Secondary education in Italy
It consolidates the subjects taught at the scuola primaria, adding technology, music and a language other than English (typically French, German or Spanish, even though most primary schools already teach some basics of two foreign languages).
[a] The middle school has a common program of study for all pupils; it covers all the classic subjects that would be recognised in a comprehensive school: Italian language and literature, history, geography, mathematics, natural sciences, English and a second foreign Language, technology, art (both history and practical), music, civics and physical education.
[3] The course is designed to give students the skills and qualifications needed to progress to university or higher education college.
[4] Students may choose what level of school to attend, there are three types of scuola secondaria di secondo grado that range from the academic to the vocational.
Currently, most secondary schools provide some common structure and core subjects[6][5]: 3 (such as Italian language and literature, history, geography, philosophy, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, one or more foreign language and physical education), while other topics are specific to one type of establishment (i.e.
Individual lyceums will cover the core subjects and specialise in specific fields of study; this may be the humanities, science, or art.
[5]: 3 Types of liceo include: Historically: The education given in an istituto tecnico (technical) offers both a wide theoretical and practical education and a highly qualified technical specialization in a specific field of studies (e.g.: economy, humanities, administration, law, accountancy, tourism, information technology), often integrated with a three-six months internship in a company, association or university, during the fifth and last year of study.
[5]: 17 Types of "istituto tecnico" include: The istituto professionale ("professional institute") is a vocational college, with a short duration of 3 years specifically structured for practical activities, with the aim to facilitate the direct entry of the pupil to the labour market (technical, agriculture, gastronomy, handicrafts).
This type of school offers a form of vocational education oriented towards practical subjects and enabling the students to start work as soon as they have completed their studies.
