International H-Farm School
Description of International H-Farm School
- Location: Venice, Vicenza, Rosa, Italy,
- Founded: 2005,
- Number of students: about 665,
- Language of instruction: English, Italian,
- Type: co-educational.
H-FARM International School, located just 10 minutes away from Venice Marco Polo airport, is a co-ed, day and Boarding school that offers three of the International Baccalaureate's educational programmes: PYP, MYP and DP.
The H-FARM International School is part of H-FARM, the most important innovation hub in Europe, with a strong DNA of digital technology, creativity and entrepreneurship. We offer International Baccalaureate Programmes with a wide range of bespoke innovative learning modules which leverage technology for learning. The goal is to prepare our students to become conscious, sensitive, attentive, and curious global citizens. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare students to operate confidently and successfully in a rapidly changing world.
The school is located within the Campus of H-FARM. The sprawling, 51-hectares Campus boasts world class services for both its boarding and day students. H-FARM students have access to full-service Boarding facilities (which were recently certified by the BSA), an indoor and outdoor sports complex, a fully-equipped gymnasium, a coffee shop and restaurant, a library with communal study areas, a radio station, an astronomy observation station, innovative science and Virtual Reality laboratories.
Last school year, we welcomed more than 170 new students and more than 140 Boarding students from 20 different countries and representing all 6 continents. Boarding students are cared for by several Residence Life coordinators, who also arrange weekend excursions and activities that allow students to enjoy the natural and cultural attractions of our geographic area.
Educational process
A few facts about the International H-Farm School educational system:
- The unique approach to teaching sets H-Farm apart from other schools. One of its most distinctive features is an ecosystem that harnesses the power of research and innovation to meet the educational needs of young people. Over time, H-Farm has developed its own individualized approach that combines the IB system with a variety of elements to encourage students to develop interpersonal skills,
- Personalized learning, through which students' self-realization, independence, creativity, self-confidence are encouraged,
- The empowerment of teachers is expressed in the teaching staff themselves – the institution recruits passionate, caring, creative teachers who understand the needs of their students, treat them with empathy and respect. Teachers are always open to new ways and methods that can be put into practice during lessons. They do not follow once and for all set rules or structures, instead applying the "servant-leader" philosophy: teachers put themselves at the service of their students by emphasizing the teaching rather than the lesson,
- Accessibility and inclusion, which means that information is accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities. H-FARM International School, which is an outstanding Apple school, provides its students with state-of-the-art electronic devices equipped with a variety of features that allow access to digital information from anywhere, at any time.
Faculties and colleges
The institution has three campuses and four academic departments for children of different ages:
- Pre-Nursery,
- PYP — Primary Years Programme,
- MYP — Middle Years Programme,
- DP — Diploma Programme.
Things to know about
The letter H in the name of the institution stands for Human: the school community aims to get to know each student, discover their individual characteristics, and develop their strengths.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in International H-Farm School
Pre-Nursery & Early Years Programme
- Age – from 17 months,
- The duration of the training is three years.
The program for the youngest pupils corresponds to Italian pre-schools, covering the first three years of the IB program for the primary department.
The kindergarten is divided into three departments based on the age of the students to ensure a step-by-step development, comfortable environment for each pupil.
Age of students in groups:
- Explorers, Adventurers: 2 to 4 years old,
- Navigators: 4 to 5
- Inventors: 5 to 6
Much attention is paid to the development of children's language skills. Each class is supervised by a native English teacher, a bilingual assistant. In this way, students, immersing themselves in a multilingual and international environment, expand their horizons and get used to the diversity of the world.
The teaching method used during the first three years is based on the Reggio Emilia approach. Educators focus on the child as a unique individual who is able to learn independently by interacting with peers, teachers, and parents. Through direct experimentation and dialogue, children are encouraged to find answers to their questions in a space created especially for them. Parents are allowed to take an active part in the development of their children, provide an opportunity to support them in the first steps of their educational journey.
Some facts about the program:
- Children are welcomed in a familiar, relaxed environment where teachers appreciate the uniqueness of each child,
- Parents can leave their child under supervision from 8:00 a.m. The class teacher will take care of them before the start of classes. Pupils can also stay at school after school until 17:00,
- Special attention is paid to the youngest students. In the Pre-Nursery classroom, the teacher-child ratio is 1:6 to provide the best possible care, support for their growth,
- Every day, students are provided with snacks for lunch, during the break. The menu is designed by a nutritionist, meals are prepared daily,
- Every week, the children take part in a psychomotor session under the guidance of an external specialist,
- Art workshops, a library, performing arts, music - all conditions have been created in the classrooms for the versatile development of the youngest pupils.
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- Age – from 6 years old,
- The duration of the study is five years.
The primary school curriculum focuses on the social, physical, emotional, cultural development of the child, on positive progress in education.
Each class has a class teacher and teachers of music, physical education, and Italian. All teachers have undergone special training in the IB program for teaching in the primary grades, all lessons, with the exception of Italian, are taught in English.
During each academic year, PYP students study six research modules. Each module is dedicated to a different transdisciplinary topic, through which students develop their horizons, learn many new and interesting facts about the world, life, and people. In addition to studying study modules, students are constantly developing basic skills and knowledge, such as mathematics, grammar, and others.
A first-time English learner participates in a paid language support program for several semesters. Specialized English classes in small groups help them develop their language abilities, allowing them to access the curriculum, fully participate in classroom learning.
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- Age — from 11 years old,
- The duration of the study is five years.
The secondary school curriculum is in line with the Italian school system, consisting of 40 hour-long lessons per week, 11 of which are developed in collaboration with the H-FARM network and are supported by the use of advanced technology.
The curriculum includes 11 one-hour lessons:
- Five Lessons – Fine Arts, Design Techniques
A program developed in collaboration with the BigRock H-FARM computer graphics school to develop creativity using all possible artistic tools: from paper to plasticine, from drawing on iPad to 3D modeling.
- 4 lessons – Natural Science
Half of the classes are held in scientific and technical laboratories using VR and AR.
- 2 lessons – Computer Science
Studying this subject promotes computational thinking, that is, the ability to solve increasingly complex problems by following a logical process.
In addition to the program, the system offers an additional English/Math lesson as an aid to those who have difficulties in learning the program.
At the end of the eighth grade, all students take a national test at an Italian public school to obtain a certificate of completion of the first stage of secondary school. This choice is neither mandatory nor necessary, as students automatically receive the equivalent of their H-IS diploma if they are confident that they will continue their studies in the IB program. From 2016 to 2019, all students successfully passed the exam, receiving an average score higher than the national average: 8.4 instead of 7.2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
- Age — from 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is two years.
The two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Program gives students access to the best universities in Italy and around the world.
A rigorous, academically challenging, balanced curriculum designed to prepare teenagers consists of three main elements and six subject groups. The student will have to choose three courses to study at the advanced level and three to take at the standard level. High-level disciplines will require 257 classroom hours over two years, while standard disciplines will require 160.
- Language, literature: Italian, English,
- Language Acquisition: Italian, Mandarin, English, Spanish,
- Individuals, Societies: Business Management, Economics, History, Philosophy,
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics,
- Mathematics: Application and Interpretation, Analysis and Approaches,
- Arts: Fine Arts.
Three mandatory elements will lead a student to the IB Diploma:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is designed to provide students with an opportunity to reflect on the nature of knowledge, on the question "How do we know what we claim to know?"
- An extended essay is an independent study that results in a 4000-word paper that allows students to acquire the necessary skills for university research, writing,
- Creativity, Activities, Services (CAS) – Allows students to improve their personal development through hands-on experiences, taking on new challenges outside of school.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Through the Boarding service, H-FARM International School offers its students the opportunity to live in the new student residence located within the H-FARM Campus, either 5 or 7 days a week. Since October 2022, the BOARDING SERVICE HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY ACCREDITED BY THE BOARDING SCHOOLS’ ASSOCIATION. Located two hundred meters from the school building, THE STUDENT RESIDENCE CONSISTS OF TWO RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS overlooking a central green park, sports facilities, and the large library. The residence is also next to an area dedicated to common services, for a total area of over 4 thousand square meters. It can accommodate up to 238 BEDS, divided into single, double and dedicated accommodation for students with disabilities.
Activities International H-Farm School
Thanks to the modern, diverse infrastructure of the campuses, students have access to open, indoor spaces for the development of their interests and abilities, the implementation of projects and ideas. So, on an area of more than 5000 square meters, group and individual education in several dozen sports areas, including tennis, football, skateboarding and others, are held in the open air. The territory of 1600 square meters of indoor spaces allows you to devote time to a healthy lifestyle by visiting gyms, game halls.
In addition to playing sports, living on campus allows students to have access to many CAS or SA opportunities, such as participating in a radio program, ambassador events at school events, corporate events, organizing weekend trips, or activities in themed clubs. Each initiative proposed by the students is supported and encouraged by the team of educators. In addition, for the additional development of students, the Sparx team of H-FARM Education offers several additional classes, the use of laboratories for children, teenagers during school holidays, in the summer season.
Teachers of the institution conduct daytime school circles for children of preschool and primary school age. Meetings take place from 15:15 to 16:15 and include, for example, dance, theater, programming, robotics, photo club, podcasting, comics, ethics and creativity club.
All students at the end of the school day can take part in organized extracurricular activities on campus or nearby facilities. Suggested activities include:
- Sports: volleyball, basketball, aerobics, gymnastics, karate, tennis, judo, horse riding, yoga,
- Creative: cooking, photography, guitar playing, drama.
During the week, the residency team organizes evening activities where children can have fun, be together, relax, and learn new things. Students staying in the boarding house and on weekends have time for homework and hobbies, visiting different cities, meeting friends. On a regular basis, teachers organize group trips to cities, to nature: to the mountains or to the beach.
After-school activities may vary depending on student preferences and the number of participants gathered for each activity.
Career guidance offers expert support, from choosing subjects at the higher education level to applying to universities around the world. Staff help younger students choose DP subjects, paying special attention to their interests, predispositions. All information is discussed and provided to the parents of students at weekly meetings and extracurricular meetings. During the diploma program, students receive guidance on exploring higher education options, preparing application materials, and the enrollment process in various countries with a focus on the UK, USA, and Europe. Support is offered in all areas, including in case of interest in studying in regions and countries such as Asia, Canada, Australia.
Advantages
- Accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs,
- One of Apple's 500 Outstanding Schools in the World,
- One of the first institutions of the Association of International Baccalaureate World Schools in Italy (AIBWSI),
- Modern academic conditions, including the use of virtual reality and other innovative technologies,
- Career guidance services,
- Involvement of parents in the educational process: work in laboratories, at events,
- 30% of the total number of students are international students of more than 50 nationalities,
- A comfortable residence on campus with several formats of accommodation.
Facilities and equipment at International H-Farm School
International H-Farm School is located in Venice, on a campus of 51 hectares, boasting world-class infrastructure. Students have access to a variety of buildings:
- Full-service residences,
- Indoor sports complex with games, gyms,
- Open fields for team sports,
- Café, dining room,
- Library with shared classrooms,
- Radio station
- Specialized laboratories, including those in the areas of astronomical observations, innovative science, virtual reality,
- Classrooms with interactive whiteboards, projectors, computers.
In the open area of more than 5000 sq. m. there are:
- Two multi-purpose playgrounds,
- Two tennis courts,
- Football field,
- Rugby field,
- Skatepark
- Pump track for BMX,
- Baseball Stadium.
The Vicenza campus is a new department for children from 17 months of age. There are rooms for the development of toddlers, older schoolchildren and graduates. Since 2018, the educational area in Vicenza has been part of a network of international schools, offering programs for all school stages. The campus is located in the city center, which allows students to easily access attractions, public, and entertainment complexes.
The institution has an academic playground in Rosa, where children from 5 to 13 years old are accepted for study. This campus is the only Cambridge International School in the entire region. The educational buildings are located in the vast Villa Segafredo, near Bassano, Asolo, Castelfranco.
Admission dates and extra charges
The academic year lasts from September to the end of June. Students attend classes on weekdays, weekly weekends, holidays, vacations are allocated for rest.
Some of the vacation dates are:
- 1 November-5 November,
- 22 December-7 January,
- 21 February-1 March,
- April 15-25.
All students are required to leave the school during the school closure period: usually the week of September to October, the Christmas holidays, the week at the end of February, and the week of Easter.
The annual fee includes tuition, lunches, study materials, stationery (PYP only), access to online learning platforms, welcome kit with school uniform. The price does not include:
- Residence
- Use of technology,
- Transport
- Activities
- School trips,
- Language and other support services,
- Additional form of clothing,
- Passing final exams,
- Health insurance.
Upon admission, new students must pay the entrance and registration fees.
Enrolment process
The admission procedure consists of several stages:
- Visiting the campus or communicating with an H-Farm representative online,
- Submission of applications, documents remotely or on campus,
- Payment of the entry fee,
- Attending tests in English, Mathematics and Class Leader interviews,
- Payment of the registration fee,
- Completing the registration by filling out the final documents, applying for a scholarship, booking accommodation in the residence, requesting language support,
- Start of education.
Enrollment at any of the school's campuses is possible throughout the academic year, subject to class availability. It is also possible to pre-register one student for subsequent admission dates.
Enrolment statistics
For the 2023-2024 academic year, 170 new students were admitted.
Perspectives
The number of graduates today is about 120 people. Most high school students do well in exams, reaching between 33 and 40 points and above.
A few facts about the graduates:
- More than 80% of students are accepted to the first university on their list of choice,
- 31% of students choose to continue their education in the field of economics, business,
- 98.8% of high school students graduate on time,
- 97% is the average passing score,
- More than 50 universities around the world have accepted the school's graduates.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Applicants to programs at International H-Farm School must provide:
- Personal documents: passport, birth certificate, health insurance, certificate of mandatory vaccinations, visa or residence permit,
- School reports for the last two school years.
There are no specific requirements for the level of English language proficiency for applicants, but there are approximate levels with which it will be easier for the child to integrate into learning:
- MYP: A2 for the first two years of secondary school, B1 for the third,
- MYP 4-5, DP: B2-C1.
For those who do not have the necessary knowledge, language support is provided for an additional fee.
All documents must be translated into English and notarized.
Scholarships International H-Farm School
The school fund allocates more than €500,000 for the payment of scholarships. The awards are given to particularly successful, talented, motivated students with the highest performance among their peers. Some scholarships are allocated to families in difficult financial situations, covering up to 100% of tuition fees.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about International H-Farm School
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
