1. Home
  2. Learning
  3. Portuguese/English pathway
  4. Portuguese/English pathway – 1º Ciclo

Portuguese/English pathway – 1º Ciclo

CURRICULUM

The 1º Ciclo curriculum is designed to offer a balanced and holistic education, fostering academic, social, and personal growth. Classes for 1.º Ciclo (1.º Ano to 4.º Ano) are kept intentionally small, with around 16 students per class, ensuring personalised attention and a supportive learning environment. Each pair of classes is guided 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.

Our teachers use differentiated instruction tailored to the individual needs of students, taking into account their language proficiency, developmental stages, academic requirements, and unique learning styles. By alternating between various teaching and learning approaches, we ensure that every child receives an education that is engaging, inclusive, and responsive to their abilities.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

  • English: English instruction is carefully differentiated to meet the needs of both native speakers and students learning English as an additional language. At this level, we introduce the Cambridge International Education programme for English, offering a structured curriculum that supports the development of language proficiency and academic growth.
  • French: Students also learn, or continue to develop, French as a third language. They attend two French classes per week, with groupings based on their proficiency level to ensure tailored support and progression.
  • Redbridge International School follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) ausing its descriptors to guide language instruction. The CEFR’s Specification for Junior Cycle Foreign Languages, designed for students aged 7 to 11, aims to develop communicative language skills aligned with the A band (A1 to A2 levels). Some advanced students may progress towards early B1 proficiency, depending on their language mastery.

Subjects covered include:

    • Portuguese Language:We place strong emphasis on developing reading, writing, and oral communication skills in Portuguese, fostering a deep understanding and mastery of the language.
    • Mathematics: At this stage, students are introduced to key mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. Mathematics is taught in both Portuguese and English, using the Concrete, Pictorial, and Abstract (CPA) approach, also known as the Singapore Maths method. This method ensures that students grasp concepts tangibly before progressing to more abstract levels of understanding.
    • Science and Nature is taught in English, and helps students explore and understand the natural world through scientific principles, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking about their surroundings.
    • Social Studies: An introduction to history, geography, and civics, taught bilingually in Portuguese and English. This subject helps students build a foundational understanding of the world, its cultures, and their role as citizens.
    • Physical Education: We promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through engaging and structured physical education classes, encouraging students to develop lifelong fitness habits.
    • Visual and Expressive Arts:Students explore their creativity through a variety of artistic disciplines, including art, music, and other forms of self-expression, helping them develop their imaginative and emotional capacities.

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.

SCHEDULES

School hours for our students in the 1º Ciclo are from 8:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.

Find out more about the Portuguese/English pathway - 2º ciclo

Learn more