Tag: Secondary school

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

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

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.

Below are the words that the writer Ornella Della Libera spoke after meeting the pupils of the International House Oxford Lecce Middle School

“Dear Headteacher, dear professors, dear parents…
I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart because
today's meeting at Oxford was truly satisfying, from a cultural perspective.
I'll explain why: I'm amazed by the maturity of the young people, so young but so prepared, open to dialogue, ready for debate, curious and passionate.
It is certainly to the credit of a Constant learning, of strong family roots, of watch out for the future.
We amicably discussed cyberbullying, bullying, gender-based violence, xenophobia, poverty, the use of social media and related laws, informing about the risks of misuse, social media abuse, and childish behaviour that can lead to real tragedies, to irreversible situations. We analysed the need to learn how to defend ourselves, how to defend friends, and to find the courage to ask for help, turning to parents, teachers, in their roles, but also to law enforcement, in case of clear danger or simply for advice.
We have learned that The word NO can save us, that parents and teachers can seem strict but they have responsibility for our actions, civil and criminal.
We have analysed and deconstructed the cases, the mysteries from books, to make them current and to probe for any guilt and responsibility.

There were no shortage of questions about the age of criminal responsibility, moving from privacy to the age for social media registration, which is prohibited for those under 14 years old or 13 with parental consent.
Their curiosity about forms of prevention, from information to the data protection authority and warnings, is also interesting.
Well... I am really surprised by the enthusiasm of the boys and the organisers.
It's needless to say that I consider the drawings gifted to me as works of art.
And that the word diversity can be a richness, and that poverty is only internal, meaning an absence of curiosity for knowledge.
Goodbye.
Hope it's soon.
The day after tomorrow.
I would like to thank the director in particular Anna Grazia and Teresa Romano for this splendid opportunity that gives me hope for the future of these beautiful boys”

Then the meeting with the little ones

A day in the company of writer Ornella Della Libera, talking about dreams, desires, and whims.
It was a splendid journey together with the “Stellarium”between one star and another, always remembering that for every star that lights up, a new dream is born.