The school offers four languages, including Italian, and over 200 students are enrolled in the subject.  

Luca Chiarato, who was born in Mestre, near Venice, moved to Australia over 15 years ago and began working for CO.AS.IT. 

He now teaches at St Michael’s, bringing his Year 11 students closer to the Italian language and culture through a variety of pedagogical techniques. 

One way that he introduces his students to Italian culture is through film. 

Chiarato has recently introduced his Year 11 pupils to La vita è bella (Life is Beautiful), starring and directed by Roberto Benigni. 

The film was released in 1997, and took home three Academy Awards in 1999. 

“We watch the film for the first time without analysing it – just for the pleasure of it,” Chiarato explained. 

“Then, we exchange general comments and observations about what we’ve seen. 

“The students watch the film in Italian, with English subtitles, and though the film’s pace is quite fast they manage to follow the plot very well.”

After the first viewing, the class begins to analyse the film, scene by scene, breaking down the technical aspects and listening to the audio. 

“At this point I give my students some activities to work on; for example, writing a character analysis,” Chiarato said. 

“Watching the film also gives me an opportunity to discuss aspects of Italian culture and identity with my classes.”

He uses the film as a starting point to contextualise certain aspects of Italian identity, such as resilience, and finding beauty, even in difficult situations. 

“The film provides a good overview of Italian culture, so I highlight certain elements for my students,” Chiarato said. 

The exercise ends with students reviewing the film in Italian, after holding in-depth discussions in class to aid their understanding. 

“The message I want to pass onto the students is that Life is Beautiful is not a sad film, despite the tragic historical context in which it is set. 

“I want them to see it as a film that is full of hope.”

Chiarato also makes sure he shows his students the unforgettable footage of Benigni accepting his Oscar from Sophia Loren, in which he jumps for joy and delivers a moving speech of gratitude.