THE SCHOOL CHARTER

INDEX

• 80 YEARS IN PARMA
• THE SCHOOL CHARTER
• WHY CHOOSE THE LICEO
• A LICEO WITH THREE COURSES OF STUDY
  • Science Course
  • Brocca Experimental Course
  • The Foreign Language Department
• EDUCATIONAL CULTURAL AIMS
  • Lyceum standard
  • Equal opportunities
  • Teaching planning
  • Learning to Learn
  • Evalutation
  • Pupil support programme, special education needs, supplementary opportunities
  • Valuing
• THE SCHOOL CHARTER
  • Curricular Activities
  • Extra Curricular Activities
  • School Trips
  • "On the Move" Project
  • Counselling, tutoring and careers service
• SECURITY

80 YEARS IN PARMA

In May 1923 when the Royal 'Liceo' schools were founded following the 'Gentile School Reform', the Liceo "MARCONI" was established in Parma, named after the great scientist and Nobel prize winner for Physics in 1909 who at the age of 22 patented the wireless telegraph and paved the way to telecommunications.

Since then, Liceo "MARCONI" has played a major role in the history of Parma and has helped form a large number of citizens who have distinguished themselves in various fields, as entrepreneurs and as professionals, as university research workers and as civil servants.

Today the Liceo is constantly aware of growing requirements on the part of families and students as well as of society, and has maintained its leading role in the changes taking place by offering a wider range of studies, introducing cutting edge technology, promoting new teaching approaches and new professional figures, implementing a fruitful cooperation with the University through practical Workshops and preparatory classes in Mathematics.

THE SCHOOL CHARTER

In order to effectively achieve the objectives our Liceo has identified, the school has drawn up a SCHOOL CHARTER (P.O.F.) which constitutes the cultural identity of the school itself and presents the Projects the school is involved in. The School Charter presents the organizational and educational directives, the criteria for the use of resources and constitutes a commitment for the whole school community.

WHY CHOOSE THE LICEO?

Liceo "MARCONI" currently offers three different courses of study: the Liceo Scientifico, which offers the traditional or bilingual or experimental IT (PNI) courses; the Liceo Scientifico sperimentale "Brocca" and the Liceo Linguistico; all courses of study lead to a final Diploma once students have passed their State Examinations.

It should be emphasised that the educational aims of the Liceo in the three courses of study offered by the school are finalised in the acquisition of essentially cultural aspects of "knowledge": the subjects taught in the curriculum do not only offer information to enrich one's knowledge, but above all provide tools through which students "learn to learn"; apart from the slogan, the aim is to endow the student with a mental outlook which will allow him/her to broaden his/her knowledge and grasp the cultural dimension of human experience to gain a deeper understanding of him/herself and his/her times in an ongoing educational process. This educational tension is implemented in the course of studies at the Liceo by:

• Enhancing the formative dimension of the curricular areas whilst ensuring an elevated cultural level;
• Linking the various courses of study and the various curricular areas.
• Providing a balanced teaching approach between the "two cultures", classical studies and scientific studies;
• Implementing multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary curricula and enhancing research methodology;
• Promoting flexibility and gradualism in the teaching methods;
• Paying special attention to micro-languages characterizing each curricular area and promoting the understanding and fruition of various cultural languages (theatre, cinema, music…).

A LICEO WITH THREE COURSES OF STUDY

SCIENCE COURSE

This Course offers a balanced distribution of subjects and aims at promoting formation of the whole person; sciences and the arts, experimental activities and theory are integrated within an educational project based on the acquisition of historical as well as critical knowledge. The course of studies prepares students for Higher education, in particular in Science Faculties, Research and Applied Science.

Objectives and Methodologies implemented in the Science Course

• Integration between the sciences and the arts as the fundamental principle in curricular planning;
• Centrality of the sciences, their history and methodology;
• Importance of the arts in providing solid historical-cultural bases in all fields;
• Practical work in the various laboratories;
• Setting up a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approach linking the various disciplines;
• Basic Information Technology.

Experimental Course: National Plan for Information Technology

The school has adhered to the National Plan for Information Technology (PNI) which aims at intensifying the students' maths skills by introducing the learning of basic information technology and computer programming in the regular course of studies.

Bilingual Course

Our school has adapted to the standards required in Europe and offers the possibility of enrolment in the 'experimental' course where two languages are taught, French and English, or German and English.

Equipment and Laboratories

• LABORATORIES
  • Physics laboratory
  • Chemistry laboratory
  • IT laboratory
  • Multimedia laboratory
  • Language laboratory
• SPECIAL CLASSROOMS
  • Special classroom for Physics
  • Special classroom for Chemistry
  • 2 Special classrooms for Drawing
  • Video Room
• LIBRARY
• NATURAL SCIENCES MUSEUM
• PHYSICS MUSEUM

Timetable for Science Course

* Total No. of hours in courses with 2 foreign languages.
° Total No. of hours in courses which have adhered to the National Plan for Information Technology.
- There are no afternoon classes.

"BROCCA" EXPERIMENTAL COURSE¹

This Course is characterized by the importance given to scientific subjects although the general aim of a complete cultural formation is the ultimate goal, and the arts constitute an essential instrument in the acquisition of skills required to master various cultural expressions.

Information Technology is a subject on its own and maintains a technical and operative role whilst contributing to the development of the student's logical-relational skills. This subject is enhanced thanks to a Project which is funded by the European Union and finalized to the acquisition of knowledge of basic software and navigating in Internet (lessons are held over a three-year period via Internet).

Subjects in this curricular area are taught through setting tasks and problem solving; there is an integration of experimental activities and theoretical elaboration. A Project Area involves a series of organically linked aspects which are dealt with by an inter-disciplinary approach in the two final years of the Course of studies.

This Course prepares students for Higher education; they are able to proceed in any of the University Faculties, in particular in the sciences and in technology. Nevertheless, should they wish to, they could seek employment directly, after attending post-graduate studies.

Objectives and methodologies implemented in the "Brocca" course

• Promote a critical awareness of the role played by modern scientific and technological apparatuses;
• Supply effective instruments for the analysis and planning of solutions through the study of mathematical logical structures;
• Identify the essential role played by the sciences, their methodology and their history in modern social and economic dynamics;
• Intensify knowledge and skills through regular use of laboratories: IT laboratory, physics laboratory, chemistry laboratory, language laboratory.

Equipment and laboratories

• LABORATORIES
  • Physics laboratory
  • Chemistry laboratory
  • IT laboratory
  • Language and Multimedia laboratory
• SPECIAL CLASSROOMS
  • Special classroom for Physics
  • Special classroom for Chemistry
  • Special classroom for Drawing
  • Video room
• SCIENCE LIBRARY (in course of preparation)

Timetable for Experimental course "Brocca"

N.B. Each period lasts 50 minutes and there are no afternoon classes

THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

A new foreign language department has been available to students with multicultural interests wishing to learn foreign languages since 1977.

Students may take up, besides English (which is compulsory), two more foreign languages among which French, German or Spanish, which ,however is studied only from the third year on.

Our language courses aim at developing a European outlook in students as well as the ability to communicate with people from foreign countries.

We therefore believe in the fundamental role of cultural "exchanges" with other European schools as they enhance motivation in our students and place them in the position to compare experiences besides fostering friendly relationships with peers from other European countries.

The qualifications our students acquire are based on the integration of foreign languages with scientific and classical curriculum areas. Native language teachers are part of our staff and our teachers use effective teaching and learning policies which aim at enhancing critical thinking, flexibility, evaluative and analytical skills.

The department is equipped with up to date language laboratories.

At the end of this course of studies students may choose to attend any university faculty, although those in the field of languages, economics and communication are more appropriate. The qualifications of our students have also been so far favourably recognised in post-diploma courses.

Specific methodological aims of the language department

• Particular attention is given to the present day European environment through the teaching of four EEC languages
• Central role of foreign languages
• Interaction between the subjects of all curriculum areas
• Focus on the specific languages in different contexts
• Development of fundamental information skills.

Facilities and Laboratories

• LABORATORIES
  • Physics laboratory
  • Chemistry laboratory
  • Foreign language laboratory
  • Language and multimedia laboratory
• FACILITIES
  • Assembly Hall
  • Information technology lab.
  • Drawing lab.
  • Video Room
• LIBRARY

Timetable for the language department

N.B. Classes last 50 minutes and take place only in the morning.

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AIMS

Lyceum standards

Our educational aims place stress on the planning of suitable pupil activities designed to promote quality learning based on both classical and scientific curriculum areas.

In our rapidly changing society which requires adaptability and flexibility, we believe in providing not only a set of ready made notions , but in promoting learning skills and the ability of "learning to learn" and in encouraging critical thinking, evaluative and analytical skills as well as the fundamental ability of problem solving which involves students in decision-making processes.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to promoting equality of educational opportunity so that no student receives less favourable treatment than any other on the grounds of age, sex, race, nationality, disability or social background.

In order to understand these values in a historical context, subjects such as Philosophy and History are of fundamental importance. Students also study Civil Law which enables them to understand the origins and the fundamental role our Constitution has played in our history.

Our Behaviour Policy sets out clear rules for students (Regolamento d'Istituto) expressed in terms of attitudes and also the school's sanctions in the event of difficulties in sustaining these expectations. The expected Behaviour Code (formulated according to the principles contained in the "Students' Charter", approved by Presidential Decree n. 249, dated 24/6/1998) sets out general rules and routines within the school, but also insists on some key principles in classroom behaviour.

If students do not keep to this Code of Behaviour (Regolamento di Disciplina) , there may be disciplinary consequences with a clear hierarchy of action.

Teaching planning

The teacher will plan all lessons and take account of the resources necessary for a successful lesson.

The teacher will monitor timing of lessons so that the pace of the lesson is maintained and a balance of activities is achieved.

The teacher will set targets and monitor pupil achievement carefully and provide constructive feedback and regular reviews of progress including effective marking, in line with the school's policy. The evaluation that flows from this will affect future planning and practice.

Teachers will share and exchange views on respective prospects in the teacher-class committee held at the beginning of the school year.

The lesson planning will take account of the school's Teaching and Learning Policy in line with the decisions of Subject Departments and teaching staff..

"Learning to learn"

One of our most important educational goals is "learning to learn" that is the commitment to self-evaluation and improvement and the acquisition of autonomous learning skills.

The wide variety of subjects studied at our school contribute to the achievement of learning and study skills and to the acquisition of autonomous reading and analysis abilities which foster an overall understanding.

A wide range of flexible teaching methods are adopted to make these results possible; teaching can be conducted through the medium of lectures, practical sessions, projects and laboratories with a strong emphasis on student participation.

Evaluation

Evaluation is a fundamental aspect of the teaching-learning process. Teachers will monitor progress and keep records of grades and assessments which provide constructive feedback and regular reviews of the student's progress.

Assessment outcomes of short term targets over a limited time span also provide precious information for the teacher on the validity of teaching methods and help monitor and develop the student's performance and attitudes.

End of year assessments monitor the student's ability to move on to the following year's level. The student's potential ability to attend the next classes must take account of :

• The student's marks at the end of the school year;
• His achievement of study goals.

Parents will be constantly informed of the student's performance throughout the school year during the weekly meeting with teachers and will receive end of term report cards twice a year.

The participation of students attending the last three years in the school's supplementary activities will be recognised with credits (credito scolastico) .

Extra curriculum credits (credito formativo)are also valid and are supplied by external institutions . Teachers however will have to recognise the validity of these credits and judge whether they are in line with the school's objectives .All credits are recorded on the student's final examination certificate.

Pupil support programme, special education needs, supplementary opportunities

Support is offered to those students who are experiencing difficulty at school. Teachers will decide the amount of supplementary hours to dedicate to this programme and will provide extra tuition either during the morning lessons or in extra curricular classes in the afternoon.

Supplementary opportunities are also offered to students with outstanding achievements in collaboration with Universities and other cultural institutions

Valuing

The school also offers a series of opportunities in all curriculum areas to highly motivated students in the attempt to promote success in a friendly and supportive environment.

Among the many projects:

• "the Mathematics Olympic Games" organised by the "Normale" of Pisa which include competitions within the school and the province and also on national level (in 2003 3 students among the first 9 awarded were from our school);
• "Liceo a Teatro", a unique project in Emilia-Romagna which we consider highly stimulating and formative, in collaboration with a theatre in Milan " Il Piccolo Teatro" which gives our students the opportunity of seeing important plays in Milan;
• Foreign Languages Project. Fifth year students with outstanding marks in foreign languages are given the opportunity of taking (free of charge) external level examinations in English, German, French and Spanish. In 2003 all the students who took part (105) passed the examinations successfully. The students are prepared by our native language teachers during their lessons.

THE SCHOOL CHARTER

A number of projects are organised every year by the school which is committed to providing a congenial learning environment and to ensuring that students participate in a high quality learning experience. One of our main aims is to develop student self awareness and to broaden his/her knowledge of the surrounding world.

These projects are organised by the school in collaboration with Local Authorities, voluntary organisations or privates.

Curricular activities

In the course of the school year the following issues will be dealt with: The Environment, Sexual Education, Food, Traffic Regulation, Creative writing, Intercultural Relationships. Supplementary workshops will also be ensured.

The aim of these opportunities is to build the students' self-confidence, self-esteem and social awareness and develop their ability to work in groups, to make plans , to understand the complexity of the outside world and to help them overcome situations which may lead to misconduct. When appropriate, these activities will be carried out with the help of external experts, thus increasing territorial contacts.

Extra curricular Activities

The school also remains open in the afternoon to allow our students to use the premises for extra curricular activities..

Afternoon classes are organised on students' request and according to the opportunities granted by external institutions.

The afternoon activities aim at developing the students' creative and communicative skills, at teaching them to use information technology or simply at intensifying the study of curricular subjects.

All the courses, open to the students of the three different branches, will be started only for a number of at least 20 students and will last about 20- 40 hours.

Students may be charged an admittance fee if the school funds should require it.

The following courses will be available this year:

• Drama, Dance, Music, Photography, Cinema, Journalism Workshops as well as courses of extra curricular foreign languages.
• Sports: students are given the chance to practise sports which are not otherwise possible in the morning; free tournaments for the most popular sports among the students are organised and our students take part in the Provincial Championship.
• The school takes part in the Youth Meeting ( Meeting dei Giovani) organised by "Spazio Giovani" of the AUSL in Parma and our students give their contribution to the show of the activities carried out by the students of different high schools.
• The ECDL Project (European Computer Driving Licence): an information technology and multimedia course available to our fourth year students. At the end of this course students may take 7 examinations in order to achieve the European Computer Driving Licence directly in our school which has been recognised Test Centre by A.I.C.A. (Associazione italiana calcolo matematico). The ECDL is also considered valid as "credito formativo" for the final examination and is recognised by certain faculties and in competitive State examinations.

School trips

Guided visits and school trips are considered a cultural and educational need. They are organised by competent teachers who must however follow the school's regulations on the matter.

"On the Move" Project

The "On the Move" Project refers to all the cultural activities which aim at developing a European outlook:

• Projects centred on a number of subjects carried out in collaboration with European partners;
• Exchanges developed on educational projects and on themes of European relevance;
• Organisation of conferences, debates, theatrical plays or cineforums centred on European themes;
• Promotion of courses of foreign languages for students as well as teachers within the school.

We are also a member of a long term project (Socrates, Comenius 1) which aims to develop cultural exchanges between schools to encourage a European outlook in students in the prospect of a peaceful and tolerant future. Class exchanges with foreign schools are also organised as well as study tours of a week in Great Britain and Ireland,

We also collaborate with "Intercultura" which organises international exchanges for students who decide to study abroad for 3, 6 or 12 months.

Counselling, tutoring and careers service

Under the responsibility of the teaching staff, 20 hours of the first 2 weeks of school are dedicated to giving a warm welcome to our new students. In this period we intend to encourage friendly relationships among all members of our school and to favour a generally positive approach.

We consider the module "Learning to study" fundamental: it is organised by the teachers of Italian and takes up about 12 hours. It is structured in the following teaching units: "How to follow a lesson"; "How to find the key words in a text"; "How to take notes": "How to organise information". During the school year, a counselling and careers service is provided; it exists to help students make careful, well informed decisions about their future. Counselling/ Careers Service staff provide support relating to self awareness, opportunity structures and decision making.

SECURITY

"Marconi" has elaborated its Risk Chart which applies to its 3 different school buildings and has arranged interventions to avoid risks on its premises. Defence facilities, signposts and equipment have been conformed to the security regulations in force.

1 Beniamino Brocca, M.P. and Under Secretary at the Ministry of Education, introduced a series of school reforms at the beginning of the '90s.