Our School
Benedetto XV International School offers comprehensive programs for Early Years (Nursery and Kindergarten), Primary, and Middle School. Our qualified teachers, who are native English speakers, follow a curriculum that combines the British National Curriculum with the guidelines of the Italian Ministry of Education. Located in the scenic Castelli Romani, specifically in the heart of Grottaferrata, our school boasts modern facilities including multimedia classrooms, robotics and science labs, a gym, and a theater. With expansive outdoor spaces featuring age-appropriate play areas and sports facilities, students can enjoy a well-rounded educational experience. Additionally, our in-house canteen ensures freshly prepared meals for lunch. Experience excellence at Benedetto XV International School in the charming Castelli Romani region.
Early Years (0 to 6)
Early Years
In the Nursery and Kindergarten programs at Benedetto XV International School, all activities are conducted in English. Our teachers understand and accommodate the different ways children learn, creating engaging and inclusive learning experiences. Through play-based learning, children develop their English language skills while exploring and making connections. Our teachers provide support and adapt their methods to meet individual learning needs, fostering a love for learning and promoting holistic development.
Three characteristics of effective teaching and learning are:
- Play and exploration: Children engage in investigative and experiential activities, allowing them to explore and discover new things while encouraging a hands-on approach.
- Active learning: Children are encouraged to concentrate, persevere, and overcome challenges they encounter, fostering a sense of determination and enjoyment in their achievements.
- Creating and thinking critically: Children are given the freedom to develop their own ideas, establish connections between concepts, and employ strategies to solve problems, promoting critical thinking skills and independent thought.
NURSERY
In EARLY YEARS settings, educational programs are shaped by seven key areas of learning and development. These areas are vital for igniting children’s curiosity, fostering enthusiasm for learning, and nurturing their capacity to learn, build relationships, and thrive. They are interconnected and play a crucial role in laying a strong foundation for children’s holistic growth and development.
Educational programmes involve activities and experiences for children, as follows:
- Communication and language development: involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations
- Physical development: involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children are helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food
- Personal, social and emotional development: involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities
KINDERGARTEN
In addition to the further development of the activities begun in NURSERY, in KINDERGARTEN we introduce:
- Literacy development: involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children are given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest
- Mathematics: involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measure
- Understanding the world: involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment
- Expressive arts and design: involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology
For children whose home language is not English, teachers will take reasonable steps to provide opportunities to support their learning. They also ensure that children have sufficient opportunities to learn and reach a good standard in English language during the EYFS: ensuring children are ready to benefit from the opportunities available to them when they begin Primary. When assessing communication, language and literacy skills, teachers will also assess children’s skills in English.
Primary School (6 to 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.
Middle School (6 to 11)
At Benedetto XV Middle School, we have developed a curriculum that seamlessly blends the guidelines of the British National Curriculum with the requirements of the Ministry of Education (MIUR). This integration allows us to provide our students with a well-rounded education that meets both national and international standards.To ensure a comprehensive language learning experience, 70% of our lessons are conducted in English. This approach not only supports English language proficiency but also prepares students for further education in line with global standards. By offering a balanced curriculum that incorporates both national and international perspectives, we strive to provide our students with the best possible educational foundation for their future endeavors.
Our goal is to foster our students’ educational, cultural and personal development in ways that could lead them to high school with confidence.
The subjects are:
English,STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), History, Geography, French, Art and Design, Computing, Coding and Robotics, Music, Physical Education.
STEM education and laboratory teaching
STEM education is an integral part of our curriculum at Benedetto XV Middle School. Through the use of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we foster students’ inquiry and critical thinking skills. Our science and coding/robotics laboratories provide hands-on learning experiences that encourage collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.
At the end of each school year, our students have the opportunity to take an eligibility exam at a local Italian school. Additionally, at the end of the first cycle of education, they will sit for the state exam. Throughout their three years in middle school, students may also choose to take the Cambridge (ESOL) PET and First (FCE) exams, further enhancing their language proficiency and academic achievements.
We strive to provide our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for their future endeavors.
Teaching Method
At Benedetto XV, we follow a dual curriculum that aligns the guidelines set bi the British Government and the Italian Ministry of Eduction (MIUR). This unique approach allows us to create a meaningful connection between the two cultures and integrate various academic disciplines.
We prioritize the development of our students’ organizational skills and public speaking abilities by fostering collaboration in pairs, groups, and individual work. This approach enhances their interpersonal and mediation skills, which are essential for achieving academic goals and practicing valuable life skills.
We believe in active learning, where students actively engage with the subject matter and are encouraged to think critically and deepen their understanding. Our students seamlessly navigate between multiple languages, as we promote fluid learning and encourage them to express themselves effectively in various languages.
By blending the best practices from both educational systems, we provide our students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in a globalized world.
Our Certifications
