Is there really a new robotics classroom? Rumor has it there’s a school trip to Shanghai, right? Also, I heard Mrs. Aga and Mrs. Silvia in the school office talking about two foreign students who are supposed to be enrolling in the sixth grade. Do you know anything about this?
The Holden students are very curious; sometimes they eavesdrop behind doors, other times they ask the teachers questions directly to satisfy their curiosity. One of this year’s new features, which has particularly fascinated the students, is the robotics classroom. Yes, it’s a real classroom, equipped with a 3D printer, a monitor the size of a closet, LEGO Spike, Makey Makey, computers, and other boxes yet to be opened! It’s essential for kids to get acquainted with robotics.
Educational robotics introduces educational robots into the classroom: these are programmable machines designed to be teaching tools suitable for different learning stages. There’s something for everyone: simple, friendly-faced robots for elementary school children, robots to assemble and program for secondary school, and, for older children, even programmable boards that can be transformed into real robots through engineering processes. In short, robots are suitable for everyone, young and old alike: you just need to choose the right ones.
What else is new at Holden this year? Cambridge Lower Secondary! What is it? It’s an international educational program for students aged 11 to 14, developed by Cambridge International Education. It offers a curriculum focused on English, art, and technology, which complements the Italian ministerial curriculum, promoting critical thinking and active learning skills. At the end of the program, students can take the Cambridge Checkpoint assessment tests.
The Cambridge Lower Secondary program brings together Italian and international students. Many students from abroad choose our school, making international students a fundamental part of the classroom, a source of curiosity and discussion, and fulfilling dreams of visiting other countries. Inclusivity, diversity, and discussion are fundamental values that are part of our school culture.
And what about Chinese? This year, students are once again studying Chinese as a third language and have the opportunity to take certification exams at the Confucius Institute of Turin. Furthermore, an afternoon Chinese course has been organized with teachers from the Confucius Institute of the University of Turin, further enriching their educational journey. With the Confucius Institute, students can participate in language study trips to China, an experience that can provide essential linguistic and cultural skills in an increasingly interconnected global context.
This school year promises to be full of new developments and opportunities for Holden students! We look forward to welcoming you to our open days and open weeks to show you around our school!
