The International Pathway Experience at St. Peter’s
 

The International Pathway Experience at St. Peter’s


The International Pathway at St. Peter’s School offers a rigorous and globally recognised educational journey from Primary School through Junior School, Middle School and Secondary School, following the Cambridge International curriculum and culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Based in Palmela, Setúbal, this pathway combines academic excellence, an immersive English-language environment and a strong international outlook, preparing students for entry into leading universities worldwide.

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Globally Recognised Curriculum

Cambridge International programmes and the IB Diploma Programme, respected by top universities across the UK, Europe, the US and beyond.

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Outstanding University Destinations

Graduates progress to highly ranked universities internationally, supported by strong academic results and expert university guidance.

campus of international school in Palmela

Academic Depth & Critical Thinking

Inquiry-based learning that develops independence, analytical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

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Personalised Guidance

Close academic and pastoral support throughout the pathway, ensuring students are known, supported and challenged.

Primary School


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.

headteacher

“Our aim is to nurture confident, curious learners with strong foundations and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.”

José Henrique -Head of Primary School - Academics

Junior School | Cambridge Lower Secondary


Programme

Junior School follows Cambridge Lower Secondary, broadening subject knowledge across sciences, humanities and languages. Additional subjects like Spanish or Mandarin, Drama, Public Speaking, 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.

head teacher pedro

“Junior School is a key stage where students grow in confidence, independence and academic maturity.”

Pedro Mata -Head of Junior School

Middle School | Cambridge Lower Secondary


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, Literature, Public Speaking, 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.

Team

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

Assessment

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

Subject Options

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 Mandarin as a Foreign Language 
  • ICT 
  • Art and Design 
  • Physical Education 
  • Drama 
  • Mathematics 
  • Science 
  • Global Perspectives 
  • History 
  • Geography 
head teacher pedro

“Our focus is to prepare students academically and personally for the challenges of Cambridge IGCSE and beyond.”

Pedro Mata -Head of Middle School

Secondary School | Cambridge IGCSE


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)
  • Mandarin (First Language)
  • Environmental Management
  • Business Studies
  • Economics
  • History
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Art and Design
  • Physical Education
headteacher_samantha

“The Cambridge IGCSE years are a crucial stage in a student’s academic journey. Our focus is on building strong subject foundations, developing effective study habits and confidence, and preparing students for success in both external examinations and the IB Diploma Programme.”

Samantha Goddard - Head of International Pathway

Secondary School | IB Diploma Programme


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


The subjects currently being offered at St. Peter’s School are:

  • Portuguese Literature A (SL/HL) 
  • English Language and Literature A (SL/HL) 
  • Chinese Literature A (SL/HL)
  • English B (SL/HL) 
  • Portuguese B (SL/HL) 
  • Spanish ab initio (SL only) 
  • Economics (SL/HL) 
  • History (SL/HL) 
  • Business Management (SL/HL) 
  • Environmental Systems & Societies (SL only) 
  • Biology (SL/HL) 
  • Chemistry (SL/HL) 
  • Physics (SL/HL) 
  • Environmental Systems & Societies (SL only) 
  • Computer Science (SL/HL) 
  • Mathematics: Applications and interpretation (SL only) 
  • Mathematics: Analysis and approaches (SL/HL) 
  • Visual Arts
headteacher adam fitzgerald

“Through the IB Diploma Programme, we challenge students to think critically, act responsibly and achieve their academic potential, while preparing them for success at the world’s leading universities.”

Adam Fitzgerald - Head of Secondary School - International Pathway

Outstanding University Destinations
 

Leading the Way to Top Universities


Our graduates are admitted to leading Portuguese and Global universities across Medicine, Engineering, Law, Economics and more.Our track record includes student placements at world-renowned institutions such as University of Oxford, Columbia University, Bocconi University, NOVA University Lisbon and Instituto Superior Técnico.

  • Católica Lisbon SBE
  • Nova SBE
  • Nova FCT
  • Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa
  • Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa
  • Instituto Superior Técnico
  • ISG
  • Faculdade de Arquitetura do Porto
  • ICBAS Porto
  • Columbia Business School
  • University of California
  • Cleveland State University
  • New York Film Academy
  • University of San Diego
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Oxford
  • University College London
  • Imperial College London
  • Brunel University
  • University of Birmingham
  • London Business School
  • Northumbria University
  • Oxford Brookes University
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Kent
  • University of Bath
  • Stella Mann College – Musical Theatre (Bedford)
  • Eindhoven University of Technology
  • Rotterdam University
  • University of Groningen
  • Tilburg University
  • Universität Bonn
  • Technical University of Munich
  • Copenhagen Business School
  • HEC Paris
  • Le Cordon Bleu Paris
  • NABA Milano
  • Bocconi University
  • Università di Pisa
  • Esade Business School
  • Universidad San Pablo
  • Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
  • IDEP Barcelona
  • Universidade de São Paulo
  • Tongji University (Shanghai)

Outstanding IBDP achievements


45


Top IBDP score

66%


of students achieve the prestigious IB Bilingual Diploma

Prepare Your Child With Our International Pathway