Academic Faculties

The study of Business and Economics allows students to understand how different individuals and groups interact in an ever-changing business environment and in a complex economic world.

These dynamic subjects bring the real world into the classroom.  They develop students’ insights into how business failure can lead to future success and how countries can move from recession to growth. 

Typical lessons include the use of case studies, debates, research, videos, up-to-date news and role play. These subjects are chosen by students who want to understand how different individuals and groups interact in an ever-changing business environment and in a complex economic world.

Both Business and Economics are taught as much from current events in the world as from textbooks and either is a suitable subject for students who are interested in current events from the local level to the global. Either subject can be an exciting and a fresh start for students at IB level.

Sixth Form: IB Business Management

IB Business Management gives the opportunity for students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and critical thinking in the world of marketing, profits and ethics. 

This course encourages students to:

• have a holistic view of the world of business
• empower students to think critically and strategically about individual and organizational behaviour
• promote the importance of exploring business issues from different cultural perspectives
• enable the students to appreciate the nature and significance of change in a local, regional and global context
• promote awareness of the importance of environmental, social and ethical factors in the actions of individuals and organizations
• develop an understanding of the importance of innovation in a business environment.

Course content

All of the topics studied have undercurrent themes that affect the theory. These themes are: Change, Culture, Ethics, Globalisation, Innovation, Strategy.

SL/HL Core topics: Business organisation and environment; Human resource management; Accounts and finance; Marketing; Operations management

Sixth Form: IB Economics

All students learn the basic micro-economic and macro-economic models, how the market system can fail, how governments can manage their economies in the global context and how poorer countries can develop.  Higher level students also study the ‘theory of the firm’. 

This course gives all students the opportunity to develop their quantitative and qualitative skills, as well as foster a concern for global issues looking at diverse international perspectives in this interdependent world. It also gives the opportunity to students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and critical thinking in the world of marketing, profits and ethics

Course content

All students study the Core material, which is common to both Higher and Standard Level. In brief, the topics in the Core are as follows:

The Market System – how consumers and firms reach decisions

Market Failure – how markets do not always allocate resources efficiently

Macroeconomics – how national economies work and are managed

International Economics – trade, financial flows and global issues

Development – how to raise human wellbeing alongside economic growth

Higher Level students also study:

One major additional Unit: The Theory of the Firm

Extension topics in all the SL areas:

Quantitative techniques of analysis

Theories in International Trade

Activities Beyond the Classroom

Competitions

Students can participate in the annual Royal Economic Society essay competition to apply their knowledge further.

Activities and trips

For IB Business Management primary research is conducted based on real businesses which is then used in their coursework and examinations. Activities and an excursion are organised to study the businesses successes and failures. In 2019 students visited and studied the Manchester United Football Club business model that focuses on merchandise and sponsorships to make profit.

Dragons' Den style presentation

Students create a new business idea/product and pitch it to ‘Dragons’ (teachers) to gain investment. Random everyday items are picked from a bag to be used as inspiration.

Brand Taste Test

Students put their senses to the test when they are asked to identify which chocolates and soft drinks are the famous brands and which are the supermarket brands.

Geography is a dynamic subject that links the past, present and future enabling us to further understand the ever-changing world in which we live. By studying Geography at BSM, students have the opportunity to extend their locational/place knowledge, deepen their spatial awareness and develop their geographical and fieldwork skills.  

There are three specialist Geography teachers within the Department who are experienced, enthusiastic, well-travelled and passionate about the subject. Geography is compulsory from Years 7 - 9 and it is offered at IGCSE level in Years 10 and 11 and at IB diploma level in Years 12 and 13.

Aims:

Overall, the Geography Department aims to develop students’:

• knowledge and understanding of where they live,
• consideration of other people, cultures and places by encouraging open mindedness,
• understanding of how people and places interrelate and interconnect,
• ability to foster people-environmental relationships
• fieldwork and enquiry skills.

Key Stage 3

The topics studied give a foundation which instils a love of Geography and prepares the students to study the subject further. Assessments throughout KS3 take the form of ICT projects, presentations, video creation, mini-coursework, clay modelling, news reports, examinations and other assessed tasks throughout the year. In Year 9 many students opt to study Geography further at IGCSE level.

Year 7

• Students investigate the processes that have shaped the world around them.
• We study map skills, plate tectonics, settlement, sport and how sustainability is influencing some of the processes.
• The Year 7 fieldtrip is to Bergamo (a small town north of Milan) where the students carry out an urban environment study and complete a project about their findings.

Year 8

• In Year 8, students start to explore what their futures may look like, by exploring Weather and Climate, Glaciation and Food. 

• We visit one of the wonderful Italian lakes for a day trip where students have the opportunity to see and study a glaciated landscape.

Year 9

• In Year 9, students explore how they can shape the future. We explore issues and conflicts to do with Rivers and how we can make the world more equal.
• A fieldtrip to the River Lambro is organised where data is collected at different points of the river and a project is completed about the findings.
• A greater competence is developed in using geographical concepts as students begin to look at geographical models and if they are always applicable to ‘real world’ situations. 
• We introduce the exciting world of Model United Nations' towards the end of the year.

Key Stage 4

Years 10 and 11

• Students study the Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE in Geography. Topics include Population Dynamics and Settlement; Plate Tectonics; Rivers; Coasts; Weather; Climate and Natural Vegetation; Development; Food Production; Industry; Tourism; Energy; Water; and Environmental Risks of Economic Development.  A field trip to Levanto is organised for two days in June of Year 10, where students learn many of the skills essential to succeeding in the 'Alternative to coursework' exam.
• KS3 skills are developed, including teamwork, enquiry skills, presenting, interpreting and data analysis.

Sixth Form

Years 12 and 13

• All IB Diploma Geography students in Year 12 study Urban Environments, Freshwater Changing Population and Global Climate.  In Year 13 all students study Global Resource Composition and Security, Leisure, Sport and Tourism. The HL students also study Global Perspectives and Leisure, Sport and Tourism.

• The independent learning, enquiry and self-reflection skills which the students have developed throughout their Geography studies at BSM are built upon in the sixth form as well as all elements of the IB learner profile. Debating, essay writing, synthesising, evaluating and decision making skills are also practised and enhanced. This enables the students to be further prepared for university life and beyond. A fieldtrip is organised where students have to collect primary data for their Internal Assessment (IA).

ACTIVITES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM:

Fieldwork

Fieldtrips are an important part of Geography at BSM.  All students have the opportunity to go on organised, educational geographical excursions every year to bring what we study in the classroom into ‘real life’ situations. 

Projects are completed relevant to the investigative tasks set from the fieldwork and students become proficient in skills such as working together, data recording and handling, questioning techniques, analytical techniques, and organisational skills all of which are transferable into different areas of the curriculum and ultimately into the world of work.

Geography Awareness Week (GAW)

GAW takes place in November and numerous Geography related activities occur across the school, such as Senior School students delivering assemblies to the Primary School and helping out in Geography lessons.

Clubs/Societies

The department is a member of the Geographical Association and the Royal Geographical Society.

Through the study of History, pupils acquire and apply knowledge, skills and understanding. History encourages children to discover their past, and use it to better orientate themselves in the present and future. Students develop the ability to recognise the major themes associated with human development and the continued relevance of these across vast periods of time.

History students learn to:

• Recall, select and organise knowledge
• Provide historical explanations relating to causes, consequences and significance
• Construct a historical argument
• Understand, interpret, evaluate and use a range of sources as evidence, in their historical context

History Through the Senior School

We aim to inspire students to engage with History by utilising a variety of learning styles, such as debate, role play, presentation work, group and individual work.  We share assessment criteria with students, encouraging them to take responsibility for their own progress and inspiring a culture of independent learning.

Activities Beyond the Classroom

• Year 7 Bergamo Trip
• Year 9 Shoah Memorial Trip
• Historical Fiction Competition
• Historical Quills Book Review Competition

Philosophy involves a critical and creative exploration into some of the most enduring questions facing humanity:  What does it mean to be human? Is free will an illusion? What do we mean when we say something is right or wrong?

Studying Philosophy enables students to engage with some of the world’s most interesting and influential thinkers. It challenges students to question these perspectives and formulate and defend their own philosophical arguments. Philosophy develops not only extensive knowledge of a broad range of philosophical positions but also a wealth of transferable analytical skills. Highly regarded for its academic rigour, it empowers students to think and argue with supreme clarity and precision.

The benefits of Philosophy extend beyond curriculum confines. Studying Philosophy also becomes an enriching personal experience which often cultivates in students a lifelong enjoyment of the subject.

The Philosophy Department at the British School of Milan honours the aims of the IB Diploma Programme. We strive to engage students in philosophical activity, enabling them to:

• develop an inquiring and intellectually curious way of thinking
•  formulate arguments in a sound and purposeful way
•  examine critically their own experiences and their ideological and cultural perspectives
•  appreciate the diversity of approaches within philosophical thinking
•  apply their philosophical knowledge and skills to the world around them.

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

The IB Philosophy Curriculum is a dynamic programme which involves the analysis of primary philosophical texts and an exploration of classic philosophical issues from diverse world perspectives. All students are required to undertake their own philosophical investigation for coursework and Higher Level students also engage in an exploration of the nature of Philosophy itself. 

Standard and Higher Level students undertake the following modules:

• The Core Theme: What does it mean to be human? Explores issues such as the self, the mind-body problem, identity, human nature and personhood
• Ethics: Normative ethics, meta-ethics and applied topics such as biomedical ethics and the distribution of wealth
• Prescribed Philosophical text: On Liberty by J.S.Mill
• Internal Assessment: Philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus

Higher Level students also undertake the following additional modules:

• Political Philosophy
• Higher Level Extension - Exploring Philosophical Activity.

Philosophy learning at the British School of Milan fully embraces the IB spirit of ‘doing Philosophy’. Students are active and independent learners, stimulated in each lesson to sharpen their cognitive skills. Philosophy students prove themselves to be thinkers and active enquirers, who open-mindedly engage with a range of philosophical issues and concepts.  They are able to formulate arguments clearly and make reasoned judgements. They show intellectual curiosity which extends to their learning as a whole.

Beyond the Classroom

Underpinning all of our science courses is an aim to help students become responsible citizens who are scientifically and technologically literate in the modern and changing world.

Science is taught at the British School of Milan by six enthusiastic subject specialist teachers supported by resourceful technicians who endeavour to make all the subjects interesting, exciting, challenging and relevant to all students. Students are given the opportunity to explore scientific concepts through experimental investigation.

Resources and Facilities

• The science faculty works in five purpose-built and well-equipped science laboratories designed to modern standards and decorated with eye-catching displays.
• Safe experimental and investigative work is at the core of all science teaching at the school.
• Information technology is also widely used with computers in every room plus data-logging equipment, data projectors and interactive whiteboards.

“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.” 

~ Albert Einstein ~

Key Stage 3

Science: The core philosophy of KS3 science is that students should learn through discovery in a fun and engaging environment.

Lessons are designed to enable inquisitive minds to flourish; students are given the freedom to investigate their own questions. This sometimes has a competitive edge as during the Year 9 Science Fair.

Collaboration is an integral part of how scientists work and so forms the basis of how our students learn.

Teamwork and leadership are some of the skills we foster through group work along with equipping our students with the science-specific expertise required to excel in the subject. Students take part in a wide range of activities from building models of satellites to making their own cosmetics. Real word situations are used to spark debate about current controversial scientific issues like genetically modified food or the economic impact of the space programme.

Key Stage 4

Science: In Years 10 and 11 all students follow IGCSE separate science courses – Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Students must follow at least one science IGCSE although it is recommended that at least two be chosen. Indeed, most students take two or even three science subjects. Each science is taught over two double lessons per week.  

Sixth Form Science

The Sixth Form students in the school follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. All students are required to study a science in group 4 and will have the option of studying a second science in group 6. The science subjects offered are Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 

The chosen sciences may be studied at either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). We aim to make the sciences stimulating, relevant, enjoyable and accessible for all our students so that they may progress to further study at whatever level they chose.

Activities Beyond the Classroom

To enrich and support our taught courses, we offer a variety of activities and extension opportunities including a STEMM Club and Year 9 Science Fair and an annual Science Photography Competition.

The school has been very successful entering the COBIS Young Scientist Competition. Regularly winning awards including Best Biology Film Award, KS3 Film Award and most recently 3^rd place for Best Film in 2019.

The Faculty organises a number of field trips to various locations, including the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva.

Life flourishes on Earth, and a curiosity about life is a major reason why people study Biology. Biologists seek to explain the nature of living things and to understand where and how life is evolving, how evolution links life processes and ecology, and the impact that humans have on all forms of life.

Biology is the study of life in all its forms and understanding biology is fundamental to modern society, whether it be choosing to vaccinate children or choosing to buy organic food. Biology is one of the most dynamic fields of study with breakthroughs being made on a daily basis. IB Biology consolidates these ideas in a modern international context.

Our students develop an understanding and enjoyment of the study of living organisms. We encourage this by teaching through discovery, using investigative and practical work. This also allows students to develop the essential skill set needed to become a proficient biologist.

IGCSE Biology

Through the Biology IGCSE course students study all aspects of the living world ranging from microbiology to ecology.

Students will:

• better understand the technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
• recognise the usefulness (and limitations) of the scientific method, and how to apply this to other disciplines and in everyday life
• develop an awareness of the importance of accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
• better understand the influence and limitations placed on scientific study by society, the economy, technology, ethics, the community and the environment

IB Biology

The IB Biology course explores the relationships between structure and function at all levels of life. Students learn about cell theory, the chemistry of living things, plant science and genetics, among other topics to further their understanding of Biology.

Mirroring scientists in real life, our students are encouraged to work collaboratively and often with scientists from other disciplines to design and carry out independent investigative work. Emphasis is on the development of investigative skills throughout the course. Students have opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings.

Chemistry plays a big role in our lives. We cannot live without chemistry; everything that we can touch, smell, feel is made up of chemicals. Even humans are made up of chemicals because we are composed of atoms.

Chemistry enables pupils to develop a range of practical skills which contribute to their overall life skills. Lessons stimulate curiosity and develop skills of enquiry, methodology and evaluation.

The Chemistry laboratories are newly refurbished, and benefit from excellent resources and an extremely well equipped Preparation Room. This allows students to plan and carry out a range of experiments, considering and evaluating critically their own data and that obtained from other sources, and using ICT where appropriate.

The Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus enables learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at IB Level, skills which are also useful in everyday life.

IB Chemistry

IB Chemistry looks at the composition and properties of matter. It seeks to describe and explain how substances undergo chemical reactions and change from one substance to another. Chemistry holds a central position between Physics and Biology and has a very wide range of real life applications. Topics range from the highly conceptual, like the structure of the atom, through to the very pragmatic, like the study of medicine and drugs, and the use of Chemistry in everyday life.

The course uses students' natural enjoyment of practical work to develop logical skills in the designing of investigations, systematic methods of collecting data and analysing their results.  Students learn to use models to explain chemical phenomena, analyse patterns and develop expertise and confidence in predicting what will happen in new situations.

It is an exciting time to be studying Physics in the 21st century: it is an enabling science that expands our knowledge of the universe and underpins new technologies that benefit our society.  

Physics is behind the technology that put man on the Moon, made the internet possible and revolutionised surgery, and also the technology that will shape tomorrow’s world: quantum computers, nuclear fusion or perhaps the means to colonise the solar system.

Physicists perform experiments on mountaintops, underwater, underground in mines and in orbit around the Earth. They are good at solving all kinds of problems from the esoteric to the mundane:

How does a mirror reflect light?

What holds an atom together?

How fast does a rocket have to go to escape the Earth?

How can a worldwide team share data in real time? Solving this problem led physicists to invent the World Wide Web.

Physics opens the door to many careers.  There are many opportunities in physics-based industry and research, as well as a wide range of more general careers where the physicist's way of thinking is highly desirable. 

IGCSE Physics

You will encounter the following topics whilst studying the course: Forces and Motion, Electricity and Electrostatics, Waves, Energy, Matter, Electromagnetism, Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics.  Nearly all lessons include an experimental element – demonstrations, practical investigations or computer modelling, enabling you to learn Physics in an engaging and fun way.

The Physics course is assessed completely externally with three examinations.

IB Physics

IB Physics caters for those who enjoy theoretical-based studies and those who relish the challenge of undertaking practical and experimental work.

The subject allows you to develop, consolidate and possess valuable key skills which are not confined just to the subject itself (eg problem-solving, reasoning, research, analysis, presentation - both oral and written). The more we learn about Physics, the better it will help us understand our place in the universe.

Our work encourages students to understand why things happen and fosters interest in new applications and scientific breakthroughs, as well as a critical analysis of the reporting of science issues. 

The topics covered include mechanics; thermal physics; wave phenomena; electricity, magnetism and electromagnetic induction; circular motion and gravitation; atomic, quantum and nuclear physics; energy production and astrophysics.

Physics provides a route into many careers including food, medicine, finance, marketing, business and management. The valuable skills of analysis and problem-solving that a Physics qualification fosters enables you to contribute effectively to not only your chosen vocation, but to society as a whole.

Art at the BSM is focused on the development of the individual and how students perceive the world around them. It is about making decisions and justifying choices, discovering new materials and, whilst polishing established skills, developing new ones. It is a lot of fun! The structured Key Stage 3 course has provided our students with the ability to excel on both the GCSE Art & Design course and on the IB Visual Arts course and beyond.

Students develop their own visual language in a personal and increasingly sophisticated way. They may work with a range of media, both two and three dimensional, including printmaking, painting in a variety of media, and using digital media.

Emphasis is placed on process as well as the final outcome, and students are encouraged to develop a high degree of personal involvement in their artwork. Visual Arts as a subject is taken by all students up to Year 9, and is available at GCSE and IB.

Students of Art at the BSM have gone on to study art-related courses in cities throughout the world. Past alumni have gained success in the fields of Fine Art, Fashion, Transport Design, Photography, Scenery, Product Design, Ceramics, Special Effects [ Film], Jewellery, Architecture, Illustration, Graphics, Industrial Design and Art Education.

Are you full of energy? Is your head filled with creative ideas? Do you like impersonating people? Have you already written your own play?

At The British School of Milan we embrace energetic, creative and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about theatre and performance. Every student immediately becomes an essential part of their class team from day one, learning to support one another through close group work, class discussions and effective feedback. 

Drama lessons allow students to learn about new and diverse theatre practices from around the world as well as practically exploring these with your peers. Together we discover ways of creating original pieces of theatre using play texts, drama techniques and improvisational skills.

A fantastic piece of Theatre can only be created when a range of professionals not just those upon stage work effectively as part of a team. Therefore, students not only learn how to perform but also experience the role of director, designer, writer and technician whilst studying at The British School of Milan.

As individual drama students and performers, students progress and grow throughout the Key Stages, learning within an environment that is challenging and stimulating. Most importantly experience within the classroom should be one of fun and enjoyment whilst students should also feel comfortable in sharing their feelings, ideas and personal performance work.

At The British School of Milan, students get the freedom to let their imaginations come alive.  As students grow in both confidence and knowledge they will have the opportunity to see their ideas become reality, as they come to life upon the stage.

Students explore all aspects of theatre through academic study, practical work, active involvement in productions, theatre visits, participation in workshops, watching film, and visiting theatres. Students develop their own dramatic and presentation skills as well as developing skills in the sourcing of costumes, props and in the technical areas of lighting and sound production. Drama as a subject is taken by all students up to Year 9, and is available at IGCSE and IB.

The fundamental aim of the Music Department is enable each student to fulfil his or her musical potential to the fullest. In helping to achieve this we offer:

• the widest possible musical education both in and out of the classroom
• a dynamic, in-class programme of study with a logical progression from Year 7 to Year 13
• a rich and active peripatetic instrumental lesson programme
• a very full extra-curricular programme which includes a vast range of concerts, shows, tours and activities (see below).
• a very full range of performance opportunities for students at all levels
• instrumental and vocal exams with the ABRSM/Trinity
• access to concerts within Milan (La Scala, Auditorium Verdi etc) and to competitions for the more advanced performers 

Course contents and skills

At Key Stage 3 we offer:

• Selected periods of Western music: listening, studying and composing in a range of western styles including popular music and jazz.
• Listening, performing and studying world music from various continents
• Composing and performing (both individually and in groups) in a wide range of styles
• Full technical competence for all with the Grade 1 theory course in Year 7. This musical ‘literacy’ opens the doors for any future activity and development

 

At Key Stage 4 we offer the IGCSE course. This develops the skills and knowledge of previous years and additionally focuses on:

• In-depth study on one work from the Western tradition and one World Music topic
• Broad-based study of Western traditional music and World Music topics.
• Study towards the creation of two contrasting compositions
• Solo and ensemble performances
• Grade 5 ABRSM theory course is incorporated.

At Key Stage 5 the IB courses (both HL and SL) continue to develop the three main strands from preceding years:

• Historical and geographical awareness through the study of music from a wide range of periods and cultures, including the in-depth study of two set works.
• Refinement of composing skills in a range of styles (traditional, modern, ethnic etc.)
• Performance skills both solo and in ensemble
• The writing of a ‘Musical Links Investigation’ (max 2000 words) which takes music from two distinct musical cultures and investigates links between them.

Activities Beyond the Classroom

Students are offered as full a range of performing groups as possible:

• Junior Choir (Years 7/8) and Senior Choir (Years 9-13)
• Chamber Choir (through audition). This choir has toured to important destinations both within Italy and abroad. In recent years the Chamber Choir has performed in St. Peter’s Rome, St Mark’s Venice and the cathedral of Madrid.
• Parents' choir
• Senior Orchestra
• Jazz Band

Concerts and performances

In addition to numerous smaller concerts there are four main performances every year and a musical is produced every second year:

• The Autumn concert in “All Saints” Anglican church featuring primarily the instrumental groups
• The enormous Carol Concert in Santa Maria del Carmine (Brera) involving about 200 singers, orchestra and candlelit procession. This is a major tradition in Milan.
• The April Choral Concert with all the choirs singing together in one main work in a high profile venue in central Milan (Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Haydn’s Windband Mass in recent years) 
• The May Concert at school with all the groups in a relaxed, lighter programme.
• The musical: recent productions have been “Guys and Dolls”, “Les Miserables”, “Evita” and “Jesus Christ Superstar”
• Monthly instrumental Wednesday concerts and individual teachers’ concerts twice a year
• ABRSM/Trinity exams (The BSM is the ABRSM’s main operational centre for Italy)