Primary
1ST cycle (1st to 4th grade)
6-9 years old
Academic
Path
We have chosen to follow the academic path that we believe offers a wide range of options: Portuguese National Curriculum and Cambridge International Curriculum
Academic Achievements 2024-25
We are proud to celebrate the exceptional results of our students in this year’s A-Level and IGCSE examinations:
100% Pass Rate in A-Levels
83% of IGCSE Grades: A to C*
At Aprendizes - International Active Learning School, our students have once again exceeded expectations, showcasing their dedication, resilience, and academic excellence. These outstanding achievements reflect the hard work of our students, the guidance of our teachers, and the support of our school community.
Join us in celebrating their success!
Portuguese National Curriculum
In order to help our students achieve their potential we offer curriculum enrichment subjects like Yoga, Cambridge Global Perspectives, Creative Workshops and after school activities.
Pre-School
3-6 YEARS OLD
Pre-School
3-6 YEARS OLD
Portuguese National Curriculum Orientations*
*enriched
TEACHING LANGUAGE
Main Portuguese
2nd English
In preschool age groups are mixed.
Young learners explore and exercise their creative imagination through purposeful play.
Compulsory Enriched Curriculum
Music
Meditation
Yoga
English
Physical Education
Activities in the forest
Vegetable Garden
“Oficina dos Sons”
primary reading and writing skills and
phonological awarenessSER
1ST cycle (1st to 4th grade)
Primary
1ST cycle (1st to 4th grade)
6-9 years old
Portuguese National Curriculum Orientations*
*enriched
TEACHING LANGUAGE
Main Portuguese
2nd English
Portuguese is the primary language of instruction but students will engage with and practice English daily.
Compulsory Enriched Curriculum
Yoga
Meditation
Drama
Elective Workshops
to experience themes according to the students interests such as Coding, Handicrafts, Vegetable Garden, Cooking, Storytelling and Outdoor Activities.SER
Compulsory Subjects
Portuguese
English
Math
Science/ Social Studies
Music
Physical Education
Visual Arts
Cambridge International Curriculum
Diverse, flexible and
helpful when it comes
to making future choices
The international curriculum gives our students the possibility to apply to both Portuguese and foreign universities, depending on the student's subject choices and grades.
The Cambridge International Curriculum is a globally respected program that emphasizes critical thinking, academic excellence, and flexibility in subject choices. Its rigorous standards prepare students for university and careers in Portugal and worldwide, fostering independent learning and global perspectives.
Middle School
5th to 8th grade
10-14 years old
MIDDLE SCHOOL
5th to 8th grade
10-14 years old
Portuguese National
Curriculum (Grade 5-6)
Cambridge International Curriculum* (Grade 7-8)
*enriched
TEACHING LANGUAGE GRADE 5 & 6
Main Portuguese
2nd English
TEACHING LANGUAGE GRADE 7 & 8
Main English
For the 2024-25 academic year, the 5th and 6th grades will follow the Portuguese curriculum.
Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, we will transition to the Cambridge curriculum, starting at Grade 5.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Subjects can change, open or close according to students' choices and the number of enrolments
Compulsory Subjects
(Grade 5 & 6)
Portuguese (As 1st or 2nd Language)
English (As 1st or 2nd Language)
History & Geography of Portugal
Visual Education
Technological Education
Physical Education
Maths
Natural Sciences
Music
ICT
Compulsory Enriched Subjects (Grade 5 & 6)
Study Skills
Building Skills
English Skills
Class Assembly
Workshops
Global Perspectives
Physics & Chemistry
SER (Social & Emotional Re-design)
Compulsory Subjects
(Grade 7 & 8)
Arts & Design
Global Perspectives
Digital Literacy
Portuguese (As 1st or 2nd Language)
English (As 1st or 2nd Language)
Spanish or French
History & Geography
Maths
Music
Physical Education
Science (Biology & Physics & Chemistry
Compulsory Enriched
Subjects (Grade 7 & 8)
Class Assembly
Design & Technology
Workshops: to experience themes according to the students interests
SER (Social & Emotional Re-design)
Secondary: IGCSE
9th to 10th grade
14-16 years old
Secondary (IGCSE)
9th to 10th grade
14-16 years old
Cambridge International Curriculum *
*enriched
International Cambridge Exams
TEACHING LANGUAGE
Main English
Cambridge IGCSE helps students to develop skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving. It is the perfect foundation to the advanced study of AS & A-Level.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Subjects can change, open or close according to school’s decisions, students’ choices and the number of enrolments.
Compulsory Subjects
Portuguese (As 1st or 2nd language)
English (As 1st or 2nd language)
Mathematics
Coordinated Sciences
Compulsory Enriched Curriculum
Physical Education
SER
Class Assembly
Optional Subjects
(At least 3)
Art & Design
Business
Design & Technology
Environmental Management
French
Global Prespectives
History
ICT (Information and Communications Technology)
Music
Sociology
Spanish
Secondary: AS & A-Level
11th to 12th grade
16-18 years old
Secondary (AS & A-Level)
11th to 12th grade
16-18 years old
Cambridge International Curriculum*
*enriched
A-level
AICE diploma
TEACHING LANGUAGE
Main English
There are two ways in which students can finish the Advanced Secondary program: AICE Diploma or A-Levels Subjects. If students choose to take A-Levels rather than complete the AICE Diploma, they must pass A-level exams in at least 3 subjects at the end of the course.
A-LEVEL
Highly valued by universities globally and most preferred by our students. To achieve it, students must excel in three or four full A-Level qualifications, encompassing both AS and A2 components across three/four subjects of their choice. This pathway offers flexibility to tailor the academic journey to individual interests without subject restrictions.
AICE DIPLOMA
Offers flexibility in subjects as it is comprised of 6 credits and an AS in Global Perspectives. Each AS is worth 1 credit, and a full A-Level (AS + A2) counts as 2 credits, providing a comprehensive educational experience. Credits must be chosen from 3 groups: mathematics and sciences, humanities and arts, and languages, with at least 1 credit from each group. This promotes diverse learning. In Portugal, the AICE Diploma holds significant equivalence, but many countries only accept it if it encompasses 3 complete A-Levels.
Subjects Groups:
Mathematics, History, Psychology, Art & Design, Global Perspectives
Chemistry, Business, Spanish Language/ Literature, Environmental Management
Physics, English Literature, Design & Technology, Global Perspectives
Biology, Media Studies, Portuguese Language/ Literature, English Language, Information Technology
FOR A-LEVEL
At least 3 subjects on extended level from different group
FOR AICE DIPLOMA
At least 7 credits from different group
Global Perspectives is compulsory for AICE diploma (1 credit)
AS subjects = 1 credit | A-Level subjects = 2 credits
Compulsory Enriched Curriculum
Physical Education
SER
Class Assembly
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Subjects can change, open or close according to school’s decisions, students’ choices and the number of enrolments.
Lucas Tito de Morais
Former student - class of 2023
Admitted to Nova School of Business and Economics with a 100% merit-based scholarship
honored with a Merit Award at the Cascais Municipality Education Gala
“My journey with Aprendizes - International Active Learning School was a transformative experience that was crucial for my academic and personal growth. I joined the school in IGCSE 2, and from the start, Aprendizes provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge and discipline. Thanks to the stimulating environment and the dedication of the teachers, I managed to achieve top marks, excelling both in academic quality and exemplary behaviour.
At our schoool, I had the opportunity to be myself, to grow, and to express myself authentically. The welcoming and stimulating environment allowed me to develop not only my academic skills but also my confidence and vision for the future.”
Curriculum
Enrichment
Preschool & Primary
Yoga
Yoga nurtures one’s inner strength and self-acceptance. This nourishing atmosphere encourages students to relax and have fun while developing not only strength, coordination, flexibility and balance, but also body awareness, improved focus, concentration and self-confidence.
Preschool & Primary
Meditation
Meditation is done through exercises that focus on the internal being, complemented with creativity exercises that opens children and adolescents to new realities and achievements. They increase knowledge about themselves and become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. The benefits of meditation are felt in terms of self-esteem, self-discipline, self-affirmation, inner peace and creativity.
Preschool & Primary
Activities in the Forest
We value outdoor activities and cherish contact with nature. We take the pre-school to the beautiful forest behind our school every week and promote regular forest outings for older students as well.
Primary & middle
Workshops
Workshops play a vital role in fostering creativity, developing skills and encouraging personal growth. By offering diverse options we provide students with opportunities to explore their passions, build confidence, and cultivate essential life skills.
These workshops enrich the educational experience, helping students discover their strengths and interests in a hands-on, engaging way.
Preschool, PRIMARY, MIDDLE & SECONDARY
SER
Social Emotional Redesign
Centred on promoting well-being for students of all ages. This innovative approach focuses on equipping students with the skills and tools they need to navigate their emotions, build healthy relationships and foster a strong sense of self-awareness.
MIDDLE & SECONDARY
Class/Section Assembly
The Class Assembly is a weekly gathering held every Friday with our Head Teachers, providing an opportunity for students to come together as a community and reflect on their shared experiences.
Promotes Community Building, Reflection and Inspiration, Recognition of Achievement, Open Dialogue and Encouraging a Positive School Culture.
These gatherings are an integral part of our week, creating a supportive and inspiring environment for all.
middle
Enriched Subjects & Skills
Our curriculum enrichment includes:
Study Skills: Techniques for effective learning and critical thinking.
Building Skills: Practical problem-solving and teamwork.
English Skills: Advanced communication and global literacy.
Global Perspectives: Critical thinking on global issues and cultures.
Physics & Chemistry: Foundational STEM through hands-on experiments.
Design & Technology: Creativity and innovation in design projects.
SECONDARY
Physical Education
We include Physical Education (PE) in the secondary curriculum to support students' overall well-being.
PE promotes physical fitness, encourages healthy habits and helps reduce stress, while also improving focus. It builds important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline and resilience, which are essential for both academic and personal success.
PE plays a key role in helping students stay active, balanced and prepared for the future.
Co-Curriculum
Activities
We strongly believe that these activities provide opportunities for our students to gain essential life skills, build self-esteem, broaden their perspectives and foster greater independence, in addition to helping them expand their social circles beyond the classroom.
Extracurricular Activities
These activities require separate registration and an additional fee. They are tailored to individual interests and include specialized opportunities for students to develop unique skills or pursue hobbies outside the standard school offerings.
Available Extra Curricular Activities
Parents will receive an e-mail in each term to sign in
Find more information and fees here.
In addition to the extracurricular activities we have at school after classes, we also have partnerships with various external institutions that parents can contact directly if interested.
See HERE all contacts of our partnerships
Academic and Non Academic CLUBS
Academic Clubs are designed to deepen subject-specific knowledge and skills, these clubs support and extend classroom learning. They are ideal for students who wish to challenge themselves intellectually and explore topics in greater depth.
Non Academic Clubs focus on areas such as creativity, leadership, and teamwork. They encourage personal growth and social interaction, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for students to explore interests that are not tied directly to academics.
Field Trips
All our students participate in field trips as an integral part of their curricular program.
These experiences are carefully planned to enhance classroom learning, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore real-world applications of their studies.
Field trips play a vital role in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of various subjects, while also encouraging social interaction and teamwork in dynamic settings beyond the school environment.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
An internationally recognized program that develops students' skills, physical fitness, and commitment to community service. It fosters resilience, leadership, and a spirit of adventure.
Recently, our students celebrated their achievements with their first Award Ceremony for the Bronze level.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN)
An engaging program that simulates UN debates, helping students develop skills in diplomacy, public speaking, research and collaboration while gaining a global perspective.
This year our students have already participated in several MUN editions.
SPORTS CLUB
At our school, we offer a variety of sports activities for all students, promoting teamwork, discipline and a healthy lifestyle. For the upcoming term, our Sports Club will include the following activities:
Basketball (Girls): Grades 3 to 12
Football (Boys): Grades 3 to 12
Volleyball (Girls): Grades 9 to 10
All team sports are held from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Additional activities include:
Cross Country: Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Mountain Biking: Fridays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Sports play a vital role in our school, supporting both physical and mental well-being. Beyond building fitness and skills, these activities teach valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership, while providing an outlet for students to stay active and connect with their peers.
We are committed to fostering a love for sports and ensuring every student has the opportunity to participate and thrive in a supportive and energetic environment.
Dear parents, guardians, and students,
In this week's newsletter, please find our latest updates and important information, including:
Stay tuned and join us in this celebration of ideas and action!
Summer School
PTSO Meeting
Spring Swap
Bio Market
12th Grade Graduation
Art, Design & Technology Exhibition
Aprendizes Has Talent
Save the Date: End-of-Year Arraial
Addiction to mobile phones
Menu
Star of June: Sardines
Celebrating Lifelong Learning
As the school year draws to a close, we proudly celebrate our 12th grade students, who have completed their exams and are preparing to the graduate Party on June 7th. This milestone marks not an end, but a beginning—a new adventure filled with opportunities to explore, grow, and learn. Whether they step into work, volunteer experiences, or further studies, we hope they carry with them a deep love of learning and a spirit of curiosity.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." This quote captures the essence of what we hope to instill in every student—a passion for lifelong learning.
We are also thrilled to share that our school is now an Erasmus+ school. With this newly received grant, we will continue to invest in our staff’s professional development. Rooted in our Nordic approach to education, we will build strong partnerships across the Nordic countries—inviting experts to work with us and offering exchange opportunities for both students and staff.
This builds beautifully on our successful Action Research Program, which concluded last month. Under the theme Student Agency, our teachers researched their own practices and shared their insights through engaging workshops. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It reaffirmed how fortunate we are to have such a reflective, dedicated team—and how much we learn from each other every day.
Learning, of course, happens in many forms. With school camps, summer schools, work and volunteer opportunities, music concerts, and volleyball tournaments on the horizon, our students will continue to grow in confidence, capability, and connection.
And behind it all is the incredible capacity of the brain.
Neuroplasticity reminds us that our brains can rewire and grow through experience and learning.
Activities like learning a new skill like learning a new language, playing an instrument, staying active, reading, or practicing mindfulness help strengthen neural connections and boost well-being.
But with that power comes responsibility. We must also take good care of our brains. The recent talk by Mirabilis on The Impact of Screens on Children’s Brains highlighted some very concerning facts—especially the effects of excessive gaming and social media use on young people’s brain development and social skills. This is a conversation we will continue as a school community, ensuring that we support our students’ cognitive and emotional health in an increasingly digital world.
To our graduates and our entire school family: keep learning, stay curious, and take care of your brilliant minds.
Warm wishes,
Rikke
Principal
WE ARE AN ERASMUS+ SCHOOL
The Aprendizes have had their Erasmus+ project approved. In the next academic years, some students, teachers, and staff members will have the opportunity to visit schools in other European countries to learn from best practices, get inspired, and develop joint projects.
Erasmus+ is a European Commission programme that promotes European identity and exchange. We continue to welcome teachers and students from various international backgrounds, with a special emphasis on those from Nordic countries.
03 JUN | Grade PSOB – Salteadores | Aldeia da Praia | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
03 JUN | Grade PSOG – Investigadores | Lisbon Zoo | 8:45 AM–3:00 PM
03 JUN | PTSO Meeting | Library | 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
04 JUN | Grade 1 | Lisbon Zoo | 8:45 AM–3:00 PM
05 JUN | Grade 4 | Communications Museum & Parliament House | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
06 JUN | Bio Market | Tent | 4:15 PM–6:00 PM
06 JUN | Preschool graduation sleep over | 7.00 PM
07 JUN | Grade 12 | Graduation Ceremony | 6:00 PM–11:00 PM
11 JUN | Grades 3–6 (some students) | Aprendizes Volleyball | Time TBC
12 JUN | Grade 7 (6 students) | OIS Maths Tournament | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
12 JUN | Grades 7–10 (some students) | Aprendizes Volleyball | Time TBC
12 JUN | Grade 9 DT | Petticrows | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
16 JUN | Grade 1 | Planetarium visiting school | Time TBC
17 JUN | 5th–9th Grade | iTeach | Village | 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
17 JUN–18 JUN | Secondary | Art Exhibition | Library
17 JUN to 18 JUN | IGCSE, AS & A LEVEL Art & Design & Design Technology Exhibition | Entrance
18 JUN | Closing Reception of the IGCSE, AS & A LEVEL Art & Design & Design Technology Exhibition | 4.15 PM
18 JUN | Grades 5–8 (some students) | Mixed Table Tennis Tournament (Redbridge) | Time TBC
20 JUN | Grade 4 | Graduation Ceremony | Time TBC
25 JUN | Preschool Final Presentation | 9.30 AM
25 JUN | Selected students | Bliss Day (Music School) | 4.30 PM to 6.30 PM
26 JUN | Grade PSOC – Descobridores | Coastal Observation and Its Species with Biologist Daphna Mavor | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
27 JUN | Whole School | Aprendizes Has Talent | From 2:00 PM
27 JUN | Whole School | End of Year Party | 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM
30 JUN | No classes | Day off
30 JUN–02 JUL | Grades 3rd & 4th | Campo Aventura Óbidos | Inscrições fechadas
30 JUN–02 JUL | Grades 5th–8th | Campo Aventura Óbidos | Inscrições fechadas
02 JUL–03 JUL | Grades 1st & 2nd | Campo Aventura Óbidos | Inscrições fechadas
SUMMER SCHOOL 2025
Registration is now open for Summer School 2025! From July 1 to 18, with fun and educational activities for students from Preschool to grade 7+. Participation is free, but registration is mandatory by June 2. 🏖️ Form: https://forms.office.com/e/sZWmkqM969
We look forward to an unforgettable summer together!
PTSO MEETING
The next PTSO (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization) meeting will take place on 03 JUN, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Library.
We share a form with families so suggestions and ideas can be submitted in advance.
SPRING SWAP
On June 6th at 4:30 PM, the Spring Swap event will take place, organized by the students of the sustainable fashion workshop at Aprendizes school. Anyone who brings used clothing items to Bárbara at the reception will receive a token to exchange for other products at the Biomarket. #Sustainability #Reuse
BIO MARKET
Join us at the Bio Market!
JUN 6th (Friday) 🕓 4:15 PM to 6:00 PM
📍 In the tent at Aprendizes
Don’t forget — this is the last Biomarket of the year, so we’re counting on everyone to join!
With our regular vendors, fresh produce from our garden, and the usual joy for a lovely afternoon well spent!
SOARING HIGH, OUR GRADUATES!
On June 7th, from 6 PM to 11 PM, we’ll celebrate our 12th graders’ graduation. A night of pride, memories, and new beginnings.
We proudly highlight that these students have been accepted into the most prestigious universities in the world, and we will follow their journey with the greatest pride.
They’ve grown with us — now they soar. Congratulations, graduates — the world is yours!
IGCSE, AS & A LEVEL ART & DESIGN & DESIGN TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION
The Aprendizes Arts and Performance Department proudly presents an exhibition of student work from Grades 9-12 in Cambridge AS/A Level and IGCSE Art & Design and Design Technology.
Join us in celebrating the amazing creativity of our talented Aprendizes artists and designers!
The exhibition for the general Aprendizes community runs all day on Tuesday, June 17th in the library —the perfect opportunity for new and continuing Art/DT students to see what's ahead!
RSVP invitations will be sent to exhibiting students and their families for a closing reception on Wednesday, June 18th from 16:00 to 18:00.
APRENDIZES HAS TALENT!
We invite everyone to the talent show on Friday, 27th June from 2PM. Students will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes.
Come and enjoy an exciting afternoon of music, dance, and creativity. Don’t miss the chance to see our talented students shine on stage!
SAVE THE DATE: 27 DE JUNHO
Our End of Year Arraial will be a true celebration of our community. Students, families, and teachers — all together like one big Aprendizes family — coming together to close the year with joy, grilled sardines, “Bifanas”, and live music.
An end of the day full of connection, laughter, and lasting memories that truly deserves everyone’s presence.
DID YOU KNOW THAT MANY CHILDREN ALREADY SHOW CLINICAL SIGNS OF ADDICTION TO MOBILE PHONES?
They sacrifice sleep, lie about their usage, avoid friends, and even lose interest in real life. This was one of the most alarming findings shared at the conference THE IMPACT OF SCREENS ON YOUNG MINDS. Didn’t attend? Here are some key insights that are definitely worth reading.
AFRICA WEEK: RHYTHM, COLOUR, AND HEART
Last week, we celebrated Africa with soul and rhythm. Each day, the school woke to the sounds of Salif Keita and Baaba Maal, while the walls dressed themselves in Samakakas and capulanas — a true embrace of colour and culture. The amphitheatre came alive with a concert where everyone sang and danced. Henda opened eyes with his powerful story. Gisela was pure magic. And the lunches? A feast of flavours and shared moments. These were days we truly lived – and won’t forget.
PRE SCHOOL
MUDDY MORNING
The Descobridores Class ditched tidy play for mud and toys! Laughter, puddles, and messy joy took over. Getting dirty is great: it sparks creativity, builds immunity, and leaves behind the best kind of memories — the wonderfully muddy, giggly kind!
PRIMARY
DISCOVERING MEASUREMENTS IN 2C
In 2C, the children took part in a workshop to learn about quantities using different materials. They understood which quantity they were measuring and applied units like liter (L), kilogram (kg), and meter (m).
They measured water jugs, rice packets, and boards, distinguishing each symbol and putting their knowledge into practice with great curiosity.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
OUTDOOR POEMS INSPIRED BY NATURE
In Portuguese class, 5th graders explored creative writing through Herbário by Jorge Sousa Braga. Inspired by plants and nature, they wrote original poems outdoors.
The open-air setting boosted creativity and focus, connecting literature with the natural world and helping students find joy in meaningful self-expression.
SECONDARY
TOGETHER FOR THE FOREST, TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE
Year 9 students participated in a forest recovery activity at Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, focusing on controlling invasive species to protect local ecosystems. This hands-on effort highlights their commitment to the environment and community, contributing to the school’s recognition as one of the most volunteer-active in the municipality.
Star of June: Sardines
Sardines are packed with essential nutrients for children, including protein, calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
These support healthy growth, brain development, and strong bones. Sardines are also affordable and sustainable.
We will be serving sardines at our upcoming festival!
