Secondary school programs

We provide Australian secondary school students with an exciting opportunity to study in Italy. We tailor programs to suit your school’s broader tour itinerary in Italy or Europe.

What we offer

• Short study programs in art, history, Italian language and culture, and music
• Tuition by local subject specialists
• Visits to local schools and the opportunity to participate in classes
• Unique experiences and engagement with the local community
• Classroom, computer and Internet facilities - visit our Facilities page for more details and to take a virtual tour
• Assistance in organising low cost accommodation and meals in Prato (NB There is no on-site student canteen or accommodation)
• Guided tours of Prato and Florence

Study programs

Choose from dedicated courses which offer specialist workshops in art, history, Italian language and culture, and music. We recommend a minimum of three days for sound curriculum development and delivery.

Art

Printmaking

Your students will bring their experiences of the landscapes, buildings and people of the cities they visit while on tour back to the workshop to turn them into prints. This program will expand your students' visual vocabulary. We recommend a basic knowledge of drawing and sketching to do this program.

Frescoes

Through half or full-day sessions designed for beginners, your students will learn about buon fresco and fresco secco painting, the development of the cartoon and pounced tracing, mixing colours, building plaster coats, and laying of intonaco. In this program your students will examine historical examples of fresco-making in situ. Your students will also experience 'the golden hour' - the best time of the day for a fresco painter.

History

The history of Prato and Florence will come alive for your students as we guide them through the streets, churches and piazzas that were home to prominent families, artists and thinkers during the Renaissance. Your students will see masterpieces of art and architecture in their original settings, helping them to learn about the leading political, artistic and intellectual movements of the time. Through day trips to rival cities such as Siena and Pisa, your students will be able to situate Prato and Florence in their wider political context.

Italian language and culture

We tailor your program to suit your students' learning needs and their language level. Your students will put their classroom learning into practice through visits to local schools and markets, treasure hunts in the historic centre of Prato, and day trips to nearby towns.

Music

We arrange joint classes and practice sessions for your students with local musicians and students from the Giuseppe Verdi School of Music. Our centre has a unique performance space (a former ballroom!) and we’ll be happy to assist you in the organisation of concert programs.

Sample program - Italian language and culture

We’ll be happy to work with you to create a program to suit your group’s timetable. We can also provide advice on suitable itineraries but we recommend you work with a registered travel agency to organise your travel and accommodation outside of Prato.

How to book

Further information is available in our Study Programs in Tuscany brochure.

To make a booking or if you have questions, please contact us.