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primary school
in ROME
Britannia International School's international primary school in Rome welcomes children aged 5 to 11 and organizes this curriculum into two groups, following the structure of the British curriculum: Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7–11). The entire curriculum uses the UK National Curriculum as a framework for teaching and learning. During this stage, students explore a broad range of subjects: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Computing, Art, Drama, Music, Design Technology, and Physical Education (PE).
Within Grades 1–6, a team of qualified native English-speaking teachers plans the curriculum and shares expertise for the benefit of all children. The goal is to offer a broad and balanced curriculum, capable of supporting academic achievement in all subjects and offering varied opportunities, including through creative activities and extracurricular initiatives.
English: listening, speaking, reading and writing (Oxford Reading)
At the international primary school in Rome, the English (language arts) curriculum includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The guiding principle is that students use language, in all its forms, to think, learn, and communicate. Therefore, the school prioritizes this area in terms of time and resources. The curriculum uses Oxford Reading, a widely used program for language development, with a wide selection of books for all reading levels.
Social Studies, History, and Geography: Rome as an Educational Resource
In Key Stage 1, social studies includes areas that later branch out into subjects such as history and geography (as well as other fields). The school adopts an integrated approach suited to younger students, whose interests cross multiple subject boundaries. Topics are selected based on students' interests and available resources, with a primary objective: to build self-understanding and their role in the family and community. The school's location in Rome is enhanced as a unique local environment and a source of "living" historical material, with educational trips and projects related to the context.
For History in Key Stage 2, the focus includes developing an awareness of the past and its differences from the present, studying within a chronological framework, and understanding how we gather information about the past. In Geography, the multinational environment fosters first-hand experiences for students and families, broadening their understanding of different countries, lifestyles, and cultures.
Mathematics: Logical Sequence and Problem Solving
Mathematics is structured and logically sequenced. The curriculum takes into account different learning levels and paces, working toward a common core for the entire class and providing reinforcement for those who need consolidation and enrichment for those who can benefit from extension activities. The program aims to develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes: the emphasis is on mastery of skills and understanding of concepts, but also on the ability to apply what is learned. Therefore, many activities are hands-on and often based on problem solving and investigation.
Computing, music e art
In Key Stage 1, students learn to confidently use IT equipment and software to manage information and support problem solving and independent work in other curriculum areas. In Key Stage 2, the use of digital tools expands: students also use Word to record their work and learn to enter, store, retrieve, process, and present information. Older students are provided with supervised internet access to learn how to search for and select information and assess its relevance and usefulness.
Music is taught as a separate subject by a specialist teacher: group work is done on songs, developing a sense of rhythm and intonation. Older students also learn to read and play notated rhythms and participate in performances throughout the school year. Private piano lessons are also available as extracurricular activities.
In Physical Education (PE), the goal is to develop essential physical skills and social, emotional, and moral aspects: collaboration, respect for simple rules, the gradual introduction of competition as children grow, and the practice of locomotion and ball skills throughout the course.
In Art, students experiment with different approaches, working individually, in groups, and as a class; they explore tools and techniques for drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and sculpture. Art activities can be planned in relation to topics covered in other subjects, for a cross-curricular approach.
