Not every student heading into a vocational career expects to sit a Cambridge English exam. Gianna Fliri is training to become a farmer in the Albula Valley, and she's preparing for the B2 First at the same time.
Her teacher, Daniela Falb of Schulen Albulatal, recognised that Gianna would benefit from the extra challenge and organised a small preparation group alongside regular classes. It's a straightforward example of what becomes possible when schools create space for language certification beyond the traditional academic track.
For teachers working with mixed groups of learners, Gianna's story raises a practical question: how do you stretch students who are capable of more, without pushing them toward a path that doesn't suit them? Daniela Falb's approach was to keep things optional and low-pressure, a small group, running parallel to regular lessons, supported by Swiss Exams. No redirection away from the vocational route, just an additional qualification that leaves more doors open.
The article below looks at how the collaboration came about, what motivated Gianna to take it on, and why English is becoming relevant even in fields like agriculture where you might least expect it.
Read the full article in German here: