Il sistema d’istruzione

l’asilo nido / la scuola materna The equivalent of nursery in the UK - children go here for 3 years, from the ages of 3-6. It is not compulsory.

La scuola dell’obbligo 5/6 - 18 anni

La scuola primaria The first compulsory school were pupils go aged 5 or 6. They go to primary school for 5 years. Everyone studies the same subjects.

La scuola media The Middle School where pupils go around the age of 10/11. Pupils attend Middle School for 3 years. At the end of the 3 years all pupils sit an Esame di Stato. The results will help them get in to their next school.

Le scuole superiori 14 - 17/18 anni

Le scuole superiori There are 3 main types: Liceo Istituto Tecnico Istituto Professionale

Liceo Subjects studied vary depending on the type of liceo (see below). Lasts 5 years. At the end of liceo all pupils sit an exam, known as the Esame di Stato or Esame di maturità. Passing this exams guarantees a place at university.

Types of liceo and typical subjects Liceo classico - latino, greco, italiano, storia, filosofia Liceo scientifico - biologia, chimica, fisica, latino, filosofia, geometria, calcolo Liceo linguistico - inglese, francese, spagnolo, tedesco, russo Liceo artistico - arte e disegno, storia dell’arte

Istituto Tecnico Focus on practical subjects: aeronautica, commercio, informatica, chimica. Normally lasts 5 years.

Istituto Professionale Specific courses preparing students for a specific job. Lasts 3/5 years.

La riforma scolastica The school system is currently under reform in Italy. It looks like the names of different types of school will be changing, along with the length of time spent in each stage.