quadriennale

European Linguistic High School in 4 years

Four-year bilingual Italian-English curriculum

The four-year linguistic high school programme maintains the learning objectives of the traditional five-year track while shortening the overall duration by one year through an increase in both the number of school days and weekly teaching hours.

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Liceo linguistico quadriennale vittoria

International Four-Year Linguistic High School (Cambridge IGCSE)

In 2017, Liceo Vittoria was authorized—together with about 200 other Italian upper secondary schools—to launch an experimental four-year programme, aligning the total duration of schooling with the 12-year education model adopted in most Western countries.

This four-year bilingual Italian-English programme combines the strengths of the traditional five-year linguistic curriculum with the international Upper Secondary School course. During the first two years, students earn IGCSE certificates (University of Cambridge International Education) in English and three additional non-linguistic subjects. The second two years lead to the Italian “Maturità Linguistica” diploma.

Key innovative features

The four-year experimental programme:

  • shortens the high school duration to four years (with an extended school calendar and increased weekly hours), while ensuring full coverage of the five-year learning goals;
  • enhances the international dimension of the curriculum, with advanced English language instruction and IGCSE certification in at least three non-linguistic subjects;
  • preserves the structure of the traditional five-year path, maintaining both core and specialized subject areas;
  • allows, after the first biennium, the option to continue either towards the International IB Diploma Programme or the Italian Linguistic Maturità;
  • includes the in-depth study of at least one additional foreign language (French or Spanish);
  • strengthens STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) through a hands-on, lab-based approach;
  • promotes competence-based learning through interdisciplinary teaching methods;
  • supports the “learning by doing” approach via internships, workshops, and study-work experiences (PCTO) in Italy and abroad.
piano didattico

Curriculum structure

The course is divided into a formative and orientative first biennium and a specialized second biennium offering two specific study tracks:

  • Modern Linguistic
  • Legal and Economic

The class group remains cohesive throughout the four years, splitting only for specialized subject hours. This structure balances shared core lessons with smaller group sessions, supporting orientation, reinforcement, and enrichment activities—particularly in the first two years.

 

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Academic calendar

To meet the required total number of hours, the school year runs from the first Monday in September to mid-June.
Weekly schedules include afternoon sessions:

  • First year: 3 mornings (6 modules), 1 day (7 modules), 1 day (8 modules) – 33 total modules per week
  • Second year: 3 mornings (6 modules), 2 days (8 modules) – 34 total modules per week
  • Third & Fourth years: 2 mornings (6 modules), 3 days (8 modules) – 36 total modules per week
aula professori
laboratorio linguistico

International focus and certifications

At the end of the first two years, students achieve Cambridge IGCSE International Diplomas, the world’s most widely recognized international certification system. Created and assessed by the University of Cambridge, the IGCSE programme includes over 70 subjects designed according to UK national education standards.

By the end of the second year, students earn IGCSE certificates in:

  • English as a Second Language
  • International Mathematics
  • Global Perspectives

Qualification awarded

Graduates obtain the European Linguistic High School Diploma, officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, and IGCSE certificates from the University of Cambridge in at least three or four subjects.

This qualification ensures:

  • a strong academic foundation and advanced linguistic-communicative competence fostering international study and career mobility;
  • eligibility for admission to any university in Italy or abroad;
  • access to all public examinations as established by current regulations.

School Schedule

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