School system
The future of education in Europe depends also from exchange of experiences and networking for better skills and competences over the national borders. School is the starting point: with this study visit participants get to know the Italian education system and its best practices, can assist directly to the lessons and exchange opinions with colleagues, experts, headmasters and decision makers. During the study visit participants visit private and public schools, national and local education authorities, universities. Not to mention the fact that participants also have the opportunity to make new contacts for transnational projects.
At the age of 14, 80% of Italian students choose which upper secondary school they want to attend: either liceo, that is a theoretical school focused on one specific subject area (science, languages, art or humanistic subjects), or technical school, which is specialised in fields such as electrical engineering and mechatronics, IT, agriculture, economics and gastronomy and tourism, or finally vocational school, similar to technical school but still more involved in lab lessons and practice. In all schools students must take some final examinations, which enable them to attend University. About 20% of students attend a school-based vocational training which combines theory and practical work and is concluded with a professional certificate.
The school reform „Buona scuola”, which came into force in 2017, foresees many important innovations such as more autonomy for schools and compulsory work experience for 17 years old students. In this way the Italian education system has to cope with big challenges concerning school organization, teacher qualifications and collaboration with enterprises.
As far as inclusion is concerned, Italy has had a pioneering role for more than 20 years. But challenges are always there for teachers: the percentage of Italian students who leave school prematurely is 3% higher than the European average. School must pass down also values like equal opportunities, intercultural education, active citizenship at local and international level, and always stay in step with our world’s fast changes.
The possible topics covered during the study visit are:
• Structure and functioning of Italian school system
• Teacher training and teacher hiring process
• Inclusion and equal opportunities in the class and at school
• Integration of students with migration background
• Strengthening students’ learning motivation
• Teaching and learning methods
• Preparation and implementation of practical experience
• Digitalization and multimediality in the class
• Active citizenship and civic education
• Parental work
• Career counselling for students and parents
The study visit programme is aimed at teachers, learning coordinators and management staff. In case of a group of at least 8 participants, dates and topics can be adjusted according to the kind of school the participants are interested in.
The duration of the programme can be decided individually and lasts between 2 and 5 days. Eurocultura also organizes the hotel accommodation upon request.
The programme takes place in Vicenza, Venice and Verona or Padua and leaves enough time to visit touristic sites and to taste Italian delicacies.