Academics

Benefits of Bilingualism

More than half of the world’s population is bilingual to some extent, speaking more than one language is therefore the norm rather than the exception. People tend to think that bilingualism is simply the ability to speak two languages. That is certainly part of the picture, however, at OIS bilingualism also incorporates the ability to read and write and think in both languages, as well as have a sound understanding and appreciation of the cultures of both countries. Each year group has English and Italian mother tongue class teachers. This combination allows the students to benefit from two different teaching systems, accelerating their progression and broadening their learning experience. Learning a second language provides several advantages, not only for the individual, but for society itself.

Personal Advantages

Self-esteem, flexibility and adaptability, confidence in social relations and better interpersonal skills.

Communication Advantages

Wider communication within the community, international links, employment, literacy in two languages.

Cultural Advantages

Broader cultural understanding and multicultural sensitivity, “two worlds of linguistic experience”, greater tolerance and social harmony.

Classes

enter ois world

Class Placement Chart

EARLY YEARS	PRIMARY SCHOOL	English club
NURSERY (age 3-4)	YEAR 1 (age 5-6)	YEAR 7 (age 11-12)
RECEPTION (age 4-5)	YEAR 2 (age 6-7)	YEAR 8 (age 12-13)
	YEAR 3 (age 7-8)	YEAR 9 (age 13-14)
	YEAR 4 (age 8-9)
	YEAR 5 (age 9-10)
	YEAR 6 (age 10-11)

EARLY YEARS

The early years classes (Nursery and Reception) at OIS follow the Early Years Foundation Stage. Lessons in the Nursery, Reception (and Year 1) classes are taught exclusively in English. We strongly believe in the importance of students gaining a solid foundation of English to prepare them to face the bilingual programme later on. We consider the early years as the fundamental starting point to their journey through the primary school. Each class has an English mother tongue teacher and is supported by an English or Italian mother tongue teaching assistant depending on the age and the number of students in the class. Specialist teachers in music, art and physical education also contribute to the teaching.

Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage.

PRIMARY SCHOOL

OIS follows a completely bilingual and bicultural curriculum in the truest sense. Here the broader over-arching objectives of the Italian national curriculum are seasoned with, and diversified by, the more prescriptive and increasingly ambitious requirements of the English national curriculum. This approach enables us to offer the best of both systems in terms of content and teaching methods. OIS aims to prepare children for a world that not only places a high value on educational achievement, but also on artistic flair, social awareness, independence and diversity. Children are given the opportunity to test and develop their talents across a broadly based and academically stimulating curriculum that promotes intellectual, artistic, aesthetic, physical and social development. To find out more click on the links below:

The national curriculum in England. Key stages 1 and 2 framework document.
Indicazioni nazionali per il curricolo della scuola dell’infanzia e del primo ciclo d’istruzione.

English club

OIS offers our graduates the possibility of continuing their studies in English when they move into secondary school. English Club is a three-year program consisting of 5 hours of study per week and taking students through Key Stage 3 of the English national curriculum. At the end of each academic year, students take the Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 Optional Tests in English to assess their progress and fluency in reading and writing. In addition to the key stage exams of the English national curriculum, our students who frequent English Club also have the opportunity to gain the Cambridge assessment certificates. Although Cambridge offers a second language approach to learning English, we are aware that the Cambridge levels are recognized around the world, as its qualifications and tests are aligned with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The national curriculum in England. Key stages 3 and 4 framework document.