Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
| Number of students |
250 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
5 |
| Most common nationality |
Italian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
20:1 |
Languages
| Native English and Italian speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Italian |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish |
Classroom
| Max. number of students per class |
18 |
| Average number of students per class |
14 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Each classroom is provided with an Interactive Whiteboard, one teacher computer and at least one computer for students. Art & ICT lab is equipped with one computer per each student. Students are exposed to ICT tools gradually in a safe and protected environment, with specific software & tools for SEN students. Google Classroom is commonly used by middle school students |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, Digital Distance Learning is offered to quarantined students |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
Academics
| External examinations or assessments available |
Italian Government Curriculum + Cambridge Examination |
| Results in these examinations |
Highly above the average. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on Key Stage |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
Student support
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes, for minor and mild learning difficulties. |
| Learning support offered |
School psychologist, SEN trained teachers |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
Admissions
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
An assessment is performed to evaluate current student level. |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Usually January 31st, however exceptions may apply. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, if room available. |
School day
| School start time |
8:15AM - Middle School
|
| School finish time |
3:45PM - EYFS & Primary School
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
No |
Extracurricular activities
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Phonics ,Chinese, Latin, Sport activities |
| Sports activities included |
Acorn House offers its students the opportunity to improve their physical ability and understand the fundamentals of healthy living by attending a very active and energetic PE lesson.
Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
|
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
Facilities
| Sports facilities at the school |
Football, volleyball, Judo, Karate, tennis table |
About the school
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT TO THE BEST EDUCATION POSSIBLE
|
| Teaching approach of the school |
The learning curriculum at Acorn House balances a challenging and in-depth study of both the English and Italian curriculum, providing every student with a rich and challenging bilingual programme of studies in English and Italian language, Math, Science, History and Geography, ICT- Art and Design, Music and P.E. implemented with English and Italian Literature, Spanish language and culture, History of Art and History of Music, along with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Technologies in KS3. Acorn house dual curriculum therefore is aimed at developing to a high level abilities, skills and knowledge in both languages. As part of our commitment to providing an international dual curriculum students are provided with the prerequisites to continue their learning in either Italian or UK education system. At Acorn House teachers of each class group and department work closely together to ensure that links are formed between both language curriculum, guaranteeing solid learning foundations in all subject areas. Through the comprehensive studies of both curriculum requirements (Italian Ministry of Education 2012 and The UK National Curriculum new requirements 2014) the identified proficiencies and abilities have been successfully incorporated and linked within Acorn House dual curriculum. This allows for a unique combination of learning content and specific attention to cross curricular learning opportunities, in order to suit the diverse needs of learning styles of the students and to support the interconnections of the knowledge, and ensure the unity of its teaching. Through participation in work relating to the programme of study, pupils will also have opportunities to engage in discussion and undertake activities which fulfil the objectives of specific learning project experiences. Through student-centered teaching and inquiry-based learning the students are stimulated and supported to achieve their full potential. Each student at Acorn House is expected to be motivated and dedicated to the challenges of our learning path. |