Italian Liceo → IGCSE / IB
A student moving from a Liceo Scientifico into IB Math AA HL or IGCSE Maths Extended faces three real shifts: the language of instruction (English), the assessment style (calculator-allowed exams, exploration tasks, command words), and the way mathematics is built up — IB and IGCSE move faster on statistics and modelling, slower on rigorous algebraic proof. I bridge all three. I teach in English with the same precision I would in Italian, I drill the command words, and I structure the catch-up in 8-12 weeks of focused work.
Direct preparation for IB Math AA / AI (HL and SL) and IGCSE Maths Extended
Mastery of command words: "explain", "evaluate", "justify", "show that"
Internal Assessment, Extended Essay and predicted-grade strategy
Lessons in English, Italian, or both — your child stays comfortable while learning
IGCSE / IB → Italian Liceo / Maturità
The opposite direction is harder than most families expect. A student arriving from an international school into the third or fourth year of Liceo Scientifico finds a math program that is suddenly much more proof-driven and verbal: trigonometry identities, analytic geometry, algebraic manipulation done by hand. The Maturità exam itself rewards a specific Italian style of structured argument. I prepare students for both — I have walked dozens of returning expat children into the Maturità with grades that surprised everyone.
Catch-up on proof-based algebra, geometry and trigonometry expected by Italian Liceo
Maturità preparation: written and oral exam strategy
Bilingual support so your child does not lose the English they built abroad
University application strategy: Italian, UK, US — I know what each system rewards
Why a Tutor Who Knows Both Systems Is Different
Most tutors know one system. A British-trained IB tutor will not see why your child is suddenly lost when they hit Italian-style algebraic proof. An Italian liceo teacher will not understand why your IB-trained daughter is panicking about a calculator-allowed exam after years without one. I have spent a decade tutoring inside both systems, in Milan and online. I do not just teach the content — I name the gap, explain why it exists, and design a week-by-week plan to close it. That clarity is what turns a panicked family into a calm one.
Subjects and Specialisations
I Work With Students From These Schools
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What Milan Families Say
“My daughter moved from Liceo Volta to ISM in year 11. Pietro built a 12-week plan that closed every gap. She got a 6 in IB Math AA HL.”
“We came back to Milan from London after four years. My son had to enter the third year of Liceo Scientifico cold. Pietro was the only tutor who actually understood what was missing.”
“Pietro teaches in both languages. My son moved from an Italian middle school straight into IGCSE. The transition was smooth because he could ask questions in Italian when stuck.”
Free Transition Guides for Parents
Three honest, no-fluff PDFs written for parents whose children are switching school systems. In English. Sent straight to your inbox.
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Frequently Asked Questions
My child is moving from Liceo Scientifico to IB next September. When should I start?+
Ideally three months before the switch. The summer is the gold standard: 8-12 weeks of focused work covers the language of instruction, command words, and the IB-specific topics not done in Italian Liceo. If you start later it still works, but the first IB term will be tighter.
Can my child still take the Maturità after years in an international school?+
Yes — and many do. The honest answer is that the Italian written exam style needs targeted preparation: structured proofs, formal Italian mathematical language, and the specific topics in the ministerial curriculum. A focused 4-6 month programme is usually enough, depending on the year of return.
How much does it cost?+
Standard lessons start from €70 per hour, with discounted rates for multi-lesson packages. Intensive transition programmes (8-16 weeks) are quoted as a flat rate after the first call. WhatsApp me for current rates.
Online or in person?+
Both. In person in Milan if your family is local; online for everyone else. Online lessons use a shared interactive whiteboard — the experience is essentially identical to in-person for maths and physics work.
In what language do you teach?+
English, Italian, or both in the same lesson. Bilingual lessons are the secret weapon for transition students — they keep the technical vocabulary in the target language while letting your child ask questions in their stronger language when they get stuck.
My child has dyslexia / DSA. Does that change anything?+
I have worked with many DSA students through the transition. The visual-first approach I use (interactive whiteboard, drawn diagrams, no fast verbal explanations) usually fits well. We can also coordinate with the school's SEN coordinator for IGCSE/IB access arrangements or with the Italian PDP for Maturità.
Is the gap between Italian Liceo and IB really that big?+
It is real but not huge. The Italian Liceo is academically strong — your child arrives with solid algebra and good logical reasoning. What is missing is usually the language, the calculator workflow, and topics like statistics, modelling and vectors in 3D for IB. These are bridgeable in one summer of focused work.
Can you also help with university applications?+
For STEM applications: yes, in detail. UCAS personal statements, US Common App essays for STEM majors, predicted grade strategy, IB subject choice for medicine or engineering — I have walked many families through these. For non-STEM applications I refer you to a colleague.
Study Tools
For parents
Tools to Plan This Transition
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Ready to Talk?
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