Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to be challenging and enriching. Our aim is to foster independence and critical thinking coupled with a life long love of learning.

The curriculum provides students with a well rounded education, which develops strong moral and ethical values and enables students to respond to change with energy and confidence.

PRIMARY

In Prep and Reception the natural curiosity of young children is nurtured and stimulated in an environment that promotes exploration and develops independence. The areas of development include:

• Personal, Social and Emotional development
• Communication, language and Literacy (in English and Portuguese)
• Mathematical development
• Knowledge and Understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Creative development

In the Primary Forms 1-5 the curriculum provides a rich academic programme that encourages all students to develop as confident learners. Subject areas include:

• English (including drama)
• Portuguese
• Mathematics
• Science
• Geography
• History
• Art
• Music
• Physical Education
• ICT
• Personal Social and Health Education
• French (from Form 4)
• Portuguese Studies (from Form 4)

SENIOR

The importance of strong foundations is further acknowledged in the Senior section. From Forms 6-8 students follow a broad core curriculum that uses the English National Curriculum as a base. Subject areas include:

• English
• Portuguese, French
• Mathematics
• Science
• Geography, History, Portuguese History
• Art
• Drama
• Music
• Physical Education, Games
• Religious Education
• Personal Social and Health Education.
• ICT

In Forms 9 and 10 students complete the IGCSE programme. Electives allow students to pursue individual interests. Subject areas include:

• English
• Portuguese, French
• Mathematics
• Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Co-ordinated Science
• Geography, History, Business Studies, Economics
• Portuguese History
• Art, Creative Arts, Drama, Music
• Physical Education, Games
• Personal Social and Health Education
• Careers

When it comes to Forms 11 and 12, students complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma. A demanding and highly regarded two year internationally recognized pre-university course.

Students study six academic subjects concurrently, studying both the Humanities and the Sciences from the following areas:

• English, Portuguese, French, Spanish
• Business and Management, Geography, History, Economics
• Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Environmental Systems
• Higher level Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Mathematical Studies
• Visual Arts

The special features of the IB in addition to its strong curriculum are:

• Theory of knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action Service
• Games is also compulsory for all IB students