The International Pathway Experience at St. Peter’s

International Pathway

Cambridge International curriculum leading to IGCSE and IB Diploma — in Palmela, Setúbal. This is an academically ambitious and globally recognised pathway, leading to top universities worldwide.

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45
Top IBDP score in 2025
the perfect score
66%
Bilingual IB Diploma
Demonstrating linguistic mastery
Top 15 European Schools
Carfax Index recognition
Pathway Highlights

A World-Class International Education

The Global Standard in Education
The Global Standard in Education
Students progress through the Cambridge curriculum, refine their academic skills through IGCSE, and extend breadth and depth in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Critical Thinking & Inquiry
Critical Thinking & Inquiry
Critical thinking, collaboration and inquiry underpin the classroom experience, helping students develop confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity.
Science & Technology
Science & Technology
Robotics, VR-supported learning, laboratory experiments and interdisciplinary projects foster analytical thinking and prepare students for future STEM pathways.
Outstanding University Destinations
Outstanding University Destinations
Students progress to respected universities in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and beyond — pursuing Medicine, Engineering, Humanities, Arts and Business.
Educational Journey

Your Path Through Our International Curriculum

Primary School
Primary School
Cambridge Primary
6 - 10 years
Grades 1 - 4
Strong foundations in English, Mathematics and inquiry-based learning.
Lower Secondary
Lower Secondary
Cambridge Lower Secondary
11 - 13 years
Grades 6 - 8
A broad, challenging curriculum that builds independence and prepares students for IGCSE.
Secondary School IGCSE
Secondary School
Cambridge IGCSE
14 - 15 years
Grades 9 - 10
International qualifications that build independence, critical thinking and IB Diploma readiness.
Secondary School IB Diploma
Secondary School
IB Diploma Programme
16 - 18 years
Grades 11 - 12
Globally recognised programme combining academic rigour with research and skills. Prepares students for transition to university.
Opening Doors Worldwide
Global Destinations

Opening Doors Worldwide

Recent International Pathway graduates have gone on to universities such as Columbia University, University of Toronto, Sciences Po, Delft University, LSE, UCL, and many more prestigious institutions across Europe and the world.

Columbia University University of Toronto Sciences Po Delft University LSE UCL University of Amsterdam TU Munich

More About International Pathway

Primary School Cambridge Primary
Junior School Cambridge Lower Secondary
Middle School Cambridge Lower Secondary
Secondary School Cambridge IGCSE
Secondary School IB Diploma Programme
Programme

The International Primary Programme follows Cambridge International, building strong foundations in English, Mathematics and integrated subjects, while encouraging curiosity and a love of learning.

Methodology

Learning is inquiry-led and student-centred, combining structured teaching with exploration, discussion and hands-on experiences.

English Language Certifications

Students develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through grammar work, literature, creative writing, oral activities and project-based learning, adapted to each student's level.

From Grade 2, students may also obtain ESOL certifications through a partnership with the British Council, accredited by the University of Cambridge.

Activities

Students enjoy a wide range of curricular and extracurricular activities, including arts, sports, projects and themed learning experiences.

Assessment

Assessment is formative and continuous, aligned with Cambridge standards, with regular feedback to support individual progress.

Team

The Primary team consists of experienced international educators who create a nurturing and engaging learning environment.

Programme

Junior School follows Cambridge Lower Secondary, broadening subject knowledge across sciences, humanities and languages. Additional subjects like Spanish or German, Drama, Programming, and Robotics are also offered.

Methodology

Students develop independence through structured lessons, collaborative learning and problem-solving approaches.

Activities

A diverse programme of sports, creative and academic activities supports holistic development and personal interests. Regular assemblies focus on citizenship and personal development, giving students a voice while prioritising their well-being, safety and moral safeguarding.

Assessment

Assessment combines continuous evaluation with Cambridge-aligned benchmarks, preparing students for future academic challenges.

Team

Subject-specialist teachers support both academic progress and organisational skills.

Programme

Middle School continues Cambridge Lower Secondary (Grades 7–8), ensuring strong subject foundations and preparing students for the demands of Cambridge IGCSE.

St. Peter's curriculum is also enhanced by several unique subjects, like Spanish, German, Drama, Coding and Robotics.

Methodology

Teaching emphasises analytical thinking, strong learning habits and active engagement, helping students become confident and increasingly independent learners.

English Language Certifications

Given the immersive English environment in St. Peter's International Pathway, most of our students take the University of Cambridge international certification exams, as FCE or CAE.

Activities

Students take part in academic projects, enrichment activities and leadership opportunities, supporting personal development and readiness for the next stage.

Assessment

Assessment becomes more structured, aligned with Cambridge standards, with regular feedback to guide progress and ensure readiness for IGCSE.

Team

The Middle School team provides strong academic guidance and pastoral support during this important transition phase.

Subject Options

The subjects offered in St. Peter's Cambridge Lower Secondary course include: English / Portuguese as a First Language • English / Portuguese as a Second Language • Spanish or German as a Foreign Language • ICT • Art and Design • Physical Education • Drama • Mathematics • Science • Global Perspectives • History • Geography

Programme

The Cambridge IGCSE Programme provides a broad and academically rigorous curriculum, offering students a strong foundation across a wide range of subjects. This internationally recognised qualification develops subject knowledge, academic discipline and exam readiness.

Methodology

Teaching is structured and academically demanding, with a strong focus on conceptual understanding, application of knowledge and exam technique. Students are encouraged to think independently and take increasing responsibility for their learning.

Activities

Students benefit from academic enrichment, creative activities, sports and leadership opportunities, supporting personal development alongside academic progress.

School & Career Guidance

We provide vocational support to students through School and Career Guidance, facilitated by a psychologist. The aim is to assist them in selecting the scientific-humanistic course in Secondary Education that best aligns with their vocational interests and skills, while also considering their future university and professional aspirations.

Languages Development

Secondary school students also have the possibility to obtain official certifications from the British Council, Instituto Cervantes, Goethe-Institut, and the Confucius Institute by taking the respective exams.

Assessment

Assessment follows Cambridge IGCSE standards, combining coursework (where applicable) with final external examinations, benchmarked internationally.

Team

IGCSE students are supported by experienced subject specialists who provide academic guidance, exam preparation and personalised support.

Subject Options

The subjects currently offered at St. Peter's International School are: Portuguese (Mother tongue) • Portuguese (Foreign Language) • English (Mother tongue) • English (Foreign Language) • Spanish (Foreign Language) • German (Foreign Language) • Environmental Management • Business Studies • Economics • History • Computer Science • Mathematics • Chemistry • Biology • Physics • Art and Design • Physical Education

Programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year, globally recognised pre-university qualification, valued for its academic rigour and holistic approach. It prepares students for entry into leading universities worldwide.

Methodology

Teaching is inquiry-based and student-driven, developing critical thinking, research skills and intellectual independence. Students engage deeply with their subjects while making meaningful connections across disciplines.

Personalised Approach

At St. Peter's Secondary School, teachers work with students not only in regular classes but also through additional pedagogical support sessions where they discuss concepts, solve exercises and develop personalised study methods tailored to each learner's needs, ensuring ongoing individualised guidance and helping students build effective skills and strategies as they prepare for exams and future pathways.

Activities

IB students participate fully in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), alongside leadership opportunities, volunteering, trips and enrichment activities that support personal growth and global citizenship.

Assessment

Assessment follows IB standards, combining internal assessments with final external examinations, recognised by top universities around the world.

Team

The IB Diploma Programme is delivered by IB-trained educators and experienced subject specialists, who provide close academic mentoring and personalised university guidance.

Subject Options

Group 1 – Studies in Language & Literature: Portuguese Literature A (SL/HL) • English Language and Literature A (SL/HL) • Chinese Literature A (SL/HL)

Group 2 – Language Acquisition: English B (SL/HL) • Portuguese B (SL/HL) • Spanish ab initio (SL only)

Group 3 – Individuals and Societies: Economics (SL/HL) • History (SL/HL) • Business Management (SL/HL) • Environmental Systems & Societies (SL only)

Group 4 – Sciences: Biology (SL/HL) • Chemistry (SL/HL) • Physics (SL/HL) • Environmental Systems & Societies (SL only) • Computer Science (SL/HL)

Group 5 – Mathematics: Mathematics: Applications and interpretation (SL only) • Mathematics: Analysis and approaches (SL/HL)

Group 6 – Visual Arts: Visual Arts

Download Programme of Studies Brochure

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Discover how our International Pathway can prepare your child for success at top universities worldwide.

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