Frequently Asked Questions
OIS welcomes children and young people from 6 to 13 years old, covering the Primary School (ages 6–11) and Middle School (ages 11–13). The educational journey is designed to give pupils a seamless educational journey from ages 6 to 13.
OIS is located in Fagnano Olona (VA), at Via XXV Luglio.
Educational Model
OIS adopts a socio-constructivist approach that places the student at the centre as an active participant in building their own knowledge.
The model is based on Inquiry-Based Learning, turning natural curiosity into a drive to learn, through cycles of research, testing and synthesis. We apply a “spiral model” where fundamental concepts are revisited and explored in greater depth over the years.
Learning isn’t about passively taking in information — it’s a process of active enquiry, using subjects as tools to build critical thinking skills. OIS follows a “spiral curriculum”, revisiting key concepts over time and exploring them in greater depth as students grow. This helps pupils build strong foundations and knowledge that lasts.
OIS uses formative assessment as a constant tool to monitor the journey, focusing on individual progress rather than just the final result. Teachers keep a regular record of each pupil’s progress, observing how they develop cognitively, emotionally and socially.
This allows teaching to be tailored to specific needs and encourages self-assessment to make students aware of their learning.
OIS focuses on emotional and social growth as an integral part of the curriculum. Through cooperative learning, group work, and constant dialogue with teachers and the pastoral mentor, children and students learn to recognise their emotions and manage conflicts with empathy. OIS provides a dedicated pastoral mentor and a counselling service open to both students and families.
It means experiencing school where the outdoor environment is a natural extension of the classroom and a rich space for learning. Students use the garden, the vegetable patch, and the Olona Valley area for scientific observations, mathematical activities, and sustainability projects.
Yes, OIS is part of the Becoming Education network, an educational project for children aged 0–13 that combines expertise, pedagogical research, and extensive experience. As part of this network, OIS benefits from shared teaching resources, ongoing research, and continuous professional development provided by the Becoming Academy.
Bilingualism
Yes, bilingualism is a core value and part of everyday life at OIS: from relationships to routines, and the very way of learning. Italian and English coexist naturally thanks to native-speaking teachers and an integrated teaching model that uses both languages as tools for communicating and understanding the world.
English is a language for interaction and a tool for understanding the world that is part of everyday life: from routines and relationships to the very way of learning.
Through the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) model and co-teaching, English becomes the natural vehicle for exploring subjects such as science, art, music, geography, and technology.
Thanks to the everyday presence of native-speaking teachers and qualified teachers, students get plenty of authentic exposure to English in real contexts, learning to think and communicate in two languages naturally.
No, previous knowledge is not required. Languages are learned naturally, just like the mother tongue, and OIS provides welcoming strategies, such as peer tutoring, to support those from non-bilingual backgrounds.
Yes, German is introduced starting in Year 3 of Primary School. In Middle School, German becomes a full curricular subject for 3 hours a week, preparing students for internationally recognised qualifications.
Yes, OIS prepares students for Cambridge English Qualifications, with preparation integrated into the school timetable from Year 2 of Primary School. For German, Goethe-Institut certifications (Fit in Deutsch A1) are provided during Middle School.
Timetable and Services
- For Primary School, drop-off starts at 8:15am and lessons end at 4:15pm
- For Middle School, lessons run from 10am to 1.40pm, with pupils staying until 4.30pm every Tuesday afternoon.
Yes, to meet the needs of families, OIS offers a pre-school service starting from 8:00am and wraparound care until 6:00pm or 6:30pm, depending on the school level.
Yes, lunchtime is an educational and social experience and meals are largely organic. In Middle School, canteen lunch is compulsory on Tuesdays and available on request on other days.
The Taste Club is an initiative where a group of parents help evaluate the quality of school meals by tasting them. Becoming Education also offers healthy eating workshops for parents who wish to take an active role as partners in the children’s wellbeing.
School-Family Relationship
At OIS, families are considered allies and an integral part of the same educational community. The relationship between OIS and parents is built on the Educational Shared Responsibility Agreement, based on trust, dialogue, and collaboration. Involvement takes place through regular parent-teacher conferences, sessions, and regular updates on each child’s progress.
OIS also provides a counselling service open to families for times when extra support is needed in their children’s development
OIS is an inclusive school that values the uniqueness of every student. Teachers are trained to manage Individual Education Plans (IEP/PEI) and Personalised Learning Plans (PDP), collaborating with specialists and the internal pastoral mentor to ensure success and well-being for everyone.
The pastoral mentor is a dedicated and consistent figure who supports teachers, families, and students. Their task is to analyse educational contexts, support curriculum planning, and strengthen the school-family dialogue to help every child grow as an informed citizen.
Visits and Enrolment
The best way is to book a personalised visit or participate in Open Days by filling in the contact form available on the Visit OIS page.
During the visit, you can discover the facilities, meet the team, and have an informal chat about our educational approach. It is also possible for your child to experience a “typical school morning” by participating in activities with the other students
The process begins by filling in a contact form. From there, the admission team will provide all necessary information and guide the family through the next steps.
Details regarding fees and enrolment procedures are provided during the introductory visit to the school or by filling in the contact form.
Start your journey at OIS
Come and discover OIS: book a visit or request information. We look forward to welcoming you!