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Tag: Montessori School Lecce

Early Years Educators, Montessori diploma ceremony at IH Oxford Lecce

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in I Corsi.

Last Saturday, January 17th, the trainees of the Specialised course for early years educators, organised by the’ National Montessori Organisation in collaboration with the’Oxford Cultural Association, received their diplomas from the hands of the Course Director, Emanuele Sponsiello, the Scientific Coordinator Anna Grazia Buttazzo, the Headteacher of IC Mazzini Modugno Mariella Dentamaro, and the Training Lecturer, Fernanda Bernabei.

Last June's exams

So much excitement for the 28 female participants who attended the course in its edition at the Mazzini Modugno Comprehensive Institute. The exams were taken on 21st and 22nd June 2025.

The path that concluded so successfully was not only a formative moment rich in content and value, but also a life experience that positively marks those who choose to become Montessori educators or teachers.

Courses from the Opera Nazionale Montessori and IH Oxford

The’ Oxford Association of Lecce has organised courses dedicated to the Montessori method for years, which bear the insignia of’National Montessori Opera of Rome.The new edition, dedicated to 18 trainees for the Early Years Educators course, 28 aspiring nursery school teachers, and 24 trainees for the primary school teachers course, started in Lecce on 11th October.

A qualification that is not just a nice certificate to frame, but one that represents a important milestone in the professional life of those who embrace the teachings of Maria Montessori and choose to make them their own in the fundamental work alongside children.

A journey into Salento's agri-food excellence between Cantine Paolo Leo and Birra Salento for IH Oxford students

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in Blog, La Scuola.

On 5 November 2025, pupils from the classes First and second years of lower secondary school they took part in the project's first educational outing “A Journey into the Excellence of Salento's Agri-food Sector”, a day of discovery and learning dedicated to the world of wine and beer production, two excellences of our region.

Morning at the winery at Cantine Paolo Leo in San Donaci

The morning took place at the Cantine PaoloLeo in San Donaci, where the youngsters were able to experience something unique firsthand amidst the aromas of the barrels and the colours of the grapes. Guided by industry experts, the students explored the winemaking processes up close, observing the tools and machinery that make the transformation of grapes into wine possible. They also took part in engaging educational workshops – The little winemaker, Hands in dough e The Enoian painter – which have allowed them to learn while having fun, while developing scientific, manual and creative skills.

Afternoon at the brewery at Birra Salento in Leverano

In the afternoon, the visit continued at the brewery Salento Beer in Leverano. Here, the students traced the birth of the brand and the philosophy that inspires it, discovering the secrets of artisan beer production: from the raw ingredients grown in the adjacent fields to the processing and fermentation stages. The experience concluded with the screening of a video that retraced the production process they had just observed, offering an effective and engaging summary.

The exit was highly appreciated by the students, which have been able to concretely observe how technological innovation intertwines with agricultural and artisanal tradition. The activity has also allowed us to address some Economic and bureaucratic aspects linked to the management of a modern farm, offering food for thought on the commitment, passion and determination required to transform an idea into a successful business venture.

Both companies visited represent two excellent examples of how the bond with the land and family can coexist with a strong entrepreneurial vision, generating excellence that is recognised and appreciated far beyond the borders of Salento. An intense and significant day, which left the young people with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a renewed sense of belonging to their territory.

curated by lecturer Salvatore Papa

The new edition of the Teaching Specialisation Courses inspired by the Maria Montessori Method has begun in Lecce.

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in Blog, La Formazione.

The’ Oxford Association of Lecce has organised courses dedicated to the Montessori method for years, which bear the insignia of’National Montessori Opera of Rome And the new edition kicked off in Lecce on 11 October last with the first online lesson of the theoretical module.

In Italy, in fact, the only centre authorised to train Montessori teachers is the’National Montessori Organisation which, through courses and seminars, trains teachers who wish to base their educational method on the principles of Maria Montessori.

The first lesson was given by the scientific coordinator of the courses, Anna Grazia Buttazzo, who welcomed the female participants who, specifically, are 18 for the Early Childhood Educators course, 28 for Kindergarten teachers, 24 for the Primary School teachers course.

“Courses created and completed in these years – stated the trainer from the Opera Nazionale Montessori Anna Grazia Buttazzo – have led to respectable results, training enthusiastic and capable teachers, ready to implement the Montessori teachings to the best of their ability, which are aimed at fostering the men and women of tomorrow to grow in serenity and awareness. A true life path as well as a didactic training course.”.

Once the theoretical module, which is held online, has been completed, The lessons will continue in person according to the established calendar, at the premises of International House Oxford Lecce at Via Adriatica 10 in Lecce.

The courses

Therefore the routes are divided into 3 typologiese:
Early years educators (age range 0-3 years)
Nursery school teachers (age range 3-6 years)
Primary school teachers (age range 6-11 years)

It is useful to note that, even once the course has started, it is possible to enrol no later than 24th October 2025. To download the useful documentation, Click here

For Officine Mezzogiorno, the 2nd and 3rd year classes of Oxford Secondary School were the stars of the event

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in Blog, La Scuola.

Thursday 25 September 2025, from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, classes II and III of the Oxford Middle School enthusiastically took part in the final event of the project For The Southern Workshops, held at the Officine Cantelmo in Lecce.

A rich daily programme

The morning opened with a Coding workshop, during which IT experts guided the youngsters in discovering the programme Scratch and of the Basic programming of a Micro:bit board. Thanks to the PCs provided by the organisation, the pupils were able to try their hand at writing their first simple codes directly, thus practically experiencing the potential of digital technologies.

Following this, the boys tested themselves in an activity of design and construction truly original: using simple materials – sheets of paper, sticky tape, glue, scissors, and even spaghetti – they created Bridges and towers. Led by industry specialists, the pupils worked in teams until the final challenge: determining which bridge could bear the most weight and which spaghetti tower would reach the most impressive height.

At the end of the morning, each student received a Certificate of individual merit, in recognition of the work done and the commitment shown.

A great opportunity for young pupils

The experience was of great educational value not only for the direct approach to STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), but also for the relational aspect. In fact, students from another middle school in Lecce also took part in the initiative, and this allowed for a moment of Meeting, collaboration, and inclusion, With a view to entering upper secondary school in the future, where each student will find themselves sharing their journey with new classmates.

A precious opportunity, then, to grow together, learning by doing and opening our gaze to the future.

curated by the responsible teacher Salvatore Papa

Talent and enthusiasm on Canale 5 with Pierluigi Salomi and mum Daniela

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in Blog, La Scuola.

They sang the famous “ together“Unthinking Youths”by Achille Lauro, a young pupil from our school, Pierluigi Salomi, and his mum Daniela.

All eyes in the great Oxford family were indeed glued to the TV to savour the performance that was broadcast on Canale 5 in prime time during the broadcast Io Canto Family hosted by Michelle Hunziker.

Pierluigi has demonstrated what we know well about him, because even as a child, he began his educational journey at the IH Oxford Lecce International Montessori School: the passion for music, first of all, which adds to that for the Mathematics – as he was able to make clear to the well-known Mediaset presenter –“for Geopolitics”Pierluigi Salomi flashed his most brilliant smile on the Canale 5 stage, talking before his performance about his role of responsibility, which is that of Mayor of the Boys and Girls of the City of Lecce. “A constant commitment that champions the demands of us young citizens who want a clean, participatory city where we can live in safety.”explained Pierluigi, who is currently attending the final year of lower secondary school at our Institute.

By his side is his mother Daniela, who follows him with care and attention in the difficult task of mothering, finding a balance between youthful enthusiasm and life commitments, for a son who always proves to be a volcano of ideas and interests.

And then it's time for music where mother and son captivated with the notes of a Beautiful song like the one Achille Lauro wore at the last Sanremo Festival.

The Oxford family was moved and touched in front of the TV, proud to have made their small contribution to the growth of a young man.

International House Oxford of Lecce mourns Glynis Thomas, dedicates a plaque to her in the teachers' lounge

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in Blog, I Corsi, La Scuola.

“I suoi sorrisi ci hanno dato forza, la sua dedizione ci ha ispirato, la sua memoria illuminerà per sempre i nostri giorni”. È quanto inciso sulla targa argentata svelata questa mattina presso la staff room, l’aula dedicata ai docenti, posta al primo piano dell’International House Oxford di Lecce. L’aula da oggi sarà intitolata a Glynis Thomas, la direttrice didattica che ha seguito, monitorato, supportato i docenti madrelingua della grande famiglia Oxford.

Lacrime e sorrisi nel ricordo di Glynis

Emozione e tanto affetto questa mattina hanno percorso i corridoi della scuola di via Adriatica, da oltre 40 al centro della formazione linguistica di Lecce e provincia, una storia in cui Glynis ha messo un tassello importante, uno dei più importanti grazie alla sua pazienza, alla sua professionalità, al suo sorriso. Ha accompagnato l’Oxford Institute a diventare parte dell’International House World organisation, nel lungo percorso di affiliazione.

To unveil the plaque inside the staff room, which becomes a home for all the teachers who teach the school's pupils, the figlia Gemma che ha rappresentanto anche il fratello Leo.

Il pensiero di chi l’ha conosciuta e le ha voluto bene

Con la voce rotta dall’emozione il direttore dell’International House Oxford Lecce, Emanuele Sponsiello, ha accolto il personale tutto, gli amici e i docenti che hanno condiviso un percorso professionale e di amicizia con Glynis, ricordando i primi anni di collaborazione nei quali lei è stata docente nella scuola, dove si è fatta subito riconoscere per la dolcezza e l’empatia con gli alunni, in quel ponte ideale che fa dell’insegnamento una luce per le giovani generazioni.

“Glynis per noi è stata un faro – ha affermato Emanuele Sponsiello – e continueremo a lavorare seguendo il suo esempio. Mi è stata accanto in tante scelte fondamentali nella vita della nostra scuola. Il suo impegno al mio fianco per 25 anni e il suo amore per il lavoro qui con noi ci mancheranno profondamente”

Un saluto emozionato e sentito anche quello dell’attuale DOS (director of studies) della scuola, che ha ricordato come con professionalità e amore per il suo lavoro, Glynis gli ha aperto le porte della scuola e dei segreti della didattica perchè tutto scorresse al meglio per docenti e alunni. “E’ stata lei a condurre il nostro colloquio conoscitivo e nel tempo ho potuto apprezzare i suoi sorrisi e la sua dedizione. Rimarrà per sempre nel mio cuore”.

In tanti tra i presenti hanno preso parola per ricordare Glynis Thomas, che ci ha lasciato lo scorso mese di aprile all’età di 57 anni dopo una lunga malattia che mai l’ha fermata dal continuare a dare il suo essenziale contributo per l’IH Oxford Lecce. “Mai una parola di rimprovero, piuttosto sempre moniti di incoraggiamento per fare sempre meglio!”, queste le parole che hanno riecheggiato durante la cerimonia commemorativa.

“Una donna meravigliosa che resta nel cuore di chi l’ha conosciuta” hanno affermato in tanti

“25 anni di totale dedizione e professionalità – ha detto con la voce rotta dall’emozione la coordinatrice didattica della Scuola Anna Grazia Buttazzo – Glynis ha contribuito alla storia della Oxford e la sua eredità continuerà a vivere attraverso le persone che l’hanno consociuta”.

Un lungo e forte abbraccio per i figli di Glynis, che oggi sono chiamati ad andare per il mondo ed affrontare la vita con l’assenza più profonda, quella di una madre, ma con la certezza di avere un compito importante: far tesoro dei consigli e di quell’amore che li accompagnerà per sempre, oltre il tempo e l’assenza.

Pigiama Party a scuola per i piccoli dell’Infanzia Oxford

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in Blog, La Scuola.

Quale modo migliore per concludere l’anno scolastico con un pigiama party?

Nella giornata di venerdì 20 giugno, i bambini dell’ultimo anno della scuola dell’infanzia sono stati invitati a partecipare ad un’iniziativa alquanto nuova e divertente.

School like the living room at home

Our school has been transformed into a real-life living room where the children, in their pyjamas, shared a wonderful evening together with their classmates and their teachers.

Appena arrivati i bambini hanno decorato la loro federa (da conservare in ricordo della serata), poi hanno guardato un film, e come in ogni pigiama party che si rispetti, non sono mancate pizze e patatine. Dopo balli e canti, anche un bellissimo momento di lettura in giardino, sotto le stelle.


E come ad ogni bellissimo tramonto corrisponde una nuova alba, ieri sera, la serata dei nostri bambini ha avuto proprio lo stesso sapore: la fine di un ciclo che nasconde un altro meraviglioso inizio.

Mini Olimpiadi Oxford: piccoli atleti in azione!

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in Blog, La Scuola.

Il 17 e il 20 giugno, la scuola dell’infanzia ha ospitato le attese Mini Olimpiadi Oxford, due giornate all’insegna dello sport, del divertimento e della condivisione.

L’evento

L’iniziativa sportiva ha coinvolto tutti i bambini in un entusiasmante percorso di attività ispirate ad alcune delle più famose discipline olimpiche.

Tra corse, salti, lanci e percorsi di agilità, i piccoli atleti hanno dato prova di grande energia, spirito di squadra e voglia di mettersi in gioco. Ogni prova è stata pensata per essere accessibile e divertente, stimolando il movimento e la coordinazione, ma anche il rispetto delle regole e il sostegno reciproco.

Contagioso l’entusiasmo dei bambini

Con il sorriso sulle labbra e la voglia di partecipare, i piccoli sportivi hanno reso queste giornate un momento speciale per tutta la comunità scolastica.

Le Mini Olimpiadi Oxford si sono concluse con una simbolica cerimonia di premiazione, dove ogni bambino ha ricevuto un piccola medaglia per l’impegno e la gioia dimostrati.

Un’esperienza indimenticabile che ha unito sport, educazione e tanto divertimento!

Un vigile per amico – Educazione stradale con l’Ispettore Capo Domenico Carrieri

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in Blog, La Scuola.

“Aiutami a fare da solo“, dice il bambino: e l’adulto, con pazienza e amore, risponde accompagnandolo nel cammino della scoperta. (Maria Montessori)

Nei giorni 19 e 20 maggio, la scuola dell’Infanzia dell’Istituto International House Oxford di Lecce si è trasformata in un piccolo mondo fatto di strisce pedonali, segnali colorati e tante curiose domande. È stato realizzato il progetto educativo “Un vigile per amico”, dedicato all’educazione stradale e pensato per accompagnare i più piccoli alla scoperta delle buone regole da seguire quando si è in strada.

Educazione stradale con un ospite speciale

Ospite speciale delle due giornate è stato l’Ispettore Capo Domenico Carrieri della Polizia Locale di Villa Castelli, che ha saputo conquistare subito la simpatia e l’attenzione dei bambini. Con modi gentili e rassicuranti, ha raccontato l’importanza di attraversare sulle strisce, di fermarsi al semaforo rosso e di osservare con attenzione tutto ciò che accade attorno.

Attraverso storie, piccoli giochi, esempi pratici e qualche sorriso, i bambini hanno partecipato con entusiasmo, ponendo domande e condividendo le loro esperienze. Il clima era quello delle grandi occasioni: occhi attenti, mani alzate e tanta voglia di imparare!

A conclusione del progetto, ogni bambino ha ricevuto un attestato di partecipazione e un ciondolino ricordo, come segno di un traguardo importante raggiunto con gioia e impegno.

L’iniziativa è stata accolta con grande entusiasmo da parte di tutti: un momento educativo, affettuoso e divertente, che ha lasciato nei cuori dei bambini un messaggio semplice ma prezioso…
Le regole, se spiegate con amore, diventano amiche!

Cortili Aperti 2025, for the 30th edition too, International House Oxford students have told the stories of Lecce's beautiful buildings.

Written by Sviluppo on . Posted in Blog, La Scuola.

Sunday 25 May 2025 the gates of the palazzi and monuments have once again opened in the historic centre of Lecce for New edition of “Cortili Aperti”.

For the XXX edition of the review showcasing city monuments and historic buildings usually inaccessible to the public because they are privately owned, so many schools organised their pupils to act as tour guides through the streets of ancient Lecce.

Following last year's success, the students were also the protagonists of Years 4 and 5 of Primary School and all classes of the Lower Secondary School at the International House Oxford Institute in Lecce.

Our students have had the opportunity to tell fellow citizens and tourists, in Italian, English and Spanish, about the wonderful Piazza Duomo and some of the most interesting noble palaces in the city: Apostolico Orsini Palace, Andretta Palace, Carrelli Palombi Palace, Ignazio Falconieri Square and the Church of Saint Elizabeth

Furthermore, the THE OXFORD BAND She performed live at the former Convent of Santa Chiara, which is now the site of the Must museum. The lads played classics from the Anglo-Saxon and Latin pop-rock repertoire, to a torrent of applause and enthusiasm.

The visits were plentiful and the experience was beautiful and engaging. Around the courtyards also the Mayor of the city of Lecce, Adriana Poli, who greeted our 'Ciceroni for a day' students through the streets of beautiful Lecce.

The teachers expressed their happiness and satisfaction regarding the students' ease in speaking the language with the numerous tourists, their skill, and the care they put into preparing the tours, not to mention the musical and singing talents they demonstrated.

Finally, the educational director of the IH Oxford Parity School Anna Grazia Buttazzo  He wanted to thank everyone, teachers, students and staff, for the commitment shown during the preparation days and on such an emotional day!