How future leaders are created inside and outside the classroom

Offering the National Curriculum for England from Early Years (EYFS) to Secondary, pupils are working towards achieving their IGCSEs and A levels.

A British Education

With a growing trend of British International Schools opening up around the world, the question arises as to why? The National Curriculum for England is not simply about the academic rigour it brings, but also the ‘soft power’. Soft power is about a ‘hearts and minds’ approach; it embraces cultural values to facilitate change and hence bring out the best in young people. IPS Cascais holds the young people in their care at the core of all they do. What takes place inside and outside the classroom is creating future global citizens who embody ambition, resilience and kindness, who can shape the world.

Rigorous and engaging learning

IPS Cascais places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, supported by a rigorous and pupil-centred approach to teaching and learning. Pupils are excited and engaged in the lessons they experience every day, which are carefully planned to be both challenging and inspiring. This enthusiasm is clear to anyone who visits, whether by stepping into a classroom or simply speaking with the pupils. The buzz of active and interested young learners is evident as you walk through the school.

Anecdotal evidence tells an important part of the story. Still, as IPS Cascais continues to grow, with the first cohort of Key Stage 4 pupils beginning their IGCSE programme next year, the staff recognise the importance of ensuring that success is also measurable. A strong performance at this stage ensures they can enter their A-Level programme on a secure footing and are well-placed to access the best universities around the world. IPS Cascais is non-selective, however pupils consistently achieve excellent results across the GL Assessments, which benchmark attainment against the National Curriculum for England. They regularly achieve mean Standardised Age Scores well above both British and international averages, demonstrating strong progress across all tested areas. Most recently, their performance in the Progress Test in Mathematics and the Progress Test in English has been particularly impressive. These results provide clear and objective evidence of the high levels of attainment and progress the pupils are making year on year.

Deputy Head, Teaching and Learning, Leo Holdstock, states:

“These outcomes reflect not only the high quality of teaching at IPS Cascais but also the commitment to knowing every pupil and tailoring both support and challenge according to individual needs. As a result, pupils are exceptionally well-prepared for the next stage of their education”.

Beyond the Classroom

IPS Cascais delivers a unique curriculum to enrich a child’s educational experience. Termed ‘The Journey’, it is a progressive skills programme that challenges pupils beyond the classroom. Incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals throughout all the activities, pupils develop practical skills in tool and woodwork, shelter and knots, fire and cooking, entrepreneurial farm to fork concepts culminating in the International Duke of Edinburgh Award.

IPS Cascais’ recent PASS (Pupil Attitudes to Self and School) survey results indicate the pupils are confident, motivated learners who approach school with high self-esteem and a positive attitude. This nationally recognised tool measures pupils’ attitudes towards themselves as learners and their school experience. It helps schools understand how pupils feel about their learning environment. It is clear IPS is getting it right.

Executive Director, Chris Starling, states:

“Within the Globeducate group, IPS Cascais has become a flagship school, not just in terms of educational excellence and first-class pastoral care for our pupils, but for our wider sense of community. Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Alongside our supportive parents, we guide our children not just to achieve, but to reflect and grow, to become the best version of themselves - together”.

From Model United Nations at Stonar School, UK, to Debating events at Nobel Algarve British International School, Almancil, to the Globeducate Academic Olympics in Madrid, pupils have access to a diverse mix of opportunities beyond Portugal, with the school being part of the Globeducate cluster of British International schools.

As pupils grab their surfboards from the rack for after-school activities, it is easy to see how IPS Cascais British International School has the academic and wellbeing of the pupils at the cornerstone of all they do.

We invite you to visit the Globeducate schools in Portugal

www.ipsschool.org | www.nobelalgarve.com |