University orientation courses
University orientation courses at the Scuola Normale Superiore
The Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa began organizing pre-university orientation seminars forty years ago, first among Italian institutions, and it continues to do so every year. In particular, the Scuola Normale organizes orientation courses which are mainly aimed at students who are about to enter their final year of high school.
As of today, the orientation courses of the Scuola Normale still represent an original and unique initiative in the context of the university orientation activities in the Italian university system.
The first courses were held in Erice (Sicily) in the sixties, with the cooperation of the Italian Ministry of Education. A lively account of the experience is provided in “La Normale a Erice”, an article by Salvatore Settis which appeared on the review “Belfagor”; Settis, later to become President of the School, participated in the orientation courses as a tutor, after receiving his education in the Scuola Normale. The article effectively conveys the atmosphere surrounding the courses and the purpose which still characterizes them: that is, to help students acquire the necessary notions and develop a critical approach, so that they will be prepared to choose their university.
The orientation courses were resumed in 1980 in Cortona (Tuscany), and they were held in the "Palazzone", a Renaissance villa donated to the Scuola Normale Superiore by Count Silvio Passerini, which is still used for meetings and workshops. The courses, partly funded by the City of Cortona, currently take place in the Convention Center located at the former Saint Augustine Monastery, in the historical district. In his inaugural address, Edoardo Visentini, then President of the SNS, pointed out many problems which still deserve close consideration by young people and their families, facing important university and career choices.
Since the end of the nineties, due to an increasing demand for participation, the number of pre-university orientation courses has grown at a constant pace.
Since 1998 the Scuola Normale Superiore has held another orientation course in Colle di Val d'Elsa, in the Province of Siena. It is organized with the financial contribution of the City of Colle and in cooperation with the high school “Alessandro Volta”. In 2003 an agreement to organize another pre-university orientation course was activated with the city of San Miniato, in the Province of Pisa. It is organized with the contribution of the city and in cooperation with the Fondazione Conservatorio Santa Chiara. In 2004 the pre-university orientation courses became four, when an agreement with the University of Trento established a new course in Rovereto: here, the orientation activities are carried out at the MART, the modern and contemporary art museum designed by Mario Botta. Finally, in 2005 another pre-university orientation course started in Camigliatello Silano (province of Cosenza), housed in the Torre Camigliati which hosts the main office of the "Fondazione Napoli 99". A certain percentage of places in the courses are reserved to students from local school districts in recognition of the contribution offered by the cities which host the courses. All the same, more than 90% of the students admitted are from other regions of Italy and from Italian schools operating in other countries, within the European Union as well as outside.
A certain percentage of places in the courses are reserved to students from local school districts in recognition of the contribution offered by the cities which host the courses. On the whole, more than 90% of the students admitted are from other regions of Italy and from Italian schools operating in other countries, within and outside the European Union, as well as foreign schools imparting courses in Italian.
Purpose of the courses
First of all, the courses are meant for worthy students who are interested in coming into close contact with significant aspects of the academic system, together with scientific and technological research. The primary aim is not to present the Scuola Normale Superiore; instead, the courses try to provide the students with a broad overview of the experiences and issues involved in working in the university and research world, in professional or institutional fields. The SNS organizes these courses in order to:
- Help students choose their university studies with more maturity and awareness of options;
- Introduce students to alternative choices they may not have considered for studying and professional growth;
- Present the possibility of studying at distinguished university institutions.
All participants are given a certificate of attendance which can be used for academic credits under Italian law.
Organization of the courses
Each course lasts one week and offers 3-4 lessons/day by professors from the Scuola Normale Superiore and other Italian and foreign universities. Lectures by leaders from institutions, industry and professions are also offered. Also, during each orientation course students are invited to attend an artistic performance, featuring either renowned performers or young artists who have gained national prominence.
At the end of every lesson and during free time, there is the possibility to interact with the speakers, analyze the subjects spoken about or ask for information about studies and educational possibilities. Traditionally the courses have included lectures on Italian literature, Classical Philology, History, Philosophy, Art History, Archaeology, Law, Economy, Medicine, Engineering and/or Architecture, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science and Chemistry, with additional contributions from time to time.
Students are constantly followed by young scholars and PhD candidates of the Scuola Normale Superiore (in Rovereto, this task is performed by PhD candidates of the University of Trento). They provide tutoring and offer seminars, and speak about recent studies and research, experiences very close to what the students are going to face in university.
Finally, students have the opportunity to meet together and compare their experiences with others of their own age who come from different education and cultural backgrounds, even from foreign countries.
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| This division obtained certification ISO 9001:2000 on 10 May 2005 for the Planning and supply of higher-level training, orientation and professional and continuing education. |
