Portuguese International Programme (1º Ciclo)

Empowering young Minds Through Bilingual Education

OUR APPROACH

A distinctive programme for ages 6–9 that seamlessly combines the Portuguese national curriculum with immersive English-language learning, promoting academic excellence, cultural understanding, and global preparedness.

At Redbridge International School, our 1º Ciclo program offers a unique bilingual pathway designed to cultivate academic excellence and intercultural understanding. Our approach integrates the Portuguese national curriculum with an immersive English-language experience, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and global competence.

  • A well-rounded focus on academic, creative, and social growth.
  • A hands-on, creative, and inquiry-driven learning approach.
  • A bilingual approach that equally integrates Portuguese and English, adhering to the Cambridge International Education curriculum for English and aligning with the standards set by the Direção Geral da Educção and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Each class is guided alternately by two homeroom teachers—one Portuguese-speaking and one English-speaking—who work together to deliver a truly bilingual education. Additionally, students benefit from specialist teachers for Physical Education, Foreign Languages, and Music.
  • A supportive and pluricultural learning community, embracing cultural and linguistic diversity to prepare students for a globalized world.
  • Ideal-sized groups of learners, with approximately 20 students per tutor class.

We place a strong emphasis on interactive and experiential learning, with our teachers utilizing a variety of methods to actively engage students. This includes group activities, projects, and hands-on experiences—such as trips to the forest—that immerse students in the learning process. Our goal is to cultivate a lifelong love of learning while developing critical thinking skills and fostering curiosity.

  • A well-rounded focus on academic, creative, and social growth.
  • A hands-on, creative, and inquiry-driven learning approach.
  • A bilingual approach that equally integrates Portuguese and English, adhering to the Cambridge International Education curriculum for English and aligning with the standards set by the Direção Geral da Educção and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Each class is guided alternately by two homeroom teachers—one Portuguese-speaking and one English-speaking—who work together to deliver a truly bilingual education. Additionally, students benefit from specialist teachers for Physical Education, Foreign Languages, and Music.
  • A supportive and pluricultural learning community, embracing cultural and linguistic diversity to prepare students for a globalized world.
  • Ideal-sized groups of learners, with approximately 20 students per tutor class.

We place a strong emphasis on interactive and experiential learning, with our teachers utilizing a variety of methods to actively engage students. This includes group activities, projects, and hands-on experiences—such as trips to the forest—that immerse students in the learning process. Our goal is to cultivate a lifelong love of learning while developing critical thinking skills and fostering curiosity.

CURRICULUM

  • Languages
    • Portuguese: We place strong emphasis on developing reading, writing, and oral communication skills in Portuguese, fostering a deep understanding and mastery of the language.
    • English: Instruction is carefully tailored to meet the diverse needs of both native speakers and students learning English as an additional language. At this level, students engage with the Cambridge International Education curriculum for English, which provides a structured framework to support language acquisition and academic growth.
    • French: Students also have the opportunity to learn or further develop French as a third language. With two lessons per week, pupils are grouped according to their proficiency level to ensure personalised support and steady progress in their language learning.
    • We follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to guide our language instruction. Using its descriptors, we aim to develop pupils’ communicative skills in alignment with the A band (A1 to A2 levels) for learners aged 7 to 11. For those demonstrating advanced capabilities, progression towards early B1 proficiency is encouraged, empowering students to achieve higher linguistic mastery.

  • Mathematics: Building upon mathematical concepts, problem-solving, and critical thinking, mathematics continues following a bilingual approach, with classes alternating between Portuguese and English.
  • Science and Nature: Exploring deeper scientific principles and natural phenomena, with classes taught in English.
  • Social Studies: Delving into history, geography, and civics with greater depth, in Portuguese language.
  • Physical Education: Promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

SCHEDULES

 School hours for our students in the Primary Years are from 8:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday