ᐅJunior School in Setúbal, Palmela ᐅ St Peter's Junior school

Junior School at St. Peter’s

At St. Peter’s we strongly believe in a humanitarian approach. In Junior School, students are received with open arms and cherished by a united, kind, dedicated and extremely professional pedagogical team.

Our school follows the strict guidelines issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Education, teaching the official curricula of each subject. However, it assumes a differentiated alternative by introducing several subjects into the Junior School curriculum framework that enrich the curriculum and, as a result, the school's educational project.

With a differentiated curriculum array, focused on the student and his/her expectations, the school provides extremely enriching experiences, usually resulting in a direct impact on his/her learning. The student is challenged to take on an active and critical role in the Teaching-Learning process.

With a multicultural school ethos centred around reciprocal kindness and respect, our educational context is constantly adapting to current pedagogical models while maintaining a deep connection to classical studies and culture. We emphasize the presence of sport, art, and specific knowledge across various disciplinary areas, ensuring a well-rounded education for our students.

Why Choose Our Junior School in Palmela, Setúbal?

WELCOME TO ST. PETER´S JUNIOR SCHOOL

With a differentiated curricular matrix focused on the students and their expectations, the Junior School at St. Peter's offers highly enriching experiences that directly impact their education.

The curriculum encourages students to work in groups and communicate in multiple languages, fostering a collaborative attitude. Digital literacy, divergent thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and analytical thinking play a prominent role, along with promoting good relational practices, sports, and art.

Throughout these two years, the English language remains a constant presence, equipping students with the necessary skills for fluent communication. Specific work sessions in English literature, public speaking, and drama are provided, preparing students for international certification exams from Cambridge University.

Moreover, students also have the opportunity to attend and obtain certification in Spanish, Mandarin, or German, in addition to English.

Pedro Mata | Head of Junior & Middle School

Junior School Programme

FROM 5TH TO 6TH GRADE

Students in Junior School benefit from the application of a variety of traditional methods adapted to the educational objectives and content of each subject. Teachers employ expository methods, both methodical and disciplinary, while also incorporating active methodologies and the use of digital technology (BYOD) to facilitate new experiences and contextual application of the content.

Simultaneously, students' autonomy is fostered, and they are encouraged to organize themselves into groups, adopting a collaborative attitude where divergent thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and analytical thinking are emphasized.

In addition to the subjects mandated by the Ministry of Education, which includes Portuguese as a Second Language for international students, we have also included reinforcement of the English language, as well as subjects such as Spanish or Mandarin, Drama, Public Speaking, Programming, and Robotics.

The English language acquires a particular relevance during these two years of Junior School, with an extensive and rigorous programme, which organically articulates itself with the learning programme of the Portuguese national curriculum. Practical real-life situations are created so that oral and written communication is highlighted to provide students with the necessary skills for fluent and effective communication. Specific work sessions on English literature, drama and public speaking are also included, as well as preparation for the Cambridge University international certification exams.

Finally, our EdTech (ICT and Coding & Robotic) curriculum is designed to expose students to a wide range of projects, enabling them to acquire a wider range of life skills. We believe that every student should develop the qualities needed to foster lifelong learning and personal fulfilment and contribute meaningfully to a productive society.

Junior School Assessment

In Junior School, internal assessment focuses on the learning and skills defined in the National Curriculum according to the specific criteria of each subject. The evaluation criteria of each subject are the responsibility of the subject’s department, according to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education. At the beginning of each school year, they are made known to the entire educational community. It is based on these that the regulation and reorientation of the teaching-learning process and the classification of the student’s marks and results are made.

best teaching techniques for junior schools in Palmela

Junior School Teachers

Our team consists of experienced teachers who have scientific and pedagogical training in various areas of education. They establish empathetic, kind, and dedicated relationships with students and parents.

Form Teachers and their respective educational teams employ systematic and methodical approaches, employing differentiated and traditional teaching methods, as well as more active methodologies. Each student is treated as an independent and unique individual, with the goal of ensuring success for all. We prioritise a multidisciplinary and interdependent team, valuing education as a means to enhance the quality of teaching and pedagogical success.

Language Programme

From grades 5 to 9, Junior and Middle school, the teaching method focuses on the four language skills, with equal relevance to the grammar component. Students produce a variety of written assignments and interact in discussions and debates on various themes of the programme. In English language classes the programme is more geared towards taking the Cambridge exams.

Junior School Activities

At the Junior School level, teachers design pedagogical strategies to support learning and inclusion. Individual behaviour profiles inform teaching staff of how to effectively meet children's educational needs during daily activities.

The school provides students with the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of complementary activities. These include the Arts Club, Science, Drama, Mathematical Games, Music, Chess, and Photography. Furthermore, a wide variety of extracurricular activities are available in sports, arts, and technology.

English Literature, Drama & Public Speaking

English Literature is seen as a fundamental area of study, not only in the linguistic sense, but also as a means of experiencing Anglo-Saxon culture. For this purpose, students from Grades 5 and 6 have English Literature, Drama and Public Speaking classes in their schedule. In these classes, they read classical and modern literature; projects are outlined and discussions are held concerning the various themes of the stories or plays.

Speaking Skills

Our Junior School students can consolidate their knowledge of the English language, with particular emphasis on speaking skills. These students often carry out projects that encourage them to use different media to improve the quality of oral presentations in class.

School Assemblies

In Junior School, School Assemblies are conducted on a regular basis. These assemblies serve as a platform to address topics related to Citizenship and Development. They also involve a variety of activities where students can express their needs, interests, and expectations. Throughout these discussions and activities, the well-being, physical safety, and moral safeguarding of the students are always prioritised, keeping their best interests in mind.

Collaboration

At the curricular level, students are encouraged to work in groups and to communicate in several languages, assuming a collaborative attitude, where digital literacy, critical spirit, divergent thinking, problem solving, creativity and analytical thinking join forces and work together.

Pedagogical strategies to support learning and inclusion are incessantly designed, in order to meet the educational needs of each student and their behavioural profile.

Learn more about our bilingual programme and how we can help your child prepare for a life of achievement.

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