Middle SCHOOL
OIS Middle School builds on the strong foundations laid in Primary School, preparing students for the next stage of their education with confidence, strong academic skills and proficiency in three internationally recognised languages.
Book a visitMiddle School is an important stage of growth and discovery. We support students as they develop academically, socially and emotionally so that they can move on with confidence to any secondary school, whether Italian or international.
Our curriculum meets the requirements of the Italian National Guidelines (Linee Guida Ministeriali) while encouraging students to become independent, confident learners.
Learning takes place in a bilingual and multilingual environment – Italian, English and German – it is enquiry-led and takes place through research, discussion, debate, collaboration and public speaking.
EDUCATIOnal model

The Middle School’s educational model, building on the Primary School, incorporates active learning approaches, inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary research.
Interdisciplinary learning remains at the heart of the programme. It broadens our students’ horizons and keeps learning relevant and engaging.
These are challenging years. Students’ social and emotional wellbeing is a key priority throughout these important years.
Our school meets this need: we provide a caring environment where every student feels listened to, supported and encouraged.
We help students develop the key competences identified by the European Union and prepare pupils to face their future paths with confidence and determination.
- Methodologies that foster independence, critical thinking and the ability to reason
- Interdisciplinary pathways that foster connections between fields of knowledge
- Workshop activities and practical projects
- Documentation and self-reflection as tools for personal development
CURRICULUM
The Middle School curriculum builds strong subject knowledge and transferable key skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, awareness and responsibility.
Particular emphasis is placed on STEAM subjects, which are taught in a multilingual environment: Italian, English and German. Science, Technology, Art and Music are taught using the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) approach, through learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and real-world understanding.
Curriculum design guides pupils towards the achievement of learning objectives and milestones through an effective method of study and work, which they can successfully apply in their future learning and life beyond school.

A multilingual school
At OIS Middle School, pupils study subjects in Italian, English and German. The language programme builds on the skills acquired in primary school and develops them towards internationally recognised qualifications.
Students use all three languages confidently to express ideas, present arguments and communicate effectively. Pupils develop a more informed approach to communication, open to the global dimension.
Bilingual Learning
English is a part of everyday life through CLIL activities (Content and Language Integrated Learning), research projects, presentations, workshops and opportunities for discussion.
Languages become tools for expressing ideas, arguing a point and articulating one’s thoughts.
- Immersive English across various subjects
- Reading, writing and speaking in English
- Mathematics and Science taught in two languages
- Presentations, debates and multimedia productions
- Science workshops and technology projects in English


Cambridge Certifications
Students are prepared for Cambridge English Qualifications, gaining internationally recognised certificates that reflect their growing confidence and proficiency in English.
Preparation for Cambridge English Qualifications is integrated into the school timetable.
Certifications:
- B1 Preliminary for Schools – End of Year 2
- B2 First for Schools – End of Year 3
Goethe-Institut Certifications
German is a core part of the curriculum: three hours a week throughout the three-year period, with a structured programme leading to Goethe-Institut certifications.
The Goethe-Institut is Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide. Its certificates confirm pupils’ language skills and are recognised by universities, employers and European institutions.
- Fit in Deutsch A1 – Y2

Outdoor education

Nature continues to play an important role in learning throughout Middle School.
Students carry out scientific observations, environmental investigations, data collection and design activities.
Outdoor experiences foster independence, responsibility and environmental awareness.
- Scientific experiments in the garden and the local area
- Environmental surveys and field data collection
- Civic education: exploring the themes of the 2030 Agenda, both in the classroom and beyond
- Sustainability and environmental protection projects
- Educational outings and interdisciplinary school trips
Emotional and social wellbeing (SEL)

Emotional and social development is an integral part of OIS’s educational programme. Through cooperative learning, guided dialogue and group work, pupils learn to recognise their own needs, to respect the views of others and to resolve conflicts.
The pastoral mentor supports the child’s development: they work with groups and individuals, support teachers and assist families at times when extra attention is needed.
The school has launched a specific project on bullying, cyberbullying and the responsible use of social media, featuring sessions for pupils and families, support from a psychologist and an educationalist, and a counselling service open to families.
- Cooperative learning and shared responsibility
- Projects that foster empathy and awareness
- Support service for students and families
Preparing for the Future

Autonomy, competence and relationships are the pillars that enable teenagers to find their own way.
Our aim is to help every student discover their strengths and make confident, informed choices about their future.
Our career guidance programme is structured around specific methods which, over the years, have helped every student to:
- Recognising your own learning styles
- Identifying aptitudes and strengths
- Understanding the origins of errors
- Developing an awareness of oneself and how one functions
This awareness becomes a personal roadmap that goes beyond simply choosing a sixth-form college, serving as a compass for turning your life into a happy journey.
Food education and Healthy Eating

From an early age, we encourage children to develop a healthy, positive and curious relationship with food, helping them build lifelong habits for wellbeing.
The school provides mostly organic meals, prepared by a certified specialist catering company.
School lunch is mandatory every Tuesday, when students remain at school for afternoon lessons. On other days, families may request the school lunch service if needed.
Taste Club
From an early age, we encourage children to develop a healthy, positive and curious relationship with food, helping them build lifelong habits for wellbeing.
The school provides mostly organic meals, prepared by a certified specialist catering company.
School lunch is mandatory every Tuesday, when students remain at school for afternoon lessons. On other days, families may request the school lunch service if needed.
La comunità educante
The Becoming model brings together students, families and teachers as one learning community.
Our community is rooted in the local area and connected to the environment. Families are welcomed as active partners in school life.
The educational partnership is built on trust, dialogue and collaboration.
- Regular parent-teacher meetings
- Presentation meetings
- Regular updates on learning
- School events and gatherings
A typical School Day
The school day blends independent study, teamwork, hands-on workshops, and outdoor learning. This structured yet flexible routine helps students grow into confident, independent, and effective learners.
| Timetable | Activities |
|---|---|
| 08:10 – 10:55 | Lessons and workshops |
| 10:55 – 11:10 | Break / interval |
| 11:10 – 13:40 | Lessons and workshops |
| 13:40 – 14:40 | Lunch and break |
| 14:40 – 16:30 | Return on Tuesday afternoon |
Frequently asked questions
Start your journey at OIS
Come and discover OIS: book a visit or request information. We look forward to welcoming you!