The Elementary School is composed of an educational cycle of six classes, - from Reception to the Year 5 - divided into Key Stage One (Reception, Year 1 and 2) and Key Stage Two (Years 3, 4 and 5).
Class teachers are responsible for teaching art, English, geography, history, mathematics and science; whilst there are specialist subject teachers for ICT (Information and Communications Technology), Italian, music and physical education. The elementary school plays a fundamental role during the transition of pupils from Nursery to Secondary School, guiding and following them in this important phase of learning and personal growth.
Aims and objectives
Within a safe, challenging and dynamic environment, EISP promotes an holistic approach, focused on the synergy between different aspects of personal development (academic, physical, social and emotional). Respecting each student’s first language, the school aims to encourage and guide students in their use of English. This process helps the development of effective communication, increasing students’ understanding and speech production, both in oral and written forms.
Curriculum
The school offers a fusion of the British and Italian curricula, exposing the children to diverse teaching methods; which includes differentiation, ensuring at the same time the requirements of the Italian school system are met. Extra-curricular activities are also offered in order to support enjoyment and foster curiosity in a dynamical context different from the classroom one.
Students are regularly assessed throughout the academic year on the concepts taught. The process of assessing English is at the end of every English unit taught, and this can vary from 3 to 6 weeks - approximately. Weekly spelling tests are administered, and the children are also assessed termly on their speaking and listening skills. Each child has an individual reading programme, and they are listened to weekly by a member of staff. Mental mathematics is tested on a weekly basis and periodically written assessments take place in mathematics too.
In key stage two, students are also assessed in geography, history, Italian and science to encourage methodical/systematic study habits, and to also assess progress.
At the end of each academic year, years 1 to 4 are subject to internal exams in English, Italian and mathematics; whilst the year 5 exams are administered by an external commission.
The Italian programme follows the ministerial guidelines respected in Italian state schools. Furthermore, EISP can offer international students the opportunity to learn Italian.