The Perse School Cambridge

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• Why Italian?
• AS level
• A2 level
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“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”
Michelangelo – Italian sculptor, painter, architect & poet. 1475-1564 

Over the centuries, Italy has produced some of the most remarkable cultural works in the western world, from the Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri to Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

Historically, Italy has always been of great importance. In the Middle Ages cities such as Florence and Venice were among the richest and most powerful of Europe; it was Italy that produced the Renaissance, which has provided the foundations of much of Western life in the last five hundred years. Italian is also the language of music and, according to UNESCO, over 60% of the world’s art treasures are found in Italy.

The Italian department at the Perse is very keen to promote not only the language, but also the very rich and sophisticated culture and civilization of Italy.

Since Italian has only recently been introduced to the school and is currently only offered in the Sixth Form, students are generally taught in very small groups. This gives them the opportunity to interact regularly with the teacher and with each other, using the language constantly during the lessons.

Working in line with the Edexcel specification, students cover all aspects of the language with a particular emphasis on developing communicative skills in speaking and writing. There is also an extra focus on topics such as media, film, art, history of arts and current affairs. Students are given an insight into Italian and European culture and this will often reinforce other subjects they may be studying, from history, to art history, from music to other European languages.

Given the small number of students in the class it is possible, in the choice of a chosen text, play, film or topic area for the A2 research, to tailor this part of the course to the students’ specific interests. This year, on students’ request, the A level class is studying the history of the Unification of Italy.  This is also a module undertaken by the students of modern history in the school.

Classes are held in Italian, thus providing students with full immersion in the target language. The students enjoy their study of Italian at The Perse and the emphasis is always on fun and varied activities in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.  Amongst other things this year, AS students had a pizza making session all conducted in Italian with a brief introduction on how pizza was invented and has now become one of the most well known foods in the entire world.

The A level course is designed to give students a good understanding of the language. Not only will they learn more about the mechanics of the language – like grammar and vocabulary – but also about how understanding the culture assists in getting to grips with the language.

Overall, the focus at A level shifts towards a greater understanding of the people. By exploring how Italians deal with hot issues such as immigration, racism, the environment and ethical matters, many students also come to discover their own attitudes, principles and ideas on such issues.

The small numbers in the class contribute to lively and interesting discussions where students inevitably develop their ability to express opinions and justify their perspectives in a mature way.