Imagine a classroom buzzing with the energy of discovery. One group of students is conducting a science experiment, their eyes wide with amazement as a chemical reaction unfolds before them. In another corner, a class is engaged in a spirited debate, seamlessly switching between English and Italian as they discuss global issues. At English Gate School (EGS) in Cantù, this is a typical day. Learning is vibrant, holistic, and intertwined with cultural experiences.
Founded in 2010 by Ms Klodia Gaudino, EGS has become a beacon of bilingual and international education in the Como region. But it all started with a simple yet powerful dream. Ms Gaudino, who grew up in the United States and later moved to Italy, envisioned a school that combined the best of both worlds: the forward-thinking International Curriculum and the rich traditions of the Italian education system. “I wanted a school that felt like a second home for my own children—a place where they could explore, grow, and thrive,” Ms Gaudino recalls. Today, her dream has flourished into a thriving institution with over 300 students and a close-knit international community.
A Global Education, Rooted in Tradition
At EGS, education is a careful blend of global and local perspectives. The school’s curriculum is a harmonious mix of the International Curriculum and the Italian Ministerial Programme. This dual approach ensures that students not only develop critical thinking skills and global awareness but also remain deeply connected to Italian language and culture.
“Bilingual education isn’t just about speaking two languages,” Ms Gaudino explains. “It’s about understanding two cultures, being able to think globally while staying grounded locally.” Students learn to navigate both worlds with ease, prepared for opportunities abroad as well as in our home country, Italy.
The UK-based curriculum focuses on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and holistic development. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas and engage with the world around them. Meanwhile, the Italian programme emphasizes linguistic mastery, cultural heritage, and the rich traditions that shape Italian society. Together, these two systems create a unique learning experience that equips students for the complexities of an interconnected world.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
One of EGS’s defining features is its commitment to experiential learning. Step into a classroom, and you might see students doing an experiment, participating in teams to an assigned project or performing a play in their second language. The school believes in putting students at the heart of the learning process. “Our teaching is centered on the students’ natural curiosity and desire to discover,” Ms Gaudino shares. Lessons are interactive, with a focus on research, collaboration, and hands-on projects. Students learn by doing, which fosters deeper understanding and a genuine love for knowledge.
Sports and physical education play a significant role in this holistic approach. At EGS, sports aren’t just about physical health; they’re a vehicle for personal growth. Activities like karate, tennis, golf, and swimming are integrated into the curriculum, teaching students discipline, teamwork, and resilience. “We also take our students on unforgettable adventures,” Ms Gaudino adds. Each year, EGS organizes ski trips and sailing weeks, partnering with top-quality local clubs to provide world-class experiences. These activities challenge students to step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and build lasting memories with their peers.
Beyond sports, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities designed to ignite students’ creativity and interests. From arts and crafts to entrepreneurship, from cooking classes to dance and drama, there’s something for everyone. “We’re often asked why we emphasize friendship and happiness so much,” Ms Gaudino says with a smile. “It is simple: when students feel happy and understood, they become passionate learners. They form friendships that support and uplift them, and those bonds make school life truly fulfilling.”
Creating a Culture of Lifelong Friendships
For many schools, academic success is the ultimate goal. At EGS, however, creating a supportive, happy, and inclusive environment is equally important. The school’s philosophy is built on the idea that a student’s emotional well-being is key to their academic performance. Teachers work tirelessly to understand each child’s emotional needs, building their self-confidence and teaching them how to handle challenges.
One of EGS’s unique educational goals is to help students develop life-long friendships. “We want our students to feel excited to come to school each day,” Ms Gaudino says. “They should feel part of a community that supports them, inspires them and makes learning an adventure.” Through activities like team-building workshops, social events, and community projects, students learn the value of empathy, collaboration, and authentic connections. They are taught that kindness, respect, and helping each other are as important as academic achievements.
Technology and Innovation: Tools for the Future
In today’s world, technology is an essential part of education. But at EGS, it’s not just about having the latest gadgets; it’s about using them wisely. The school has embraced digital literacy, teaching students how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. From early lessons on cybersecurity and online safety, to discussions about the impact of social media, EGS empowers students to become thoughtful digital citizens.
Interactive platforms like Seesaw are used for homework and feedback, making communication between teachers, students, and families seamless. Coding is introduced early and students participate in Globeducate’s international STEM Day, collaborating with peers around the world on science and engineering challenges.
The integration of AI into the curriculum is another innovative step forward. “We are currently training AI champions among our staff,” Ms Gaudino notes. “All our teachers have access to AI training modules, which are transforming how we teach and learn.” Teachers also use smartboards and digital platforms like Google Workspace for real-time collaboration on projects, ensuring that students are tech-savvy and prepared for the future.
Language as the Gateway to Culture
Language is at the heart of the EGS experience. The school employs mother-tongue English teachers who enrich the students’ language skills and cultural understanding. In a setting where Italian is the dominant language, maintaining English fluency is a challenge—but one that EGS meets with enthusiasm. “Our teachers create opportunities for students to practice and refine their English, even in informal settings,” Ms Gaudino explains. “It’s crucial for their language development and their ‘citizens of the future’ identity.”
Students at EGS do not just learn languages; they learn to appreciate the cultures those languages represent. The school organizes cultural events, trips to local museums, and community walks to connect students with the history and traditions of Cantù. “We celebrate Italian culture while embracing our international identity,” Ms Gaudino says. “It’s a beautiful blend that enriches our students’ education and horizons.”
The Spirit of EGS
Over the years, English Gate School has built more than an academic institution—it has created a community. A place where every student feels valued, where curiosity leads to discovery, and where friendships last a lifetime. “Education at EGS is about balance,” Ms Gaudino reflects. “Balancing two languages, two cultures, and the needs of the child as a unique human being. That is what makes us special.”
From its innovative teaching methods to its emphasis on emotional well-being and cultural awareness, EGS stands as a shining example of what education can be: an adventure that prepares students not just for exams, but for life.
For More Info: https://www.englishgate.it/