Nestled amidst the serene Tuscan hills, the International School of Siena recently transformed a quiet Sunday morning into a melodious celebration.
As the sun rose, the gentle hum of voices began to fill the air. This was no ordinary day; it was IS Siena’s February Big Sing, a prestigious community musical event where musicians and singers unite to master a new piece of music within three hours, culminating in a lunchtime concert. This February, the chosen piece was Carl Jenkins’ Adiemus, performed by middle school students accompanied by a string quintet of staff and students.
One parent, who also participated in the choir, expressed their delight: “What a great way to spend a Sunday morning! My children sang all the way home, and I couldn’t stop smiling. It sounded magnificent. What will we learn next?”
As an IB World School, IS Siena prides itself on a broad and holistic curriculum. Students are not confined to traditional academic subjects like mathematics, science and literature. The IB curriculum encompasses physical, social and health education, alongside creative arts such as music, drama, dance and visual art from an early age. Even primary school students benefit from expert instruction in the arts and sports, delivered by specialist teachers, and practical science lessons in state-of-the-art laboratories.
IS Siena’s commitment to a balanced curriculum extends beyond academics. The school offers a diverse array of arts and sports subjects, embodying the three pillars of an Inspired Education: academic excellence, sports and the arts. While academics are fundamental, the arts and sports are equally vital in developing communication skills, leadership qualities and a broad skill set to navigate life’s challenges.
The school’s Extra Curricular Activities (ECAs) program is a testament to this philosophy. From musical theatre productions to Model United Nations, students cultivate self-confidence, self-expression and a deeper understanding of the world. Dance and sports foster physical communication skills and teamwork. Primary school students can choose from activities like coding, rugby, drama and choir, along with individual instrumental lessons. In secondary school, the musical production is a highlight of the first term. Last year’s production of The Addams Family brought students together in a professional-level performance. “What I loved most was how we came together as a team, and I made friends with students in other grades,” shared a 14-year-old actor.
Now, with the show behind them, students are engaged in various other extracurricular activities. A senior student teaching Russian to primary students remarked, “I enjoy sharing my culture, and they have so many questions.” The Model United Nations team recently participated in a lively debate with the Terza Media class, discussing World War I in both Italian and English, showcasing their linguistic prowess and courage.
At IS Siena, the belief that everyone is an artist and a sportsperson is deeply ingrained. The school celebrates not only those who achieve at high levels, but also every student who commits to a team or ensemble, contributing their time and creativity to enrich the community.
First University Fair at the International School of Siena
On March 12, from 8.45 to 11.45am, the International School of Siena, an IB Continuum authorised international school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, will open its doors to 22 universities from Italy and abroad for its first University Fair. Aimed at both internal students and those from other schools interested in an international career, this university fair is organized in collaboration with SRT Fairs, which puts students and educators in touch with universities and colleges all over the world.
During the morning, students in the IB Diploma programme will be able to gather information on academic programmes in engineering, economics, design, finance, medicine and veterinary science, cinema, law, philosophy and computer science. For students not enrolled at the International School of Siena but who are following an international course of study, a dedicated time slot has been scheduled from 9.45 to 11.45am.
Everyone will meet in the International School of Siena cafeteria, where representatives from some of the most prestigious universities in Europe and the world will gather, including King’s College London, Nebrija University in Hoyo de Manzanares (Spain), Tio Business School in Amsterdam (Netherlands), NABA-Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan, the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, and the Albert School and the ESCP Business School in Paris, as well as important educational groups such as Education USA and the Swiss Education Group.
For information and registration, contact lorraine.coleman@issiena.it
