SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

In addition to the general objectives described in Secondary School, in the High School we also aim:

1. to develop skills, knowledge, self-respect and confidence in students so that they are capable of proceeding to higher or further education or employment
2. (for the first two years) to provide a broad and balanced curriculum based upon the British General Certificate of Secondary Education courses and examinations
3. (for the final two years) to provide programmes leading to the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which is approved and accredited by the Italian Government as being equivalent in status to the Maturità and which gives access to universities in Italy and all over the world.

The programmes of grades 9 and 10 are structured in order to give adequate preparation to follow the courses of the International Baccalaureate which will take place in grades 11 and 12.

ADMISSION POLICY

All courses at EISP lead towards the IB Diploma with little provision for students who would benefit more from alternative targets or substantial individual support.
There is an ESL support system although students who are beginners in English may be required to follow an intensive course before admission to the High School.
The most important criterion for admission is satisfactory academic performance in previous school. Any pre-existing difficulties in academic learning are bound to be complicated by working in a second language and we do not admit students if we believe that the combination of our academic programme in a new working language would not provide a suitable education or the possibility of graduating in grade 12.

Where we are in doubt about the suitability of our programmes for any applicant we sometimes admit students on a trial basis. The aim of the trial is to give a specific period to assess whether the student can be successful at EISP, ensuring that the trial is also short enough for him or her to transfer elsewhere if we find that our system is not appropriate for the student concerned.

THE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMMES GRADES 9 AND 10

For the first two years of the High School, we follow, on the whole, the courses for the General Certificate of education (GCSE), taking into account also the humanistic aspects of our culture. So besides Italian language and Literature we offer Latin, Art and Philosophy. In addition, students acquire a good base of knowledge and skills which serve as good preparation for the second two/year phase leading to the IB Diploma.

A distinctive aspect of a High School of this kind is the development of the ability to analyse and criticize, leading to a personal research project that utilizes students understanding and ability to draw together aspects of their studies. Certainly, the study and knowledge of subjects contents is important but equally important is that the students are stimulated and encouraged to give their personal contribution based on autonomous ideas about topics chosen with the subject teachers.

Although the main objective is to attain high standards in the academic subjects, we ensure that students develop all-round competency in the key skills of information technology, application of number, communication, working with others, improving their own learning and performance and problem solving.

COURSE DETAILS

English

This course links English and English Literature, includes a free anthology of poetry and prose for each student, places texts from different cultures and the study of a Shakespeare play in coursework and offers imaginative writing as a coursework task with a high weighting.

English Literature

This course provides a programme of study and a scheme of assessment which links with the English course (including opportunities for crossover units of coursework and a shared collection of poems for the examinations). It also provides a free pre-released anthology of lively and accessible poetry for each candidate, allows teachers to devise their own pre-1914 poetry coursework unit and it offers the option of literary non-fiction to replace modern poetry, modern prose or modern drama.

Italian (for first-language students)

This course has been designed to be a high-level course for students whose mother tongue is Italian or who will study Italian as their main (A1) language for the IB Diploma. It is assessed internally through coursework and final exams.
The course has a strong emphasis on literature and literature appreciation. Students are encouraged to think of their ‘audience’ when speaking and writing in addition to developing the other communication skills of listening and reading.
The rules of Italian grammar are consolidated and developed.

Mathematics

This course provides for three levels of assessment to suit all students and a choice of options for coursework.
All students take the higher level course, initially, and in the second year, the course is adjusted to meet their capabilities.

History

The course allows for a wide choice of options over the topics studied. Some are studied as outline studies, some as in-depth studies together with coursework.
There are, for example, outline studies whose chronology runs from the late nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century to give candidates a clear understanding of the key issues which have helped to shape the modern world. Also, there are outline studies permitting the study of individual countries e.g. USA, USSR/Russia, China, or world issues such as the Road to War (1914) and Conflict in the Middle East.
Together with in-depth studies complementing the outline studies e.g. USA (1929-41), Russia in Revolution, World War One, or world issues such as South Africa and apartheid or the Vietnam war.
Coursework focuses on the study of Britain in the twentieth century and enables candidates to understand the changing role of Britain during this time

Geography

This course emphasises a balanced understanding of physical, human and environmental geography, takes a thematic approach to the subject, and offers a choice of optional units which look in greater depth at selected themes, focusing on interrelationships between people and the environment.

Science: Double Award

This course represents two GCSEs, and is a combined course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The content is presented in three parts: Life Processes and Living Things, Materials and their Properties, and Physical Processes.
Both theory and practice are important elements of the course. The coursework is entirely to test experimental and investigative skills.
The ‘ideas’ of science and the importance of ‘evidence’ is spread throughout the course.

Latin

This course aims to convey elements of grammar and syntax needed to understand and analyse from stylistic and alternative forms of syntax, simple texts taken from works of the main authors.This allows the students to read important text of the Latin culture using a deductive method where Latin is still envisaged as an alive language.

Philosophy

This subject is studied both from a historical perspective and through a "problematic" approach.More than History of Philosophy, this course takes into account the position of various philosophers from the classic period to today regarding certain themes and problems of great interest. The students are encouraged to think, to discuss and acquire critical abilities, useful when approaching the Theory of Knowledge course for the I.B Diploma.

Art

This course encourages an adventurous and enquiring approach to art and design. Successful students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of past and contemporary art and design practice and be able to produce a personal response that embraces a range of ideas.

German/Italian/Spanish for second-language students

The main objective is to acquire basic communications skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in the context of everday activities.
Although linguistic competence is the key, the essential elements of grammar are not ignored.

Information Technology

I.T. is a key skill and is developed in a cross-curricular way. Students use information retrieval, data handling, text processing etc. via, for example, the internet, Word and Excel in all their subject areas. The school has a computer room for the exclusive use of the secondary school, and this is used constantly throughout the day for class projects or individual assignments.

Physical Education

This course emphasises practical skills, with 60% coursework. We study three activities plus Fitness Training. Analysis of Performance is integrated throughout the course. The theory examination covers three aspects: exercise and training, safety aspects and risk assessment in physical activity and sport and applied anatomy and physiology.

THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) DIPLOMA

For the third and fourth years of the High School, students follow courses that lead to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. This is an internationally recognised qualification that allows entry to universities and in Italy and all over the world. Furthermore, the diverse nature of the elements of the course make ideal preparation for students to become capable adults in an international society.

Students can choose to study a broad based combination of subjects in either of two alternatives: scientific or linguistic. These courses are approved and accredited by the Italian Government as being equivalent in status to the Maturità.

In addition:

1. Students take a course in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) which is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom.
2. Students participate in “Creativity, action, service (CAS)” in which they share their energy and special talents with others, for example, by participating in theatre or musical productions, sports and community service activities. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves, concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively with other people.
3. Each student writes an extended essay of 4,000 words. They have the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The essay requirement acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities.

Each subject course in the IB Diploma is studied at either a higher or standard level. To be awarded the Diploma, a student must take at least three courses at a higher level.
At the EISP the Italian students will have to take one of the following two alternatives:

the Scientific Option

plus TOK, CAS and Extended Essay

the Linguistic Option

plus TOK, CAS and Extended Essay

For the International students there is more freedom in choosing the offered subjects. That can be discussed with the IB Coordinator.

IB COURSE DETAILS

Italian A1
Higher level

The programme is the same for both the scientific and the linguistic options. This course is designed for students with a native or near native command of Italian. The study of literature is the main focus of the programme. As well as developing an appreciation of literature and awareness of different cultures through the comparative study of literature, the course also aims to promote an appreciation of the wealth and subtleties of the language and lead towards an understanding of linguistics. Given the international nature of the IB the programme does not limit the student to the study of just one culture. The study of world literature is an integral part of the IB programme and one hopes that the student will gain broadened and international perspectives of literature and human thought.

The specific aims of the course are:

1. to improve the students’ skills in oral and written proficiency
2. to encourage an appreciation of literature and an understanding of the techniques involved in literature criticism
3. to introduce students not only to classical works but also to a wide variety of contemporary work of differing literary genres leading to comparative study
4. to develop the ability to engage in detailed and critical examination of the texts
5. to provide the student with the means to express personal opinions and follow personal lines of research.

The final mark takes account of a written examination (50%) marked externally; two written assignments internally set and externally marked (20%); and an oral exam (30%) which is internally assessed and externally moderated.

English A2
Higher or Standard level

This is a combined literature and language course suitable for students with advanced language skills. The course aims to develop a variety of language skills and to promote an appreciation of the wealth and subtleties of the language. Assessment includes both written and oral work. At the higher level, the programme and objectives are the same as those for Italian A1.

English B
Higher or Standard level

This course is designed for students with some experience of the target language, for example, 4 or 5 years study. The main focus is on language acquisition but works of literary merit are also studied. Assessment includes both written and oral work.

History
Higher or Standard level

The course includes two topics from twentieth century history in a world dimension, chosen from a list including: Causes, Practices and Effects of War; The Rise and Rule of Single- Party States; The Cold War. Students also undertake a regional study covering a continuous period of about 100 years within the period 1750 to the present day. The most likely area to be studied is Europe including Russia/Soviet Union. The third part of the course in a piece of guided coursework. With the aid and advice of the teacher each student chooses a topic and must prepare an assignment of 3000 words.

Sciences

IB Science programmes all share the general aims of developing the ability to analyse scientific information critically and to recognise the limitations of scientific knowledge.
Practical laboratory skills are developed and collaborative learning is encouraged. Students develop an awareness of moral and ethical issues and a sense of social responsibility is fostered by examining local and global issues.

Physics
Higher or Standard level

Higher level physics is highly suitable for any student wishing to go on to study medicine, engineering or any scientific course. The core syllabus includes electricity, measurement techniques, mechanics, atomic physics, light and sound. Two options are chosen from astrophysics, medical physics, relativity or optics. There is a varied and interesting course of experimental work. This accounts for 24% of the final grade.

Biology
Standard level

The course aims to encourage a respect for all forms of live and to develop an awareness of the unique position of humankind in the ecosystem.
Topics covered include the biology of cells, the chemistry of life, Genetics, Ecology and Human Physiology. Optional topics will be chosen from the following possibilities: Diet and human nutrition, the Physiology of exercise, cells and energy, Evolution, Ecology and conservation, applied plant and animal science, Neurophysiology and behaviour.

Chemistry
Standard level

The course aims to convey the patterns and orderliness in chemistry, which when mastered allow the subject to be understood in a logical fashion.

Principles and concepts lie at the heart of Chemistry and understanding these is the key to explaining the facts. This is a not a courses that can be mastered by memorisation of information and rote learning. Throughout, concepts and principles are amply exemplified by experimental work, which is a basic requirement of the IB course.

The course is divided into 3 areas: Organic - the study of chemicals and chemical systems which have/had a root in our natural environment; Inorganic; Physical- the study of trends and anomalies in the groups and periods of the periodic table.

Mathematics
Higher level

The course aims to bring students to the understanding and use of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions, complex numbers, vectors, matrices, series, differential and integral calculus and the theory and application of descriptive and quantitative statistics including the use of the law of probability. These topics are included in Part I, the compulsory Core. In addition students will study one of four optional topics in Part II.

Mathematics is useful and necessary prerequisite for many courses in science, engineering, electronics and economics. The statistics component is also valuable in many branches of humanities as well as the sciences.

Mathematical Methods
Standard level

Mathematical Methods is a rigorous and demanding Pure Maths course designed for students who will go on to study subjects that have a significant mathematical content such as economics or business administration. The course includes functions, vectors, probability, statistics and calculus and presumes good algebraic skills.

French, German or Spanish
Higher or Standard level

This course is designed for students with limited experience of the target language. The main focus is on language acquisition but works of literary merit may also be studied.

Theory of Knowledge

The Theory of Knowledge course lasts two complete years and is assessed according to performance in an oral presentation and one written essay.
Apart from a general aim of introducing students to critical thinking, TOK has a specific aim in looking at the way that knowledge is defined, interpreted and generated across the range of disciplines that make up the IB.

This introductory course in epistemology covers the following main areas:

1. The Role of Language in Thought.
2. The Requirements of Logical Rigour for Knowledge.
3. Systems of Knowledge (Mathematics: Natural Sciences: Human Sciences: History).
4. Value Judgements and Knowledge (Moral, Political and Aesthetic Judgements).
5. Knowledge and Truth.

The Extended Essay

The Extended Essay gives students a chance to carry out a detailed and specific research project leading to a thesis of about 4000 words. Bonus points may be awarded towards the Diploma. The choice of topic for research is of central importance and is carried out in collaboration with the teachers. It must be a feature of one of the subjects studied towards the Diploma (and will usually be chosen from the student’s Higher Level options). It must have a very specific title that will enable the student to carry out first-hand research based upon original findings and interpretations rather than give general opinions from secondary sources. The choice of topic should be determined in close collaboration with teachers early in the second term of grade 12 and the thesis is completed after almost one year of work in December of grade 13. The Extended Essay gives an opportunity for genuine original research to be carried out and is in many ways the culmination of a student’s academic achievement in school.

CAS: Creative, Active, Service

Students should spend an average of 2-3 hours per week on this activity throughout their two- year IB course - although this average may include shorter intensive periods, for instance during vacations.
The aim is to include a creative and social component as a regular feature of the student’s life.
As its name implies, there are three aspects to CAS and each must be demonstrated in roughly equal proportions.
The Creative aspect implies that students should be involved a task or activity that stimulates their creative talents. It should also be Active, which is to say that the students must participate in the activity rather than be passive spectators. Finally, the student should be involved in activities that are of Service to the community, i.e. to other people, who will benefit from the initiatives undertaken.

Some students will be able to exploit talents that they have already developed. For instance, they might play a musical instrument or have reached a high level of skill in soccer or basketball.- but they will also have to put their skills to the benefit of the community, perhaps by training a sports team or teaching others to play their instrument. The scope for CAS is very wide. Services in school could include work for the magazine (design, lay-out, journalism, advertising...), helping to train junior sports teams, teaching English to new students or assisting with library, computer or artistic projects. Outside school, it is envisaged that students will have the possibility to work with hospitals, charity organisations or in other kinds of voluntary areas.

CAS is not examined, but involvement in CAS is carefully monitored and students must keep a record of activities undertaken with frequent checks by a teacher supervisor and by the CAS Co-ordinator.

CAS is one of the most stimulating features of IB and is a crucial part of the IB philosophy of providing a complete educational framework for the student’s final two years in school.

Physical Education

P.E. is integrated into the CAS section of the curriculum. As well as taking an active role in sports the students are also encouraged to organise events and assist in the running of them.