Primary School in Lisbon

Project-Based Learning

By using projects as the basis of learning, students learn to work in teams and understand the relationship between the different disciplines. In addition, by presenting their projects in class, guided by their teachers, the students are placed at the centre of the teaching-learning process. In our Primary School in Lisbon, children learn best by searching for answers and solutions to their problems. Their curiosity and interests guide all Junior School projects and the children themselves become active participants in the process of planning, researching, organising and processing information. This methodology promotes new knowledge and skills acquisition, leading to better learning outcomes and academic excellence.

Communication

Presentation and communication of all student work and experiences is a key element of our Primary Education in Lisbon. Students are encouraged to share larger projects or smaller activities such as written texts with their peers. Arrangements are made so that students share their presentations and collaborate with other year groups, as well as with parents and the larger school community. By doing this, they will develop public speaking and presentation skills from an early age.

Differentiation

At PaRK IS, we believe that every student is unique, having a different rhythm, motivations, and learning needs, which we must respect. Core Primary subjects in our Primary programme are often taught with a complementary teacher present to ensure that essential subject matters in Portuguese, English, and Mathematics are properly learned. This allows us to personalise the Junior School curriculum to our students' unique abilities and knowledge levels. At the same time, Primary teachers can establish real goals that will help children actively build knowledge.

Autonomous Work

One of our most distinguished Junior School routines is Autonomous Learning Time. Every day, primary students have a scheduled time to study by themselves, in small groups or with support from their teacher. Each student plans their study time with the assistance of the teacher and the class. It is a privileged moment of pedagogical differentiation where each student can train and invest in overcoming academic difficulties or take their potential further by choosing diversified and challenging activities. Children become increasingly autonomous as they have the freedom to make decisions along the way, always supported by the teacher's weekly feedback on their work. ALT is key to our Junior School methodology and allows us to make a difference in each child's educational path, promoting the best academic results, while respecting the different learning rhythms and interests. In addition, the weekly ALT activity increases student motivation and teaches them how to manage their time, plan their work, and acquire a sense of responsibility and commitment.

Class Meetings & Class Organisation

Class meetings and social skills sessions in our Primary programme provide opportunities to discuss the daily life of each Primary School class or group. During these meetings, the weekly plan is collaboratively designed and reviewed by the students. Specific tasks are then assigned to students on a rotating basis, allowing them to actively participate in school life and contribute to its organisation. Through managing their own path in our Primary School in Lisbon, students develop important skills such as critical thinking, time management, and decision-making, which are essential for success in higher education.

Sports

In our Primary School, we provide our students with a wealth of opportunities to explore their physical abilities in various indoor and outdoor spaces. Equipped with a diverse array of sports materials, our students take part in a wide range of activities designed to be challenging, engaging, and dynamic.

With two lessons per week, students embark on a journey of learning and enhancing essential skills that will prove invaluable for their future development. These classes also mark their first exposure to both individual and team sports, providing a positive social context that promotes the holistic growth of each student.

Music

In Primary School, our music classes offer a captivating introduction to the world of music, incorporating incorporate visual and auditory activities, basic instrumental techniques, technology, dance, and movement. Our goal is to nurture a well-rounded musical vocabulary by focusing on essential elements such as Timbre, Pitch, Rhythm, Structure, and Dynamics.

Throughout the school year, performance plays a fundamental role in developing musicianship skills. Students engage in specific practices such as singing, Orff instrumental playing, rhythm exercises, body movement activities, and collaborative work in small ensembles.

Drama

In our Primary years' Drama curriculum, we tap into children's innate love for make-believe play and channel it into a structured learning environment. Drama classes provide a platform for students to actively engage with their imagination, explore the world around them, and develop their sense of identity. Through hypothetical situations in class, students are encouraged to learn and collaborate, make sense of the world and build their creative expression.

Interactions with peers are an essential part of our Drama programme, fostering communication and social skills. Through collaborative exercises and improvisation, Primary students learn to respond spontaneously to new and unexpected situations. This process not only helps them explore different perspectives and emotions but also nurtures their ability to effectively express themselves within a safe and supportive Junior School environment. In essence, Drama becomes a catalyst for self-discovery, empathy, and creative communication.

Creative Arts

In our Primary Visual Arts curriculum, we foster the development of our students' artistic skills, creativity, and visual literacy. In Art & Design, we aim to cultivate their dexterity, encourage artistic expression, and promote experimentation with various media. Our curriculum focuses on nurturing young minds to become independent and imaginative individuals who possess a deep understanding of artistic concepts.

In Grade 5, students take Design & Technology classes. They work on a comprehensive range of projects, developing their knowledge and skills in designing, manufacturing, and problem-solving using various materials, tools, equipment, and processes. This course aims to nurture resourcefulness, innovation, and adaptability in students.

Technology

PaRK IS integrates technology into all subjects. Starting in Grade 1, our students become proficient in using iPads and laptops through our Digital Technology classes, where they engage in collaborative projects using school devices. 

From Grade 1, our students use platforms such as Seesaw, Google Classroom, and other Google Apps for Education. Additionally, they explore a variety of tools and applications including Probots, Matatalab, green screen technology, Minecraft: Education Edition, comic creation apps, Book Creator, iMovie, and iMotion. Our teachers are also open to incorporating other platforms as needed.

In Grade 4, we introduce our unique BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programme, which has four primary goals:

- Preparing students for a 21st-century environment
- Enhancing productivity and engagement for all learners
- Prioritising student-centred learning
- Fostering collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Social Skills

Beyond academic growth, we care about the holistic development of every child. To achieve this, our team of dedicated psychologists organises a biweekly Social Skills programme in each classroom. This programme is tailored to address specific topics relevant to the children's individual stages of development. By participating in these sessions, our students gain valuable insights into their self-awareness and interpersonal relationships, fostering empathy and support for others.