Au sein de Collège Champittet, prevention education is treated as an essential part of a caring community. The school believes that educators must do more than support academic achievement; they must also help students develop the skills, knowledge and resources to care for themselves and others, both at school and in life. Through a structured programme of prevention workshops, student wellbeing, safety and respect are placed at the heart of the school community. These workshops equip students with tools to navigate everyday challenges, recognise risks and make responsible decisions, while also supporting their social and emotional development.
Prevention matters because young people today face a wide range of challenges, both online and offline. The approach is not about focusing on risks or worst-case scenarios, but about giving students coping mechanisms to handle difficult situations should they arise. As school psychologist Aline Allenbach explains, investing in prevention is essential because it allows the school to openly address sensitive topics without reinforcing taboos. She describes prevention as a form of education: the school faces reality and its difficulties while sharing the tools and solutions to deal with them.
The workshops address topics that reflect the reality of everyday life for students. These include road safety, digital citizenship, sexting, cyberharassment, respect, relationships and mental health. The programme is designed to support learners at every stage of their journey, helping children develop safe habits from an early age and building awareness through age-appropriate learning experiences. From responsible social media use and AI awareness to bullying and violence prevention, these subjects are addressed throughout the year. By tackling them consistently, the school aims to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of students while creating a positive school climate where all students feel respected and valued.
To strengthen its prevention programme, the school invites a range of external partners to deliver activities. These include the local theatre company Le Caméléon, the Pully Police and the digital awareness association Declick. From Primary to Secondary, all prevention workshops engage students actively rather than simply delivering information. Through interactive discussions, facilitator-led exchanges, theatre performances and role-playing activities, students come away with meaningful lessons and have the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on new information.
Prevention workshops are one of the many ways the school supports students' personal growth, helping them develop confidence, resilience and respect for others. Alongside regular safety drills and staff training, they form part of a wider commitment to putting student wellbeing first. The school believes that education is about nurturing the whole child. By providing students with the knowledge, skills and support they need to navigate an increasingly complex world, it prepares them not only for success at school but also for life beyond it.
The programme reflects a deliberate philosophy: prevention is not a one-off event but an ongoing form of education. By addressing sensitive subjects openly and with expert support, the school helps students build the confidence to recognise risks, seek help when needed and make responsible choices. This approach reinforces a positive school climate in which respect, safety and wellbeing are shared values across the whole community.
