Primary School
(Age 6-11)
At Benedetto XV International School’s Primary level, our educational practices prioritize the holistic development of every student’s knowledge, abilities, and critical thinking skills, while fostering their moral, social, and cultural growth. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates the National British Curriculum with the guidelines set by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR). With English as the primary language of instruction, we ensure that students attain proficiency in the four essential language skills: Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing.
Reading, Writing, and Math are integrated subjects taught concurrently in both English and Italian languages at Benedetto XV. Italian language instruction follows the guidelines set by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR). The allocated teaching time for Italian is similar to that of Italian schools, ensuring that our students can effectively achieve the primary school objectives specified by the MIUR. By providing a balanced language education, we aim to equip our students with the necessary skills in both English and Italian.
In the early years at Benedetto XV, Humanities (History and Geography) and Science subjects are initially introduced exclusively in English from Kindergarten through Grade 2. This approach aims to support language learning and enhance students’ vocabulary development. Starting from Grade 3, these subjects are divided into English and Italian instruction. Geography is taught in Italian, while Science and History continue to be taught in English. This division allows students to engage with these subjects in both languages, integrating the Italian and British curricula. By doing so, we ensure that all learning objectives outlined by both curricula are met.
At Benedetto XV, Information Technology is taught exclusively in English, serving as both a standalone subject and an instructional tool for other subjects. Our comprehensive IT curriculum includes a dedicated Coding and Robotics lesson each week. Our teachers receive specialized training and ongoing support from our dedicated IT team. They utilize a Creative Learning methodology, an innovative teaching approach that fosters invention, creativity, experimentation, and teamwork. Through the use of coding and robotics tools, students develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
We have specialized staff who teach music once a week. Our Music program encompasses both musical theory and a hands-on approach to learning different instruments. Students have the opportunity to explore various musical concepts and develop their musical skills. Our dedicated music teachers provide engaging lessons that foster a deep appreciation for music and nurture students’ talents and interests. Through our music program, students are encouraged to express themselves creatively and develop a lifelong love for music.
We dedicate two lessons each week to ensure our students receive comprehensive Physical Education and Sports instruction. One lesson is conducted by our experienced physical education teacher, while the other lesson is led by professional instructors who specialize in various sports.Our physical education program aims to promote physical fitness, develop motor skills, and instill a love for an active lifestyle. Students engage in a wide range of activities, including team sports, individual sports, and fitness exercises. They have the opportunity to explore different sports and develop their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.To provide a well-rounded sports experience, we introduce a new sport every three months. This allows our students to learn and practice different sports throughout the academic year, expanding their knowledge and proficiency in various athletic disciplines. Our goal is to instill a lifelong passion for sports and physical activity while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and overall well-being.
At Benedetto XV, we incorporate Chess into our curriculum, offering students the opportunity to learn and play the game once a week. Taught by a specialized teacher, chess provides a multidisciplinary experience that promotes attention span, concentration, and metacognitive skills. Through chess, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strategic planning, while also gaining important life skills such as patience and decision-making. Our chess program aims to make learning enjoyable while fostering cognitive development and a lifelong passion for learning.
In addition to our academic programs, Benedetto XV provides a diverse range of extracurricular activities that allow students to have fun and express themselves in various areas such as sports, art, and music. We believe in fostering a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics.
Furthermore, we offer students the opportunity to take the Cambridge ESOL examinations throughout their five years of primary school. These internationally recognized exams, including Starters (pre-A1), Movers (A1), and Flyers/KET (A2), provide students with a chance to demonstrate their English language proficiency and receive certification. This initiative supports our commitment to providing a comprehensive language education and preparing students for future academic and professional endeavors.