Our Philosophy

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Our Vision & mISSION

Together we Educate for Change

Together

"It  takes a village  to raise a child” African proverb

Embracing this adage, we wholeheartedly endorse and cultivate equitable, caring relationships among our students, teachers, staff, and parents. With shared intentions and a collective desire for the well-being and success of our students, we cultivate a strong community.

Our belief in the power of diversity drives us to create an inclusive, inviting environment that welcomes all, irrespective of nationality, religion, race, ability, sexuality, or socio-economic background. Our organisational structure is non-hierarchical, emphasising democratic decision-making, and allowing everyone to contribute. As a learning organisation, we continuously ask ourselves "why" we do as we do and regularly seek our students', staff's, and parents' feedback.

We want to "be the best - with the rest", ensuring quality education for all children. To this end, we collaborate with other institutions, willingly sharing what we do and how we do it.

…we Educate…

We believe that a child immersed in a supportive, stimulating, and loving environment will naturally acquire mastery in whatever their passions are. There they can develop their self-worth, and feel empowered, motivated, and secure. We see children for who they are, respect their individuality and we never see them as the problem. They can have problems - but they are not their problems.

Education, as we see it, is a lifelong journey. As a school, we are there to guide them on this path. Sometimes by walking in front of them and setting high expectations and direction. More times by walking next to them and holding their hands. And most often by walking behind them and being there to facilitate their learning.

We set high expectations and fully believe in the students so that they can also believe in themselves (growth mindset). We are here to set them up for success, so they can be protagonists of their destiny and have a fulfilled life.

Embracing bilingualism (English and Portuguese) and active learning, we place equal value on academic achievement (math, natural and social sciences, languages, PE, arts, and music), well-being (Social Emotional Redesign, yoga, play, being in the outdoors) and engagement (experimenting, exploring, volunteering, entrepreneurship).

To provide the best conditions for learning, our commitment extends to developing a nurturing physical space, encompassing generous installations, healthy organic meals, extensive play areas, varied sports facilities, animals on campus, and direct access to gardens and forests. Simultaneously, we nurture a psychologically secure learning environment, characterized by a steadfast commitment to eradicating bullying and ensuring no child experiences isolation.

…for Change.

We assume our role as active local and global citizens, acting to make our society more just, transparent, affectionate and sustainable, as also laid out in the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, it is important for all of us to question what aspects of our behaviour contribute to problems such as pollution, waste, and injustice, as well as to recognise our individual contributions to the solutions through consciousness, collaboration, and action.

The world is undergoing rapid change, and we are open to evolving with it, not against it. As a result, we value critical questioning, creative collaborative problem-solving, and a culture where it is okay to fail, fail again and fail better. We bring the world to the school and the school to the world.

We want to ensure that children are well-versed in their rights (to participate, to be heard, to be included, ...) as well as their responsibilities (treating others with respect, actively listening, contributing to the community, ...).

We have to be the change we want to see.

Our Way of Working

Dear parents, guardians, and students,

In this week's newsletter, please find our latest updates and important information, including:

A Message from the Principal
Upcoming Events
- Primary school parents’ meeting
- Transition meetings for Parents
- Parents’ coffee morning
- PTSO (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization) Meeting
- IGSCE Fair - For 8 and 9 graders and Parents
- Behaviour, emotions & education workshop - For Parents
- Bio Market | Charity Edition
- Parents’ meetings | Subject Fair | Preschool and Primary
- Middle and Secondary Parents’ Meetings
Practical Information
- Parents’ Satisfaction Survey
- School phases out private student chats on Microsoft teams
- Re-enrolment starts mid-January
- No phone school
- Attendance & punctuality
Best Practices
Act Together
- News from the kitchen

Dear Parents and Students,

Our school should be the place where our students learn to love the world so much that they want to connect with it, act in it, and change it. This is not just an aspiration - it is the challenge we are up to.

And it is a challenge that feels especially urgent in the times we are living in. We see countries invading each other, a growing disregard for international law, democracy, and human rights, and increasing global instability. At the same time, the issue that should be at the very top of everyone’s agenda - the climate crisis - is being neglected or even dismissed.

Instead of focusing our shared energy and resources on learning how to live together in mutual respect, on sharing resources more fairly, on leaving smaller ecological footprints, and on caring for the nature we depend on, the global focus is too often on fighting for access to oil and mineral reserves, starting wars, and increasing inequality by targeting those who already have the least.

In this context, our role as educators could not be more important. While our students must understand what is happening in the world around them, they must also be inspired with Hope. Hope that they matter. Hope that they can participate. Hope that they can act - and that change is possible.

Hopefully our students who are part of the Erasmus+ club, and who will soon travel to the Czech Republic, will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it - by experiencing everyday life, learning, and cooperation across borders.

Hopefully our students starting their Design for Change projects in Global Perspectives will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it - by identifying real problems in their own lives and taking action.

Hopefully our students in 6th grade, working with misinformation, fake news, and critical thinking in Arts and Portuguese, will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it.

Hopefully our students in preschool, who go to the forest every week, will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it - by first learning to love nature itself.

Hopefully our students in 9th grade Environmental Management, who will design proposals to help companies reduce plastic use, will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it.

As a colleague recently shared, we are moving from the Year of the Snake - a time of introspection and wisdom - towards the Year of the Horse, a time of energy, movement, and courageous action. Let us make this term a term of HOPE, where reflection turns into action, and where our students move forward with care, courage, and responsibility.

PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS’ MEETINGS

We would like to inform you that the Primary School parents’ meetings will take place on the dates listed. Please save these dates in your agendas.

These meetings are designed to provide an opportunity for parents to better understand the educational structure and methodology that guide our teaching approach.

Your attendance is very important.

TRANSITION PARENTS’ MEETINGS

Aprendizes will host a series of Transition Meetings to help students and parents navigate the move to the next school year and prepare for upcoming challenges.

Sessions will take place on the dates listed. These meetings provide guidance, support, and a chance to discuss the transition process.

PARENTS’ COFFEE MORNING

On Friday, 9 January 2026, Aprendizes will host a Parents’ Coffee Morning from 8:45 to 9:30.

This informal gathering offers parents and staff a welcoming space for open conversation, idea sharing and discussion about students’ progress, while strengthening communication and staying connected about upcoming school activities and events.

PTSO MEETING (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization)

The next PTSO (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization) meeting will take place on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, in the Library.

YOUR CHOICES, YOUR PATH!

The IGCSE Fair offers 8th-grade students an opportunity to look beyond the core curriculum and explore the diverse elective courses available for Grade 9. From Business and Computer Science to History and the Arts, students can discover what each subject entails, speak directly with the teachers, and begin designing a personalized academic journey.

It is the first step for students to take ownership of their education and find the subjects that truly excite them. Parents are welcome.

BEHAVIOUR, EMOTIONS & EDUCATION
by Melanie Von Muhlen

In today’s world, parents face endless advice and expectations yet often feel uncertain. This workshop explores the roots of children’s behaviour, which begin in the body, nervous system, and early experiences.

Participants will learn how emotions and patterns develop, how parental responses shape children, and strategies for setting boundaries, supporting strong emotions, and understanding behaviour’s underlying messages.

The focus is not on fixing children, but on understanding and fostering their inner world. This workshop will be led in English and it is free.

BIO MARKET | CHARITY EDITION

On Friday, 30 January 2026, from 16:15 to 18:00, Aprendizes will host the Bio Market Charity Edition at The Tent. Visitors can explore a wide selection of organic and sustainable products while supporting local vendors.

This event offers a fun and eco-friendly afternoon, encouraging community engagement and promoting green initiatives. Registration is required for selling partners.

PARENTS’ MEETINGS | SUBJECT FAIRS

The Subjects Fair is an event aimed at parents and guardians, providing an opportunity to learn about and understand the different subjects. Through a rotational system, parents will experience each of the subjects their children attend, such as Drama, Music, PE, or Arts.

It is also an opportunity to clarify any questions regarding the educational programme.

MIDDLE & SECONDARY PARENT-TEACHER MEETINGS

On 4 February, our Middle and Secondary Parents Meetings will take place online between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and will be held exclusively with subject teachers.

Each meeting will last 7 minutes and offers parents the opportunity to have a direct conversation with teachers about students’ learning progress and their academic journey. Further details regarding the meeting logistics and the booking system will be shared shortly.

PARENT SATISFACTION SURVEY

Thank you to all families who completed the Parent Satisfaction Survey. We received 201 responses, reflecting the strong partnership between families and the school.

We are already working closely with the PTSO (Parents, Teachers and Students Organisation) to review the feedback and address the key points raised. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and our belief that working directly with parents is a defining characteristic of our school.

We are pleased with the results of this survey, seeing that parents continue to view us as a very safe school (4.3), where their children feel happy (4.42) and would recommend our school (4.16).

SCHOOL PHASES OUT PRIVATE STUDENT CHATS ON MICROSOFT TEAMS

Since the beginning of January, the school has begun to gradually eliminate private chats between students and between students and teachers, Microsoft Teams.

To simplify and clarify communication, email will become the official channel.

Important note: in the case of preschool, the chat will remain active, as it is the means of communication between educators and parents.

RE-ENROLMENT STARTS MID-JANUARY

The re-enrolment process will start in the second half of January.
All details and instructions will be sent by email. Please keep an eye on your emails.

Thinking of enrolling another child?

If you’re considering enrolling another child at our school, please contact our Admissions team. We’re happy to assist you and guide you through every step of the process.

NO PHONE SCHOOL

This is a reminder that we are a no phone school. For this reason, we kindly ask that you avoid answering calls or checking your phones while on school grounds.

Beyond setting a positive example for our children, this approach supports focus, mindful interactions, and a calmer school environment.

For students, we ask that they reread our policy on the use of personal devices.

We would also appreciate your cooperation in the immediate surroundings of the school. Mobile phones should be used only when necessary, such as to contact parents or arrange transportation, and not for prolonged use while waiting for pick-up.

In addition to these awareness activities, we will add more signage throughout the school.

ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY

We kindly remind you of the importance of regular attendance and punctuality. Consistent presence and timely arrival support your child’s success and contribute to a positive learning environment. Please check our school policies.

preschool

A DAY AT THE AIR MUSEUM

Our Exploradores class enjoyed an inspiring field trip to the Museu do Ar in Lisbon, tying perfectly into their year-long airport-themed project. The children had the opportunity to see historic airplanes, learn about aviation history, and explore the mechanics of flight in a hands-on, interactive environment.

PRIMARY

WHERE LEARNING TAKES ROOT

Primary students visit the garden regularly, planting seeds, caring for plants, and harvesting fresh produce.

These routines teach responsibility, healthy habits, and teamwork while sparking curiosity and creativity. By connecting with nature daily, children develop life-long skills and a love for sustainable practices, making learning hands-on, joyful, and meaningful.

MIDDLE

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES MUSEUM EXHIBIT

This term, 8th grade Global Perspectives students researched global issues of their choice, analysing causes, consequences, and different perspectives before drawing informed conclusions. On Wednesday, 3rd December, they shared their findings with the school community through a museum-style exhibit. The project developed students’ critical thinking, research, and communication skills while encouraging deeper understanding of real-world global challenges.

SECONDARY

PRACTICAL EXAM SIMULATION IN BIOLOGY

Our Biology students completed a Cambridge-style practical exam simulation focused on diffusion. Using agar cubes and hydrochloric acid, they practised precise measurements, dilution calculations, time management, and data analysis. Unexpected results encouraged critical thinking, evaluation of errors, and comparison with a teacher-run control. These realistic sessions build confidence, independence, and familiarity with exam routines, while highlighting the essential role of ensuring a well-organised laboratory environment.

NEWS FROM THE KITCHEN

INTERNATIONAL DAYS IN THE KITCHEN

GET TO KNOW OUR MENU

January 22– Poland
January 29 – Ireland

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

“Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.”

PLATO

We develop the child as a whole, with a student-centred approach, through active learning in a safe and inclusive environment.

Our Strategic Framework

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”

_Margaret Mead

The world around us is changing and we are continuously evolving with it. We do not subscribe to any particular pedagogical model, but we have various educational philosophies as inspiration.

OBJECTIVE

Whole Child Development

Our approach focuses on physical and emotional wellbeing. We respect the individuality and rhythm of each child and strive to serve the best interests of the students.

METHODOLOGY

Active Learning

From passive to active: we encourage learning through experience. We believe that learning through play, promotes true joy, engagement and creativity. Sometimes we do things for our students. More often we do things with our students. Mostly we let it be by the students.

PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH

Student Centred Approach

The child must always come first. We serve the best interests of the students to explore their intelligence and capacities, respecting the individuality of each child.

ENVIRONMENT

Safe & Inclusive Environment

Everyone has the right to work and learn in a safe and secure environment. Our school culture recognises and celebrates diversity. We invite everyone to contribute in our quest to make Aprendizes a safe, respectful and inclusive community.

Pedagogical
Approach

High-Scope

We are enthusiastic about the ideas behind active learning and the fact that it brings the child to the centre of the learning process. It inspires us to learn by action and positive adult-child interactions. We value dynamics developed in a child-friendly learning space and recognise the importance of a consistent daily routine, which gives us the possibility to work on different dynamics within the same schedule (large group; small group; individual work).

Waldorf

As a path to more humane teaching, we are inspired to respect the child's natural rhythms, and maintain a holistic vision where education through art, contact with nature and strong teacher-student relationships play an important role.

Modern School

We are inspired by the idea of community, reflected by our school assemblies, our school council, student association, class diaries, presentations and community work.

Nordic Educational Thinking

We take with us the importance of play, equality, freedom with responsibility, collaboration and critical thinking that challenges the norms of traditional schools.

Organisational
Model

We have a sociocratic inspired organisational structure, with a shared leadership and distributed power.

We cherish an empowerment culture and an environment where students and staff members have space to flourish and contribute towards our mission.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”

— African proverb

In our vision, a school is not just a physical institution but a harmonious community of individuals who come together with shared values and goals. Our team is carefully chosen for their talents, humility, care, intelligence, humour and teaching ability. The relationships between board, leadership, team and students within our school are based on equity, communication, understanding and mutual respect.

The team is distributed across the different areas and sections of the school: Pre-school, Primary, Middle and Secondary, all of which are supported by the pedagogical coordination.

The Team for Direction (TFD) is the group that assumes overall leadership and responsibility of the general, educational and administrative direction for staff and students. Each section of the school is represented in this team. The board is comprised of the two owners of the school.

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think." Margaret Mead

Diversity & Inclusion

WE BELIEVE IN INCLUSION WHERE ALL STUDENTS SHARE THE SAME CLASSES AND TEACHERS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR NEEDS.

We are a school that welcomes everyone, with different backgrounds and needs, from staff and teachers to students and parents.  Each child is unique, and we try to foster an environment where they feel comfortable and safe for self-expression.

Nature

WE SEE THE RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE AS ONE OF THE GREAT RESOURCES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT.

The school was  designed  for our students to have daily contact with nature. We seek to embrace the unique rich geography of the Cascais/Sintra area - a biodiverse green outdoor environment that we have right outside our school. For the smaller children we have forest outings every week.

Sustainability

OUR STUDENTS EXPERIENCE AND GROW AWARE OF HOW SMALL GESTURES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. 

Looking after our planet is the best investment in the future. We proudly align our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating these global objectives into our curriculum, our students apply the concept of sustainability and understand the impact of choosing sustainable actions.

Critical Thinking

INTERDISCIPLINARY AND CREATIVE DIALOGUE LEAD TO CRITICAL THINKING.

Critical thinking is a transversal skill we stimulate by challenging our students, in everyday  lessons and outside of the classroom. Our students learn and develop the skills of researching,  processing  and analysing  information, to debate and to communicate in a thoughtful  and respectful manner.

Creativity & Leadership

WE PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADAPTABLE THINKERS TO EXPLORE CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING SOLUTIONS.

We support our students to be creative and confident and to experience failure as part of the process of becoming great at something. We empower them to take action, explore the world with empathy and think as enthusiastic innovators. Part of our commitment to cultivating these qualities, we are proud to work in partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh.

Collaboration & Teamwork

FOCUS ON COOPERATION THROUGH HEALTHY COMPETITION.

In an even more globalised world, thinking  and pulling resources as a group to solve a common problem is a valuable life skill.  

By creating the bridge between achievement and collective engagement we grow collaborative problem solvers.

Academic Mastery

DAILY EXPERIENCES THROUGH TEACHING EXCELLENCE PUSHES UP THE AVERAGE AND BENEFITS EVERYONE'S DEVELOPMENT.

We want our students to perform well in academia and to develop transversal skills, deploying what they have learned, to become an active global citizen.

Essential thinking skills through persistent practice: mental agility, empathy, creativity and critical thinking.

Global Citizenship

WE PROVIDE CREATIVE AND ANALYTICAL FREEDOM FOR STUDENTS TO INNOVATE AND EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH EMPATHY.

Children are challenged to assume active roles within our community and empowered to act locally and globally, to build a more peaceful, tolerant, and inclusive society. Additionally, we collaborate with the Model United Nations (MUN) program throughout the whole school, fostering diplomatic skills and global awareness in our students.

School Policies

School Policy 25/26 [click here]
School Policy 26/27 [click here]
Food Policy [click here]
Health and Safety POlicy [click here]
AnTI-Bullying Policy [click here]
Data protection policy [click here]
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy [click here]
DRESS CODE POLICY [Click HERE]
Use of Technology and Personal Devices Policy [Click HERE]
Behaviour POLICY [Click HERE]