Italian Bilingual School
About Us
Established in 2002, the Italian Bilingual School (IBS) is the first Australian school to offer a fully bilingual education in English and Italian. IBS caters for children from Preps to Year 6 and delivers the NSW curriculum in two languages. The school offers a range of programs including STEAM, visual and performing arts, dance, sport and instrumental tuition as well as a popular Out of School Hour Care (OOSH) Program in English and Italian.
Bilingual Preps Program
At IBS, children are taught in a nurturing environment to achieve high standards in literacy and numeracy in both Italian and English.
Our program:
- develops early literacy
- builds numeracy skills
- encourages social development
- prepares children for formal schooling
- introduces children to Italian language & culture
- inspires cultural awareness
The school has a well-earned reputation for providing a caring environment with a committed staff who have high levels of expertise.
Out-Of-School Hours Program (OOSH)
IBS offers bilingual after-school care from 3.15pm to 6.30pm. Children are cared for in a safe and happy environment under the supervision of a coordinator and an assistant, providing children with personal attention.
Kindergarten to Year 6
An environment for success
The Italian Bilingual School offers a range of programs including music, dance, sport and instrumental tuition. Students also have access to their own radio station and film studio within the Mamma Lena and Dino Gustin Innovation Centre, a space where they can use their language skills while developing technical expertise. A popular Out of School Hour Care (OOSH) Program is also provided in English and Italian.
Our Bilingual Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to develop cultural awareness and literacy in two languages for children from Preps to Year 6. A bilingual education strengthens the intellectual, analytical and reflective capabilities of students. They gain an appreciation of language, an understanding of cultural diversity including social, historical and geographical knowledge of both Australia and Italy. The program is based on teachers working collaboratively, teaching the curriculum in Italian and in English.
Benefits of Bilingualism
Learning to understand, speak, read, write and think in two or more languages opens up a whole world of possibilities for children and adults alike. Being able to see beyond the boundaries of one language or culture is both empowering and liberating. It allows students to explore, understand and appreciate the wealth that is to be found in both languages.
Free Bilingual Playgroup
Join our FREE playgroup at IBS Primary School in Meadowbank and Co.As.It, Casa d’Italia in Leichhardt.
Our bilingual playgroups are fun and interactive sessions in Italian and English for all children aged between 2 to 5 years old and their parents. Filled with stories, games, music and arts and crafts activities, our playgroups make learning another language fun.
- Fully qualified teachers
- Fun-filled activities in English and Italian
- Safe environment
- Educational benefits
Tuesday and Thursday in Meadowbank & Wednesday in Leichhardt (Only available during the school term)
Innovation Centre
The Mamma Lena and Dino Gustin Innovation Centre is a highly technical space, it contains a library with the latest generation interactive board, a radio station and a film studio with a green screen. The radio station allows students to engage with a ‘real’ audience in both English and Italian, developing their technical knowledge and skills. It enables a mentoring program to be developed within the school. The Mamma Lena and Dino Gustin Innovation Centre was built with a generous donation from the Mamma Lena and Dino Gustin Foundation.