Elementary3
The Elementary years at our school represent a pivotal chapter of growth, where we transition from the play-based discovery of Early Childhood into a world of structured inquiry and global awareness. Our program is designed to develop the whole child, ensuring that academic excellence is always paired with strong character development.
Curriculum
Our Elementary curriculum builds upon a child-centered, inquiry-based foundation, challenging students to apply their knowledge through critical thinking and creative problem-solving. The primary language of instruction is English for all subjects, with the exception of Italian lessons.
The academic experience is anchored in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science, where students develop the skills needed for a lifelong journey of discovery. This is complemented by a vibrant specialist program including Art, Physical Education, and Library, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging education.
Language Support & A Shared Commitment
We are a diverse, multilingual community. To ensure every student can thrive, we offer specialized support for those who are still developing the required proficiency in English or Italian:
English as an Additional Language (EAL): Provided during English lessons to support mastery of the language of instruction.
Italian as an Additional Language (IAL): Provided during Italian lessons to help students integrate into our local linguistic context.
We believe that language acquisition is a journey shared by the school and the family. Our dedicated language teachers work in tandem with parents to ensure a student’s progress. Success in these programs relies on a commitment from all parties; by reinforcing learning both in the classroom and at home, we aim to help students access the mainstream program.
Team
The Elementary Team represents the international character of our school, with staff coming from all corners of the globe. These dedicated educators provide a rich multicultural environment where, together, they foster both academic excellence and global citizenship.
IST core subjects are taught by English-speaking lead teachers who bring international best practices into the classroom, ensuring students develop high-level fluency and academic proficiency. Our Italian staff provide authentic linguistic and cultural instruction, ensuring that students develop a deep connection to the local heritage and reach the required standards of the Italian language. Our Associate Teachers provide essential support both inside and outside the classroom. They work closely with lead teachers to offer small-group interventions, one-on-one guidance, and the extra attention needed to help students succeed. Through this collaborative approach, our staff works as a cohesive unit to meet students’ individual needs.
Values
At IST, we build upon the foundations laid in Early Childhood, transitioning from core values to lived character traits that prepare our students for an interconnected world. In the Elementary years, we empower students to see themselves as Global Citizens—individuals who are not only successful learners but also active contributors to a better society.
Our Elementary community cultivates and celebrates these essential character traits:
Cooperative: Moving beyond simple sharing, students collaborate effectively with peers and educators, valuing diverse perspectives to achieve common goals for the collective good.
Independent: Building on foundational autonomy, students take ownership of their learning and behavior—taking initiative and demonstrating the agency to excel with increasing self-reliance.
Reflective: Students transition from simple observation to deep inquiry, asking "how" and "why" to better understand global issues and their own evolving place within them.
Grateful: Students cultivate a deep sense of appreciation, recognizing the contributions of others and their own relative privileges to foster a spirit of humility and global interconnectedness.
Courageous: Students embrace challenges with a growth mindset, understanding that persistence and bravery are vital when navigating the uncertainties of a rapidly changing world.
Respectful: Respect evolves into a deep sense of responsibility; our students act with integrity and a commitment to protecting both our local community and the global environment.
Through the development of these character traits, our Elementary students grow into compassionate, informed, and responsible Global Citizens, ready to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Facilities
Within the classroom, our educators strike a balance between modern innovation and foundational learning. Teachers integrate technology—including projectors, tablets, and smartboards—to enhance interactive lessons while remaining grounded in traditional tools that promote deep focus. To ignite a lifelong love of reading, students also enjoy access to a dedicated Elementary library and curated in-class collections, ensuring a world of stories is always within reach.
Each learning space is bathed in natural light, oriented toward our expansive inner courtyard. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, this design offers a seamless connection to the outdoors, helping students transition easily between academic work and the physical play essential to their development.
This courtyard is equipped with a football field, a gazebo, and benches for outdoor lessons. We believe deeply in the power of movement; whether running in the open air during recess or utilizing our standalone gymnasium for indoor PE and rainy-day play, our students have ample space to stay energized, healthy, and engaged.
Supervision
To support our busy families, we provide a safe and welcoming environment for Elementary students before the school day begins. This morning supervision ensures a seamless transition into the learning day while providing parents with essential scheduling flexibility.
We are pleased to offer dedicated care during INSET (In-Service Training) days which provides a consistent and familiar environment for students while the faculty engages in professional development, ensuring that our families are supported throughout the academic year.
After-school Activities
Our Elementary After-school Activities program is designed to complement the core curriculum, allowing students to explore new interests, develop talents, and engage in social play beyond the regular school day. The current activities on offer include:
Minibasket
Lessons are organised in collaboration with Azzurra Team Trieste. This activity is aimed at all Elementary students.
Music
In collaboration with OperUs, Elementary students can follow individual singing lessons or learn to play the piano, violin, guitar or even the ukelele.
Ski
Lessons are organized by the Association Sci CAI XXX OTTOBRE. Activities include the pre-competitive “Superbaby” course for Elementary students.
Eurovolley School
Volleyball
For our older Elementary students in Grade 3 and above, we offer 90-minute lessons in collaboration with Eurovolley, emphasizing athletic development and collaborative play.