Imagine walking into a school where children are not just learning but exploring the world through the eyes of great adventurers like Jules Verne and Italo Calvino. This is what makes the Bilingual European School (BES) in Milan unique. Founded in 1999 by Deborah Chillver and her husband, Luca Paloschu, BES began as a response to parents’ requests for a primary school after the success of the British American Pre-School (BAPS), a nursery founded in 1987. Parents loved BAPS, and Deborah envisioned a bilingual school that could not only compete with the best in Italy but also elevate English learning to new heights.
“We wanted to create a school that offered something different,” says Dr. Mauro Spicci, Academics Coordinator at BES. “Our goal was to combine the strengths of the Italian educational system with a strong English foundation, giving students the best of both worlds.”
At BES, learning goes beyond the classroom. The school believes that education should be about more than just textbooks; it’s about creating immersive learning environments where children can choose their own path. “By creating imaginative and suggestive learning landscapes, students are empowered and motivated to choose where to do their schoolwork, where to play, and what to explore,” Dr. Spicci explains.
The concept of “Travellers of the World” allows students to embark on journeys guided by the stories of famous explorers, fostering critical thinking and curiosity. It’s an approach that not only sparks creativity but also builds autonomy and responsibility in each student. As Dr. Spicci puts it, “Standing on the shoulders of the world’s most famous explorers, we are moved to experiment, wonder, and inquire.” This innovative approach is what sets BES apart, making it a place where students are not just taught but inspired to reach their full potential.
Where Language Meets Confidence
At BES, the goal isn’t just to create fluent English speakers—it’s to raise confident, adaptable learners who can tackle any subject in either language. With a 50/50 bilingual education model, students are immersed in both English and Italian equally, ensuring they can switch seamlessly between languages without hesitation. Dr. Spicci explains, “Our students don’t just learn a language; they live it. Whether it’s math, science, or history, everything is taught in both English and Italian.”
For many of the students, this journey begins at the British American Pre-School (BAPS), where children are introduced to an English-speaking environment from a young age. “Most of our students come from Italian-speaking homes,” Dr. Spicci notes, “but by the time they reach BES, they’re naturally bilingual. They can speak Italian with their family and switch to English effortlessly at school.”
This natural progression from BAPS to BES lays a solid foundation for a lifetime of bilingualism, equipping students with the skills to navigate a globalized world confidently. “Language becomes just another tool in their toolbox,” says Dr. Spicci. “By the time they enter primary school, they’re ready to engage with any subject, no matter what language it’s taught in.”
Teachers at the Heart of BES
At the BES, the teachers aren’t just educators—they’re mentors, guides, and role models who create an immersive, bilingual experience for students. With mother-tongue teachers for both Italian and English, the school ensures that students are constantly surrounded by language, allowing them to effortlessly switch between the two.
“Our teachers are the core of what we do,” says Dr. Spicci. “Their dedication inside and outside the classroom is what truly sets us apart. On Wednesdays, for example, students can stay in the afternoon to do their homework or dive deeper into subjects that spark their interest, all under the guidance of their teachers.”
The commitment to professional development at BES is equally strong. “We require all our teachers to have a college degree in teaching or their specific field,” Dr. Spicci notes. In addition, BES organizes three annual courses with education experts, ensuring that teachers are always evolving and bringing fresh, innovative ideas into the classroom.
A Melting Pot of Science and Art
Innovation is a key part of the BES learning experience, and nowhere is this more evident than in the school’s 1+1 Lab. This unique space blends science and art, encouraging students to think outside the box and collaborate in ways that break traditional boundaries. From artistic tools to cutting-edge technology like a 3D printer, the lab offers endless possibilities for creative exploration. “Our 1+1 Lab is a space where students can experiment and create,” says Dr. Spicci. “We want them to see that science and art aren’t separate—they’re two sides of the same coin.”
BES also offers a multifunctional knowledge center—a bright, open space designed for reading, reflecting, experimenting, and collaborating. It’s an environment that encourages critical thinking, where students are free to explore ideas and challenge themselves. And with over 4,500 square meters of garden space, outdoor learning becomes an integral part of the curriculum, giving students the chance to engage with nature as part of their education.
Technology is seamlessly integrated into the learning process at BES. “Every student has an iPad, and we have MacBooks available for presentations and group projects,” Dr. Spicci explains. “These tools, combined with our creative spaces, ensure that students are prepared for a digital and connected world.”
Dreaming of the Future
Looking ahead, BES has its sights set on growing with its students. “We would love to open a BES high school,” shares Dr. Spicci. “It would allow us to follow our students from the toddlers’ class all the way to their high school diploma, helping them choose the right college for their individual talents and passions.”
This vision reflects the school’s deep commitment to nurturing students every step of the way, from their first words in Italian and English to the moment they’re ready to step into the world. At BES, education is not just about academic achievement; it’s about guiding each student on their unique journey.
For More Info: https://www.beschool.eu/en