Our Curriculum

The British School provides a well-balanced curriculum consisting of the Scottish National Curriculum plus part of the Portuguese National Curriculum. These two curricula complement each other and repeating the same topics in English and in Portuguese is avoided. The curriculum emphasises the basic skills needed for future learning and also challenges and motivates. High standards and a pride in good work are fostered. Students benefit from a coherent school programme which encourages them to think for themselves and to use their initiative. The School gives a thorough grounding in basic subjects to provide a firm base for successful study as the pupil progresses.

Qualified teachers who are native Portuguese speakers teach Portuguese to all pupils. It is regarded as essential for non-Portuguese pupils to learn Portuguese fluently and for Portuguese pupils to have a thorough grounding in their own language.

The Portuguese course in the School is equivalent to the programmes taught in Portuguese schools and is approved by the Regional Education Authority of Madeira. Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are taught as well as a study of the environment and Portuguese history, geography and culture.

During the course of their studies all pupils, irrespective of nationality, become fluent in English and there is a strong emphasis on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. English language lessons and all other disciplines in the Scottish curriculum are taught by fully qualified native English speakers. Learning to spell is an important part of the syllabus and drama and literature are also emphasized as are literacy skills. Pupils are actively encouraged to take books home to read and to use books to find information. Academic success is still very much geared to books and so it is important for children to develop early a respect and fascination for books.

From earliest number work and on throughout the School, strong emphasis is placed on developing mathematical understanding and skills. Mathematics occupies a significant proportion of the curriculum and is taught through a practical and lively scheme which gives a very good, solid grounding in this subject.

Studies include computational work, information handling, problem solving and investigations as well as numeracy skills.

Information technology plays an important part in the curriculum. Computer literacy plays an important part in a 21st century education. The School’s Information centre consists of a well stocked library and a computer room. Pupils are taught basic word processing skills and gain confidence through using a range of programmes. Supervised use of the Internet to develop research and editing skills also forms an integral part of the curriculum. Each large, bright classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard. The school has intranet so that parents can access information about the school whilst pupils can find their homework or carry on with a school activity through the use of the intranet.

Children’s natural curiosity in history, geography and science is used to build up their knowledge and to establish learning skills. The School has specialised facilities for the teaching of music, art and design, scientific activities and cookery. Art and design forms an important part of the curriculum and students are encouraged to be creative and innovative through the use of many different mediums. Music is taught throughout the School. Pupils develop an awareness of rhythm through the use of percussion instruments and music notation. They sing a wide variety of songs and, from Junior 3 onwards, all pupils are taught to play the recorder. Physical Education is considered very important in each child’s development and there is a wide range of equipment for pupils to learn skills and games, gymnastics and athletics. French is taught to pupils from Junior 3 onwards.

Continuous assessment is an integral part of the School programme from Junior 3 onwards. From Junior 1 upwards pupils also have regular tests in spelling, tables and number bonds. A detailed report is written each term on every pupil.

The Infants’ day is much more informal. The emphasis here is on emotional, social and language development so the children can learn to work as individuals but also as part of a group. The pupils learn Portuguese, English, number work, writing and sounds for reading through organised play and activities. There is a large amount of equipment available specifically for these young children.