CURRICULUM
Our Approach to the Cambridge Primary Curriculum:
The “Learn for Life” Project
At our school, the Cambridge Primary Curriculum forms the foundation for a balanced and holistic education, fostering the academic, personal, and social development of every child. This internationally recognised curriculum is enriched by active methodologies, bilingual education, and a student-centred approach, ensuring our pupils acquire the skills and values necessary to thrive in the 21st century. The “Learn for Life” Project equips students not only for academic success but also for life.
What Makes Our Approach Unique?
The 21st Century Competencies
Our teaching approach within the Cambridge Primary Curriculum focuses on building essential skills for the future, structured around four key dimensions:
Knowledge
- Mastery of core concepts across subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, with an emphasis on STEM and digital literacy.
- Focus on central ideas and practical applications, fostering modern, relevant understanding.
Skills
- Creativity: Solve problems innovatively and explore new ideas.
- Critical Thinking: Analyse information and make informed decisions.
- Communication: Develop fluent and effective linguistic skills in both English and Portuguese.
- Collaboration: Work effectively in teams to achieve common goals and co-create solutions.
Character
Character qualities such as resilience, ethics, curiosity, empathy, and leadership are nurtured in every pupil.
Meta-Learning
We encourage metacognition growth mindset, empowering children to become lifelong learners and continuously adapt to ever changing world.
Skills
- Creativity: Solve problems innovatively and explore new ideas.
- Critical Thinking: Analyse information and make informed decisions.
- Communication: Develop fluent and effective linguistic skills in both English and Portuguese.
- Collaboration: Work effectively in teams to achieve common goals and co-create solutions.
Character
Character qualities such as resilience, ethics, curiosity, empathy, and leadership are nurtured in every pupil.
Meta-Learning
We encourage metacognition growth mindset, empowering children to become lifelong learners and continuously adapt to ever changing world.
Bilingual Education with Native Teachers
Bilingual education is a cornerstone of our project and is delivered by native teachers:
- A native Portuguese teacher and a native English teacher work collaboratively to create an immersive and culturally rich environment.
- Subjects are taught in an integrated manner, fostering fluency in both languages from the earliest stages of learning.
Interdisciplinarity and Continuous Feedback
We connect subjects like English, Mathematics, and Global Perspectives to promote deeper, transferable understanding. Continuous feedback helps students reflect and improve consistently.
Active Methodologies in Cambridge Primary
- Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Students apply academic knowledge to solve real-world problems through interdisciplinary projects.
- Example: Designing a guide to reduce food waste at school, integrating science, mathematics, and communication.
- Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL)
Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore hypotheses, and construct knowledge through guided inquiry.
- Example: Investigating “How do different weather conditions affect animal habitats?” in Science and Geography.
Incorporating Arts and Assemblies
- Drama and Performing Arts
Subjects like Drama and Music are integral to Cambridge Primary, fostering creative expression and confidence.
- Example Activities: Re-enactments, historical dramatizations, and musical performances that integrate various subjects.
- Weekly Assemblies
Assemblies provide moments of community sharing, celebration of achievements, and reflection on essential values. The goal is to o encourage empathy, global citizenship, and resilience.
- Example: Students and teachers collaborate to present projects and performances reflecting weekly learning.
Assessment Process
Academic Assessment
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Progression Tests: Regular evaluations to track students’ progress in key subjects, aligned with Cambridge Primary standards.
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Checkpoints: Formal assessments conducted at the end of significant stages in the curriculum, preparing students for Cambridge Lower Secondary.
Competency-Based Assessment
In addition to formal evaluations, our focus is on developing 12 key competencies : Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, mindfulness, curiosity, resilience, courage, leadership, ethics, metacognition and growth mindset.
Teachers use tools like observations, portfolios, and reports to provide a holistic view of each student’s progress.
Teachers use tools like observations, portfolios, and reports to provide a holistic view of each student’s progress.
