A Legacy of Excellence

Programme

The 1.º Ciclo (Primary) Programme follows the Portuguese National Curriculum, ensuring solid foundations in Portuguese, Mathematics, Environmental Studies and Artistic Expression, complemented by early exposure to English.

Methodology

Learning is student-centred and enquiry-based, combining structured teaching with active exploration. Teachers focus on developing literacy, numeracy, curiosity and confidence in a supportive classroom environment.

Activities

Students benefit from a broad range of curricular and extracurricular activities, including EdTech, arts, physical education, projects and school events like assemblies, that enrich learning beyond the classroom.

Bilingual Learning

Subjects taught in Portuguese follow the national curriculum, while English subjects follow a more rigorous programme aligned with Cambridge English standards, preparing students for Cambridge certification exams.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and formative, focusing on individual progress and skill development, with regular feedback shared with families.

Team

The Primary team is composed of experienced Primary teachers who prioritise close relationships, consistency and personalised support. Our English teachers are native speakers, providing an authentic English experience to our students. 

Programme

St. Peter's Junior School (2.º Ciclo) continues the Portuguese National Curriculum, introducing subject-specialist teaching while consolidating core academic skills across humanities, sciences, languages and public speaking.

Methodology

Students are encouraged to become more independent learners through structured lessons, collaborative work and problem-solving approaches.

Activities

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

Assessment

Assessment combines ongoing classroom evaluation with formal tests, helping students gradually prepare for increased academic demands.

Team

Teachers in Junior School (2.º Ciclo) are subject specialists who work closely with students to support both academic progress and personal organisation.

Programme

The Middle School (3º Ciclo) Programme deepens subject knowledge across the Portuguese National Curriculum, preparing students for the academic demands of Secondary education.

Methodology

Teaching emphasises analytical thinking, structured study habits and academic responsibility, while encouraging students to engage critically with content.

School & Career Guidance

In Grade 9, 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.

English Learning

In Middle School, English continues to be a great focus of St. Peter's curriculum, leveraging on earlier learning and strengthening oral and written communication. At the end of each school year, students are able to take the University of Cambridge international certification exams, as FCE or CAE.

Activities

Students participate in academic projects, enrichment activities, leadership opportunities and school assemblies that support both personal growth, well-being and university readiness.

Assessment

Assessment becomes more formal, aligning closely with national standards and preparing students progressively for national examinations.

Team

The Middle School (3º Ciclo) team provides academic guidance and pastoral support, helping students navigate this important developmental stage.

Programme

The Secondary School (Secundário) Programme follows the Portuguese National Curriculum, with subject choices aligned to students’ academic strengths and university ambitions.

Methodology

Teaching is rigorous and exam-focused, while promoting independent study, critical thinking and long-term academic planning.

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.

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. 

Activities

Students benefit from academic enrichment, leadership roles, guidance activities, volunteering, trips and internships, supporting both personal development and university applications.

Assessment

Assessment aligns fully with Portuguese National Exams, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared to achieve strong academic results.

Team

Our Secondary team consists of experienced subject specialists who combine academic excellence with individual mentoring and guidance.