff, thoughtfully
designed environments, flexible wrap-around
care, and inclusive vacation programmes all
contribute to a daycare experience that
“feels like a family,” she said.
Aïssata takes great care to ensure children
feel safe and engaged. She maintains
consistent routines, uses positive language,
and encourages empathy and cooperation
through group activities. Challenges are
tailored to each child’s abilities to foster a
“can-do” attitude.
She also spoke warmly about
the school community.
Celebrating milestones
together and welcoming
family input has built longlasting
partnerships. Parents
often comment on the
professionalism of the staff
and the social growth of their
children, frequently describing
ELA as “a big family.”
Reflecting on her career,
Aïssata said, “We are not just
caring for the children, we are
helping to shape their
foundation for the future.”
She treasures moments spent with
families, from garden parties to birthday
celebrations, and looks forward to ELA’s
continued growth and expanding
services.
For Aïssata, the relationships she has
nurtured over 20 years have been just as
rewarding as the children she helps guide
—an enduring testament to her passion
and dedication.
14 ELA Connect

ELA CONNECT
WINTER FAYRE
W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 / 2 6
WATCH THE VIDEO

ELA CONNECT
ROUND-UP
W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 / 2 6
Our events warmly welcome both
ELA Basel families and families from
the wider community.
17th January 2026
Open Day - Primary &
Secondary School
(09:00 - 14:00)
17th March 2026
Expat Expo
(10:00 -16:00)
8th May 2026
Sprachen Flohmarkt /
Language Flea Market
(14.00 - 16.00)
Follow ELA Basel on Instagram and
Facebook for a behind-the-scenes look
at our teaching and learning. Discover
fun, exciting updates, special moments,
and the vibrant spirit of our community
—stay connected and share the journey
with us!
Learning through lung dissection
Recently, our Year 6 and Year 7 students
participated in an engaging biology
workshop focused on how living things
breathe. Under the expert guidance of Prof.
Dr. Ulrich Franke, students carried out an
animal lung dissection, observing real tissues,
organs, and systems they are studying in
Science and Natur & Technik. They identified
key structures such as the trachea, bronchi,
and spongy lung tissue, and explored how
oxygen enters the bloodstream while carbon
dioxide is removed. The workshop also
included discussions about careers in
Science and medical research, inspiring
students beyond the classroom.
A special thank you to Prof. Dr. Franke and
Frau Paget for this memorable experience.
Festive Bake-Off
a tasty success!
Before the holidays, our Early Years
community came together for the annual
Toddlers and Babies Christmas Bake-Off.
The event is a long-standing tradition
and a highlight of the festive season.
Families and staff contributed a variety
of delicious treats, creating a warm and
celebratory atmosphere for all. A special
thank you went to everyone who
participated, helping to make the event
a success. The children were especially
thrilled to welcome a very special guest,
Santa Claus, who added extra
excitement and festive cheer. The Bake-
Off showcased not only the creativity
and baking skills of the community but
also the spirit of collaboration and
togetherness. The event brought
children, parents, and staff closer,
fostering community connections and
marking a joyful start to the holiday
season at ELA Basel.
WATCH THE VIDEO
WATCH THE VIDEO
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Franke guiding Year 6 and 7 students
through an engaging lung dissection workshop.
Syngenta inspires
ELA Basel welcomed four guests from Syngenta,
Basel’s leading AgTech company, to speak with our
Upper Primary students about their work in STEM
and the innovative projects they are developing. The
highlight of the visit was meeting Byte, Syngenta’s
robot dog, which helps monitor seed and crop
growth. Byte demonstrated his abilities to walk,
wave, and shake paws, and several students even
had the chance to control him, making him dance
and move around the room. Visitors were impressed
by the students’ thoughtful questions and creative
ideas, connecting classroom learning with realworld
STEM innovation and inspiring young minds.
16 ELA Connect