“FOSCOLO” SCHOOL – WHO WE ARE

The “Ugo Foscolo” secondary school is situated in the city of Como, Northern Italy and is named after one of Italy’s most important 19th century poets. It is part of a larger school institute that was formed in 2005/2006 and includes 6 schools:

- 2 nursery schools attended by children from 3 to 5 years of age;
- 2 elementary schools attended by children from 6 to 10 years of age;
- 2 middle schools attended by students from 11 to 14 years of age.

In the Italian school system these schools are free and compulsory. This institute includes more than 1’000 students, 100 teachers and about 25 other staff. The Head Mistress is Mrs. Graziella Cotta. The six schools are in Como – where there are other similar institutes – and “Foscolo” is situated in a particularly nice area of the city: in fact it is very near to the lake and surrounded by a park with secular trees.

The “Foscolo” has 2 active musical courses that include 150 students from 11 to 14 years old. There are 8 musical instrument teachers and the coordinator is Maria Teresa Lietti who teaches violin. The instruments which are taught are:

- Piano
- Violin
- Cello
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Guitar
- Percussion

Playing music together is very important, both chamber music and orchestra! Students play on special occasions organized in Como or other cities. The school also organizes optional music courses for children from other schools and a choir for adults.

A musical library offers the general public access to CDs, books and magazines. As well as musical activities, the school also has an indoor swimming pool where swimming courses are held for the students and for the public.

The school also has a gym, an art laboratory, a science laboratory and a computer room. The Aula Magna (Meeting Hall) is used for concerts, meetings and conferences.
The school also has a centre which develops projects for the integration of disabled students through the use of new technologies.

Translation: Lia Venini (3^F)