International Experiential School

The Italian school prioritising soft skills development in a reimagined learning model that personalises learning and assessment for students

International Experiential School (IEXS), an independent secondary school in Reggio Emilia, Italy, is the first school in the world to change its performance evaluation system from grades to soft skills, placing greater emphasis on opportunities for growth, achievement of goals, and the training of individual talent for students. Grounded on the ethos that schools are made up of people, not systems, the transformed teaching model addresses the development and wellbeing of students, shifting the focus back to them and their growth instead of following traditional education systems that often leave a gap in skills like teamwork, commitment, responsibility, communication, autonomy, and creativity.

To ensure that students are valued for achieving goals, not only mnemonic skills, lessons are designed to develop critical thinking through Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) methodologies. Students are profiled to assess their unique learning, cognitive and behavioural characteristics, which enables teachers to develop a personalised teaching programme combined with a soft skill development plan curated for each student. Teachers become mentors and coaches, guiding students towards continuous improvement. Instead of grades, monthly credits are used to assess how each student approaches the project assigned to them. Teachers cannot take away credits but only give feedback or improvement challenges, and there is no punishment. Additional projects are done in collaboration with Junior Achievement Italy and local companies, allowing learners to develop real-world entrepreneurial skills.

The learning model, accessible to all through a variable fee structure and scholarships, has seen the school rated among the top 10 schools in Italy for innovation, and in 2024, it received the European prize for introducing soft skills and emotional intelligence. The school dropout rate is 1% compared to the national average of 15%, and school satisfaction among students is 94%, with 82% of students saying they gladly come to school, 84% indicating they feel appreciated, and 88% greater confidence in subjects that are more stimulating. The school is also working with the Ministry to explore how this approach can be implemented in more schools across the country.

Every day, every student, teacher and parent is a part of the evolution of IEXS, creating a circular economy of wellbeing, a sense of responsibility, and a thriving environment where teachers are continuously upskilled and students can explore, grow, and achieve through personal talent.