WELCOME FROM THE EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL
‘Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.’ – Aristotle
At the International School of Como, we know the importance of nurturing minds and hearts to get the very best out of our students. The IB programme runs through the DNA of our school, ensuring students leave us for the next stage in their lives as independent thinkers with a global perspective and a keenness to make a positive difference to the world around them.
Philipa Smithson, Executive Principal
HOW DOES THE IB CURRICULUM
PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR A BETTER FUTURE?
The IB curriculum is different because it keeps pace with an ever-evolving world.
Why? Because from a young age, our students learn how to think, not what to think; they become curious, and interesting individuals.
What’s sets our IB curriculum apart?
• All disciplines in the curriculum are interconnected, helping students become true thinkers.
• It teaches students to recognise the relevance of what they are learning and apply it in the world they live in.
WHAT IS IL CAMMINO?
Il Cammino is a student-centered and self-sufficient expedition through the Italian mountains for Grade 10 students that expresses the evolution of young minds into adolescence.
This journey is self-powered and students will not have any mobile phones on them. The metaphor here is pretty simple: Through effort, we progress. They will learn from and discover new experiences both about their environment and about themselves.
The four pillars of Il Cammino - Physical, Emotional, Leadership and Teamwork – are all developed through various activities throughout the experience.
YOUR UNIQUE ACADEMIC JOURNEY
At every stage of their schooling, students have adults they can talk to, whether it is their Homeroom teacher, the school counsellor or a member of our pastoral care team.
Early Years
The Inspired Reggio Emilia approach to Early Years education is child-centred, emphasising exploration, creativity and collaboration. It views children as capable learners and emphasises learning through play and discovery.
The environment is considered the ‘third teacher’. It is rich in natural materials and open-ended resources where students are ‘invited’ to participate in activities that develop the foundations for academic growth in Elementary and beyond.
Elementary
The IB Elementary (PYP) fosters lifelong learners by promoting inquiry-based, student-centred education. It develops balanced learners, encouraging academic growth, social skills, and wellbeing. Our students come to school with excitement and joy.
Student agency is critical, allowing children to shape their learning through choice and voice, and meaningful school trips enrich real-world understanding.
The Grade 6 Exhibition is a culmination of skills, where students explore global issues, collaborate and present findings, demonstrating readiness for future challenges and reflective, independent thinking.
Middle Years
The IB Middle Years (MYP) encourages students to become independent, to make practical connections between their
studies and the real world. It builds confidence in managing their own learning, connecting the classroom to the larger world and developing an understanding of global challenges, becoming responsible citizens.
What Are the Attributes of an IB Learner?
From the start of their time with us, we guide our students to become:
• Inquirers
• Knowledgeable
• Thinkers
• Communicators
• Principled
• Open-minded
• Caring
• Risk-takers
• Balanced
• Reflective
We develop these life skills during lessons inside the classroom and outside in our extensive club offering.
High School
We offer two pathways for students joining us in Grade 12.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP).
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous pre-university programme for students aged 16 to 19, focusing on academic excellence across six subject groups and core components like Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) is designed for students interested in career-related education, combining academic courses with practical, career-focused learning.
Both programmes promote critical thinking and global awareness, preparing students for exciting futures. Here at IS Como, we offer six business-related pathways. Both programs enable our students to access the world’s top universities.
PERFORMING ARTS
Every child will find themselves on stage, whether that is while they are public speaking, debating, in theatrical performances or musicals. Why? Because it is one of the best ways to develop confidence and a collaborative attitude in our young people.
Extracurricular Activities
Keeping our pupils healthy in body and mind is a key part to being part of the IS Como community. Whether pupils want to play competitively or just for fun and to stay fit, there are a variety of activities to get involved in such as fencing, dance, piano, choir and much more.
PART OF THE INSPIRED GLOBAL GROUP
Inspired Education is a leading international school group that utilises global best practices and cutting-edge technology to deliver a first-class education to over 80,000 students in over 110 schools across 25 countries.
As part of an Inspired school, your child will benefit from:
• Global Summer Camps
• Global Exchange programmes with other Inspired schools
• Music Academy
• International competitions
• Scholarships
• Expert university counselling programmes
