English primary classes in Italy for international students

The education system in Italy is controlled by the state, it directly depends on the Ministry of Education, which financially supports schools at all levels and controls education in private institutions. It also independently develops and then brings studying programs to educational institutions. They hire teachers (in all subject disciplines) in state-controlled schools for teaching positions through competitions.

The education system in Italy is divided into five levels: preschool, primary schools, junior high school, gymnasium and university. Below we will look at the basic facts about the Italian education system and study options for foreign children.

Unlike secondary education, higher education in Italy (academies, universities, etc.) have the right to a personal independent organization of the educational process, they independently make up educational programs, but are provided financially by the Ministry of Education. In most of them, in order to maintain a high level of education in the field of obtaining professions, final examination tests have been introduced. The modern education system in Italy is constantly being reformed in order to improve it. At the moment, another change is being carried out, designed to connect Italian studies with the pan-European one.

Studying in Italy, as elsewhere, has a step-by-step structure, where Italians study, starting from the most tender age and up to the acquisition of a profession. However, here the educational stages also do not end, because in this state the students can study additionally if desired. So, the studying scheme in Italy has the following structure:

• Preschool education – the studying is conducted for children aged from 3 to 6 years;
• Primary classes in Italy – designed for students aged from 6 to 10 years;
• Middle classes - designed for students aged from 11 to 13 years;
• High school – the studying is organized for students aged from 14 to 19 years;
• Lyceums – preparation of students for enrolment in the universities.

The upbringing of children in Italy begins, as in many others, from a young age. Already from 3 to 6 years old, kids can go to early development schools (scuola Matera). Little Italians learn to communicate with each other, play, develop physically in sports classes. During this period, the kids are laying the foundations of social adaptation and preparing for school.

Preschool education in Italy in many children's institutions is carried out according to the method of the famous M.Montessori. In addition to them, Catholic children's groups at churches are also widespread, where the education of children is entrusted to nuns. In addition to the main educational biases, special attention is paid to the education of spirituality, worldview, the basics of Christianity and faith. Here they adhere to traditional ways of education.

Primary classes in Italy teach students aged from 6 to 10 years. This is a free education in Italy, mandatory for all young Italians, such disciplines are studied here: reading, native language and writing in it, arithmetic, drawing, music and others. Religion is not a compulsory subject, it is studied on a voluntary basis. Educational schedules in elementary grades always include at least one foreign language. The study of children of this age lasts 6 hours daily and 5 days a week.

The grades are "excellent", "satisfactory", "good". It is noteworthy that in all schools of the first and second stages, children can receive inclusive education in Italy, i.e. children whose physical abilities are limited study in the same group with their healthy peers according to the general program. If this is not possible for a serious reason, then an individual schedule is created for such a child. Classes in schools are often large, with the exception of private schools in Italy, where groups of students are much smaller. In them, the subject program is exactly the same as in the state, but these institutions do not have the opportunity to issue their certificates. A child who has been studied in a paid private school will be required to pass exams in public schools.

Upon completion of studying in the best primary schools in Italy, the students take two types of exams in some subjects - oral and written. After that, they receive certificates of primary school graduates.

Secondary school in Italy (la scuola Media) is designed to teach teenagers aged 11-13 who have graduated from the first school stage. In addition to the main lessons, Italian, art, music, natural sciences and geography are added to the program, and they also do not forget to pay attention to foreign languages. Unlike the first five-year plan, exams are taken here every year, if a student passes them unsatisfactorily, then he remains for the second year.

When the studying at this stage comes to an end, the students pass written attestations in Italian writing and speech, foreign language, mathematics. In other subjects, the students also need to be certified, but already orally. With successful completion, the student can enroll in a higher school. Studying  at this stage is also free and compulsory.

Both primary and secondary schools use a 10-point scale, where 6 is the minimum passing score.

Evaluations are following:

• 9-10 – Ottimo (excellent)
• 8-8,99 – Distinto (very good)
• 7-7,99 – Buono (good)
• 6-6,99 – Sufficiente (enough)
• 0-5,99 – Respinto (unsuccessful).

Mr Steven Allen

Fyling Hall School Principal

What subjects are currently popular among students?

Subjects like mathematics, sciences, English language and literature, languages, geography, and history are highly sought after. 

To obtain primary education in Italy, the foreign student will need to pass an exam in English and basic school subjects. Also it is recommended to know Italian. In any case, Italian will be needed for everyday communication.

To enrol, the foreign students need to prepare the following documents:

• Online application;
• The child's identity card;
• Certificates that he was studied in the country of his citizenship;
• A medical certificate indicating the student's health status and a list of vaccinations.

In Italy, there is a list of mandatory vaccination. If there are no vaccinations, the school administration will notify the health department.