BENVENUTI!
At King Edward's, students have the opportunity to learn Italian from the Third Year. This beginner's course gives learners a feel for the sounds and flow of the language, develops competence in grammar, and introduces vocabulary for everyday topics. Following a successful first year, students can continue their study of Italian to IGCSE. Although it is a challenging course, it is also an excellent opportunity for keen linguists who wish to build on their knowledge of Romance languages and Latin, and acquire one of the world's most beautiful, musical languages.
The language is taught in a communicative way, and Italian is the language used for instruction and communication, as far as is practicable. The course is topic based, but equally focuses on excellent grammar acquisition and skills development, and all students are encouraged to participate actively. An awareness of the traditions and culture of the country is also fostered.
Students have use of excellent online resources on their iPads, and will learn from a range of up to date materials via the interactive white board in the classroom, using the Amici D'Italia course in the Third Year and the Cambridge IGCSE course in the Upper School. Fortnightly, or weekly in the Fourth and Fifth Years, speaking sessions with our native speaking assistant also give the opportunity to practise what has been learnt in class.
Most years a trip is organised to Italy during the February half term. Art students join us on a 5-day visit either to Florence or Milan. We always have a fantastic time learning Italian, marvelling at art and architecture, and studying the development of art, fashion and design as well as increasing our linguistic, cultural and artistic awareness of these two beautiful, buzzing cities. See the Trips and Visits section of this site for further details of future trips.