Beyond the Classroom

At RIS students of all ages have the space and places  to explore, experiment, discover, be active and healthy, and to develop their physical capabilities.

From the outdoor classroom in the school woods to the Eco Council's terrace garden, students have ample opportunities to connect with the natural environment around them. 

Learning outdoors supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles by offering students opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement, and promoting a sense of well-being.

In the Early Years, it gives children contact with the natural world and offers them experiences that are unique to outdoors, such as direct contact with the weather and the seasons. Playing and learning outdoors also helps children to understand and respect nature, the environment and the interdependence of humans, animals, plants, and lifecycles.

In the Elementary, Middle and High School, the concept of sustainability is best understood through experiential learning.  We believe that being outdoors in a natural setting enables students to develop a connection with the natural world that can lead to long-term environmental awareness, understanding and positive action.

The Eco Schools programme and educational partnership with WWF offer additional learning opportunities for our students to contribute to a better and more sustainable world.

In September 2020, the work of Rome International School's Eco Council was "Highly Commended" for championing sustainability education and environmental awareness. Being shortlisted for this award is fantastic recognition of our school's commitment to creating a better and more sustainable future.

As a proud member of the Globeducate network, Globeducate is the educational partner of WWF and this partnership aims to make sustainability education an intrinsic part of life in and beyond all Globeducate schools.

Respect for the environment is a value that has increasingly become deeply embedded in school life. The school joined the Eco-Schools international network in 2016 and is committed to raising awareness of important environmental themes that engage the entire learning community.

What is the Eco Schools programme?

Eco Schools is the world's largest sustainable schools programme. It is dedicated to advancing environmental education, management, and certification in schools. The initiative's holistic approach and the combination of theory and action makes it a powerful tool to reduce the environmental impact of the school community and to spread good environmental practices among young people, families, local authorities and other representatives of civil society. At RIS, the Eco Schools programme is coordinated by Ms Andrea Garofalo. 

Excursions and visits to places of interest, such as exhibitions and museums, are carefully planned and extend the knowledge, skills and understanding gained in the classroom.

These activities are one way of connecting with the local community, helping students to see the relation between what is being learned in the classroom and real-life.

From Year 3 to Year 12, carefully chose residential trips, either in Italy or to international locations, are offered* annually. The itinerary for all trips is carefully chosen to ensure an educational but enjoyable experience for the students and the security of students is always uppermost in our minds.