The Boarding School Experience that changes the Game

At H-FARM International School, boarding is much more than just a set of buildings – it has been designed to be a true home away from home, as expressed in the boarding students’ motto. It’s a place where students live happily and peacefully, grow and express themselves, surrounded by true friends and empathetic adults.

It’s a 360-degree educational experience, a true game changer for students who choose to complement their academic path with a holistic life experience.

This experience is inspired by the 6 Dimensions of Success, the school’s guiding “Magna Charta” that shapes every aspect of both academic and extracurricular life. These six dimensions transform the already rich and engaging school journey into an extraordinary adventure of learning and personal development. Each dimension is brought to life through activities and initiatives that enrich students’ lives and prepare them to face the future with confidence, curiosity, and solid skills.

1. Learning Success

Feeling fulfilled through learning and loving school means developing an open and curious mindset. The school promotes meaningful learning, creativity, problem-solving, and the real-world application of knowledge. Students develop essential skills like perseverance, collaboration, and reflective thinking.

 

In the boarding context, this translates into:

  • Guided Study – A space for exploration, dedicated to focus and in-depth learning, supported by boarding parents and school teachers who help students develop an effective study method.
  • Workshops – During the first two months of school, all MYP boarding students attend two workshops in small groups (max 15 students), led by the school counselor, focused on improving academic performance with a particular emphasis on time management and the self-direction needed for the IB.
  • Math Tutoring by Resident Teachers – Ongoing support from on-campus teachers to help students tackle one of the most challenging subjects.
  • H-ackathons – Events organized by H-FARM that stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving, testing students’ tech and entrepreneurial skills.
  • Free Access to the Library – Living on campus means having full access to all campus facilities, especially the library, where the librarian supports students with research. The Big Hall regularly hosts conferences on current issues, ranging from gender discrimination and femicide with Fondazione Libellula and Fondazione Cecchettin, to water scarcity talks with Grundfos, AI in art with the Fuse collective, and meetings with HR professionals from top companies during H-FARM College’s Career Day.
  • Start-Up Centre – Start-ups with their labs are a unique part of our campus, offering exceptional inspiration and real-world connections for students, who interact directly with professionals working on innovative projects.

2. Emotional Success

Self-awareness and happiness mean feeling supported and valued from within. Challenges become opportunities to build resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-understanding. Learning to manage emotions is a key life skill.

 

In the boarding context, this translates into:

  • Boarding Parents – A team of 12 passionate and trained education professionals, supported by BSA (Boarding Schools’ Association), live alongside students and are ready to guide them through the critical phase of adolescence.
  • Student Counsellor – A dedicated professional who supports students during challenging moments, especially during the delicate teenage years.
  • Workshops on Educational Topics – Reflective sessions led by school counselors focusing on personal growth and emotional well-being. All 60 MYP boarding students took part in seven themed workshops this year: Study habits (2 sessions), Sleeping habits (2), Relaxation techniques (2), and Chats on Consent (2).
  • Meditation Room – A dedicated space for relaxation and mindfulness, where students can recharge and improve concentration.
  • Judo, Pilates, and Yoga – Some students prefer introspective activities that support mental and emotional well-being. Even if they’re a smaller group (around 15), they are offered dedicated activities to nurture their unique needs.

3. Social Success

Building meaningful relationships, developing empathy, and effective communication are essential to feeling connected. Deep, authentic bonds enrich both academic and personal life and help foster leadership skills.

 

In the boarding context, this translates into:

  • Weekly Assemblies – Moments for students and staff to come together, reflect, and strengthen community bonds.
  • Student Committee – A representative group that gives students a voice and enables them to propose ideas and initiatives for campus life.
  • Evening Clubs – Debate, media, and book clubs where students develop personal talents, express diverse viewpoints, collaborate on projects, and share experiences.
  • Shared Rooms – Students share rooms in groups of three, learning mediation, conflict resolution, and cooperation from a young age.
  • Alumni Network – Initiated by a boarding student, this association brings to life the motto seen upon leaving campus: “Once a farmer, always a farmer.” It nurtures lasting friendships formed during school years. For example, three students passionate about motorsport collaborated to build a go-kart; today they study engineering at universities across Europe but remain in touch. Two DP alumnae, now studying in the UK and Netherlands respectively, continue to support one another through their academic journeys.

4. Community Success

Through boarding life, students become change-makers, inspiring others, leading by example, and actively contributing to society. Daily life helps develop awareness of others’ well-being, responsibility, inclusiveness, cultural awareness, and collaboration.

 

In the boarding context, this translates into:

  • Thematic Clubs – Spaces where students gather based on shared interests, dive deeper into passions, and collaborate on common projects.
  • School Ambassadors – Selected students who represent the school and boarding community, welcoming newcomers and promoting inclusion and leadership.
  • Student Captains – Students who embody one of the six dimensions are encouraged to lead initiatives that benefit the community and refine their leadership skills in preparation for the future.

5. Language and Cultural Success

 

 

Confident communication in multiple languages fosters cultural exploration and personal growth. Overcoming language barriers broadens perspectives and values individual cultural traditions. Beyond spoken languages, this includes the languages of math, music, and visual arts.

 

In the boarding context, this translates into:

  • Language Clubs – International students gather for tea parties to informally practice Italian. Other language clubs reflect the diversity of the boarding community.
  • STEM Club – Science-enthusiast students run a weekly club where they lead peers in exploring science in creative, non-traditional ways.
  • Cooking Club – An experience to discover world cultures through food, learning about flavors and culinary traditions from across the globe.
  • Music Club – A chance to experiment with different instruments and genres, using music as a universal language.
  • Art Club – A creative lab for artistic expression and experimentation with different visual art techniques.
  • Saturday Trips – Outings to explore local culture, practice language skills, and better understand the surrounding region.
  • Grand Tour of Italy – Throughout the year, during long weekends, international students can join a multi-stage tour discovering the beauty of Italy and creating unforgettable memories.

6. Preparedness for the Future

Developing tech skills and an innovative mindset equips students with tools for tomorrow’s world. Computational thinking, entrepreneurship, and future-oriented vision are key to meeting modern society’s challenges.

 

In the boarding context, this translates into:

  • Future Shots – A future-focused fair at H-FARM Campus with a program designed to stimulate creativity and innovation, helping students envision and design tomorrow’s solutions while connecting with forward-thinkers.
  • Orientation Bootcamps – Immersive weekend experiences led by expert coaches to help students discover their passions, strengthen skills, and explore university options with clarity.
  • The H-FARM Ecosystem – A dynamic environment where students engage with the world of innovation, participate in events, and connect with entrepreneurs and professionals.

An Experience That Shapes the Future

Living at the H-FARM Campus is much more than just staying in a dormitory. It means becoming part of a dynamic community where every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and discover your full potential. The 6 Dimensions of Success are not just guiding principles – they are concrete experiences that transform students into young adults ready to make a difference in the world.

Choosing this experience means choosing not just a place to live, but a place to build your future.

Are you ready to make a difference?

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