A team of budding academic stars from Southlands British International School travelled to Milan for a three-day global academic event, the Globeducate Academic Olympics.

Each year, the Globeducate Academic Olympics brings together students aged 13 to 14, to compete in mixed teams on topics set out to challenge thinking and communication skills, knowledge and logic, and team skills. This year the event is hosted by the group´s two schools in the city, ICS Milan and Bilingual European School.

The Southlands British International School team joined more than 100 other students from 18 schools coming from across the Globeducate network of 10 countries. This was the first time the event was held in person since before the pandemic, in 2019, when it was hosted in Spain.

The students represented a diverse mix of nationalities and used English as the common language - enjoying a creative and truly international experience with their peers. “The Academic Olympics are an incredible opportunity for Globeducate students not only to see themselves as members of a thriving international community working together to shape the world but also to foster the exchange of perspectives, ideas and transformative experiences.” said Victoria Del Federico, Head of School at Southlands. 

Students worked on projects with the theme of Good Health and Wellbeing, with an approach based on design thinking and with projects that combine STEAM with Milanese history as well as a scavenger hunt around the city centre, using coordinates. Students visited the sites of iconic Milanese brands such as Fondazione Prada and Fondazione Pirelli.  Each task challenged each team in unique ways and students returned to their host families each night with exciting stories to share.

Ettore, from Year 9 said: "Travelling to Milan for this year's Academic Olympics was a wonderful experience. I am pleased I was given the chance to take part in the event and unlock more opportunities for my future, especially because I am in my formative years as a teenager. I am happy I had the opportunity to interact with other Globeducate students, make friends and step out of my comfort zone. Last but not least, I particularly enjoyed travelling with my classmates as this experience has made our bond stronger."

Ms Ana Lain, Deputy Head of Senior School, accompanied the team to Milan and said: “Our students were brilliant in engaging with all the interesting activities that had been organised for them -these involved a wide range of skills including STEAM skills, research, problem-solving, cooperative and coordinated effort to work in a team. They completed all the missions to the best of their ability and socialised with students (and teachers!) from other schools. I was particularly impressed by their competitive and resolute yet well-disposed attitude, which allowed them to make the most out of this exciting academic experience but also to make new international friends in such a short time."

Click here to read more about Globeducate's events this year.