Exceptional Middle School Education in Como

IB Middle Years Programme (MYP1 to MYP5) - Ages 11 to 15

Within our Secondary School in Fino Mornasco, Como, students from Grades 7 to 11 follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), a broad and balanced international curriculum that aims to develop independent, entrepreneurial learners. The MYP provides externally verified results that serve as an alternative to state or national examinations, supporting applications and ensuring a smooth transition to post-16 education.

Taught entirely in English by expert teachers, the Middle Years curriculum helps students develop a deep understanding of major subject areas, additional languages, and non-traditional subjects such as robotics, emotional intelligence, and public speaking. This holistic approach ensures students are well-prepared to advance to the final stage of high school and navigate the challenges of the modern world with a strong foundation of knowledge and future-ready skills.

Why Choose Our Middle School in Como, Fino Mornasco?

Holistic

Two Programme Options to Suit Every Student

At our private Middle School in Como, students can choose either an International or Italian Strand within the IB Middle Years curriculum. The Italian Strand integrates the Italian Scuola Media Programme (including Italian language, humanities, literature, science, and mathematics), preparing students for the Italian State Exams, in which they consistently excel. These students receive a double qualification (IB MYP in MYP5 and Italian Licenza Media in MYP3), enabling them to continue their studies worldwide. In the International Strand, learners can opt out of these exams and focus more on core curriculum subjects.

Middle School learners attend classes together for most of their timetable, with each strand exploring concepts in parallel, ensuring they can all achieve their most ambitious academic and personal goals. 

A Holistic Preparation for Lifelong Success

ISC students receive a comprehensive education throughout the MYP. Our leading international curriculum is enriched with visual and performing arts, sports, computing, languages, public speaking, and socio-emotional development. Learners are also encouraged to join various extracurricular activities to cultivate their unique talents beyond the classroom.

Our focus on technology and robotics has led our Middle School students to excel in First Lego League competitions, winning regional and national titles and receiving international awards. This preparation paves the way for future careers in IT-related fields, equipping learners with the most in-demand skills to succeed.

Furthermore, students acquire multilingual skills through curricular and co-curricular language lessons, empowering them to stand out in our globalised world. In addition to becoming bilingual in English and Italian, they have the opportunity to learn Spanish, German, French, and Russian.

Comprehensive Student Support for Academic & Professional Success

Our students receive tailored support with university course options and career aspirations from Middle School. This support becomes even more significant once they reach MYP5, guiding their selection of the best possible subject combination for the IBDP years and ensuring a seamless transition into this final stage of their secondary education. Moreover, with a dedicated university counsellor and an experienced pastoral team, our students are prepared for a successful personal pathway, enabling them to secure a place at their first-choice university in Italy and internationally upon graduating from ISC.

Middle Years Curriculum

Our Middle Years education in Como offers a comprehensive and challenging curriculum based on the globally recognised IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). This international programme spans five years (MYP 1 to 5) and aims to provide a well-rounded education and personal development.

Our Lower Secondary programme is designed to foster increasing responsibility and autonomy in students, encouraging them to use their acquired knowledge, skills, and personal talents independently. The MYP curriculum provides a strong foundation in major subject areas and multiple foreign languages, ensuring that all students receive a rich and diverse education.

 

MYP Timetable

The weekly schedule consists of 35 lessons, each lasting 50 minutes, with some subjects having double lessons.

 

Preparation for Italian State Exams

As in the Primary Years, our Middle Years education at ISC includes preparation for the Italian State curriculum within the Italian Strand option. Students are prepared for the Esame conclusivo del primo ciclo in Grade 9, or 3ª Media, enabling them to obtain the Licenza Media qualification and progress to upper secondary school.

Lower Secondary School Assessment

In addition to the optional Italian State exams at the end of Grade 9 (MYP3), Middle Years students take the IB MYP’s online e-assessments at the end of Grade 11 (MYP5) and complete a Personal Project. This is a student-led project that prepares them for the challenges of the IBDP’s Extended Essay. The IB MYP e-assessments and personal projects provide students with a globally recognised IB MYP qualification, supporting applications for post-16 education.

Teachers

Secondary School Teachers

MYP educators at ISC are highly qualified, native-level English speakers, with many being bilingual. They work tirelessly to ensure their students' success throughout the Middle Years programme and beyond.

Most ISC MYP teachers are IB-certified experts in the MYP curriculum and assessment criteria, providing a solid foundation for students to excel in both the MYP and the challenging IBDP stage that follows.

All MYP teachers in our Secondary School benefit from ongoing professional development within ISC, the wider IB network, and the Inspired Education Group. This ensures they remain at the forefront of educational practices for the benefit of our students.

Language

Language Immersion in the MYP

At our Middle School in Como, students learn English, Italian, and either Spanish or German as a third language within the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) curriculum. Additionally, they can learn French, Russian, and Spanish as extracurricular options, further developing their multilingual skills to thrive in our globalised world.

English is the language of instruction at ISC, except for language lessons. During the first three years of the MYP, Italian Language A students have the option to prepare for Italian State exams held at the end of Middle School within the Italian Strand. In this programme, a few lessons in Science, Maths, and Humanities are also taught in Italian.

Facilities

Secondary School Facilities

Our Middle School in Como provides students with access to ISC’s 10,000 m² of state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities. Within a recently developed Secondary School wing fully adapted to the needs of this age group, MYP learners enjoy a wealth of resources to elevate their skills and talents.

Middle School students benefit from three fully equipped science labs, a cutting-edge robotics lab, a Secondary School art studio and music classroom, a drama studio, an auditorium for performances and presentations, a multi-sports field, a newly expanded Secondary School library, and a cafeteria serving balanced meals prepared in-house.

In line with our commitment to providing the best learning experience for all students, we are expanding our campus to include twelve new classrooms, additional sports facilities (including a swimming pool, a football pitch, and a gym), more specialist teaching areas for visual and performing arts, and extra common spaces for IBDP students.

Middle School Subjects

The MYP curriculum in our Lower Secondary School in Como is organised around eight subject areas, in addition to offering non-traditional subjects for a truly holistic education:

Subject Areas

  • Arts: Art, Music and Drama
  • Individuals & Societies: Integrated Humanities (History and Geography)
  • Language & Literature: English and Italian (Native-Level Teachers)
  • Language Acquisition: German or Spanish
  • Mathematics
  • Physical & Health Education
  • Science: Integrated Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • Design: Product & Digital Design

Non-traditional subjects: Robotics, Public Speaking, Personal/Social/ Emotional development.

Extracurricular Activities in Secondary School

Our Middle School in Como values extracurricular learning, encouraging students to pursue talents and skills outside the classroom. Learners can participate in a varied after-school programme with activities including languages, music, drama, sports, robotics, creative teams, a range of personal interest clubs, homework supervision, service as action projects, and more. Grade 10 students also take part in the unique Il Cammino hiking and leadership programme at the beginning of the school year.

All activities are run by professional, experienced teachers and coaches, both on-campus and externally with local partners. Clubs vary from year to year and usually take place from 3:50 pm to 4:50 pm. Currently, they include: 

  • MUN (Model United Nations)
  • FLL Robotics Club
  • ISC Football Team Training
  • Girls Football Club 
  • Volleyball Club
  • Fencing  Club
  • Maths Club
  • Creative Writing in English
  • Creative Writing in Spanish Club
  • French Club
  • Russian Language School 
  • Spanish with Pop Songs Club
  • Painting Skills Club
  • Music Club
  • Percussion Club
  • Homework Club

Contact Us Today

Discover how our Middle School in Como prepares your child to thrive in the final years of school, establishing a robust foundation for success at university and beyond.

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