FAQ
What levels of education are taught at CIV?
We accept students from the age of 3 (Nursery Level, 3 year-old group) up to 18 (Cambridge International A Level Examination Programme and Secondary School).
What documents/procedures are required to enrol at CIV?
The Parent or Guardian must complete the application form (online) or request a meeting with the Educational Board in order to familiarise themselves with the ideals, the Educational programme, the curricula and the internal rules of procedure. A meeting will be scheduled with the Heads of Department, where the student’s previous report must be submitted and the student should be present. After this interview, parents and guardians will be notified of the decision taken and follow the directives supplied by the Admission’s Officer. Should the application be successful Parents or Guardians must submit the following documents to the school administrative services: ID cards and tax identification numbers of students and parents or guardians, an up-to-date student vaccination record, last school evaluation report (if applicable) and a medical certificate (certificate of physical fitness. Other documents may be requested in specific situations (residence visas, passports, etc.)
Which curriculum is taught at CIV?
CIV teaches two curricula: the Portuguese National Curriculum (Jardim de Infância, Primeiro Ciclo, Segundo e Terceiro Ciclos and Ensino Secundário), in the Portuguese Studies and the British National Curriculum (adapted) / Cambridge International Curriculum in the English Studies (Primary and Secondary School).
Students who attend the Portuguese Studies undertake the End of School Cycle tests and the national examinations at CIV. In Secondary School, CIV offers two courses: Ciências e Tecnologias e Ciências Sócio-Económicas.
In Year 6 and Year 9, students take the corresponding Primary and Secondary Cambridge Checkpoint exams. The Secondary School prepares students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGSCE). In Year 10, students start preparing for the IGCSE examinations which are undertaken in Year 11. In Years 12 and 13, the Advance Subsidiary Level and Advance Level exams are taken respectively. These are the exams required for application to foreign and national universities, upon approval of the Ministry of Education and Science.
What are the priority areas of the CIV Education Programme?
The CIV Educational programme focuses on the development of cognitive (logical-mathematical reasoning and language skills in first and foreign languages) and socio-affective skills. Besides these core areas, sports, artistic expressions (visual arts, dance and music), philosophy for children and science are also highlighted.
What extra-curricular areas are promoted at CIV?
CIV offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities: football, tennis, music (piano, violin, etc.), ballet, yoga, Karate and the After-school Programme.
In addition to the extra-curricular areas, all students in the Segundo e Terceiro Ciclos / Year 5 -9 attend a club: Golf, Tennis, Drama, Dance, Music, Football, Basketball, Eco-club or Arts. It is a curricular class that contributes to the development of the kinaesthetic, spatial, naturalist, musical, intra and interpersonal intellects (Gardner) and fosters harmony between students of different ages (9-15 years) and from different syllabi (Portuguese Studies Syllabus and English Studies Syllabus).
What is the Afterschool Programme?
This programme is intended for students of the Primeiro Ciclo and Primary school (up to year 4) and runs for students who remain at CIV after 4:05p.m. The Afterschool Activities programme offers CIV students a rich and diverse programme that combines study, individual and group research and organisation, with entertainment and sport. This initiative is a supplementary educational activity and is in accordance with the Educational programme. The venues aim to develop cognitive, socio-affective and cultural skills. CIV promotes academic and human excellence in students in the Arts, Science, Philosophy, Literature, Sports and Information and Communication Technologies.
What is international education?
International education, in addition to teaching a foreign curriculum, also requires an educational programme that values a method of understanding and reciprocity. It is a pedagogical context in which each member of the school’s community learns how to put themselves in the shoes of the other members, without abandoning his or her own point of view and without suppressing his or her beliefs and feelings. At CIV we promote autonomy, cooperation, solidarity, volunteering, critical thinking and democratic values, based on the respect for difference and diversity.
What are the nationalities of the students at CIV?
The CIV community comes from all over the world. Children are surrounded by about 40 different nationalities in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
May students begin their studies in the middle of the school year?
Yes, students may start in the middle of the academic year, however will be subject to entrance exams depending on the year of entry. Entry at the beginning of the year is desirable for full integration into the year group and acquisition of core skills.
Is CIV an inclusive school?
Yes, CIV integrates children with special educational needs, relying on joint cooperation between the school and the family. Special arrangements are established with the family and according to each child's needs.
What are the foreign languages taught at CIV?
CIV invests in the early learning of the first and foreign languages, according to the curricula chosen. Portuguese, English and Mandarin are offered from Kindergarten to Year 4 / 4º ano. English, Portuguese and French, are offered from Year 5/5ºano. Russian, Mandarin and German classes are also available as extra-curricular.
What support is provided at school for students who have not mastered the English language and who are integrated into the English Studies?
All students who have little or no contact with the English language and enter the English Studies take English as an additional Language (EAL). This course consists on applying a language proficiency development programme, which will allow students to, in time, follow the curriculum in English.
What is the school's policy on homework?
We believe homework helps to consolidate the skills and content of work carried out within the classroom, particularly with regard to reading, writing and basic mathematical skills.
Is the uniform compulsory at CIV?
Yes, the use of the uniform is compulsory for all students, from Kindergarten to 9º ano/Year 10. Secondary school students from 10ºano / Year 11 do not wear uniform, however a smart casual dress code is expected, respecting the school and their peers.
Does CIV have a transport service?
Yes, CIV has several transport routes (Loulé/Almancil, Olhão/Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, Messines). Each year the itineraries are updated according to the needs of the users. This service operates daily during school periods.
Does CIV have a Dining hall?
Yes, CIV has a dining hall and its own kitchen. Lunches are served by a professional company that offers complete daily lunches (soup, a meat or fish dish, dessert, bread, water). The menu and the nutritional values can be found on the monthly menus.
Does CIV have a psychology office?
Yes. The School's Psychology Office plays a key role in the day-to-day life of our school. Among its many facets the assessment, diagnosis and referral of students, psychological support and educational and vocational guidance is highlighted.
Can students attending the English studies apply to Portuguese universities?
Yes. At the end of Year 13, students who wish to pursue universities in Portugal, may apply for equivalence in accordance with the legal provisions applied, and the support of CIV. In addition to obtaining the secondary school diploma, students also gain equivalence in the subjects that may be required as entry exams to Portuguese universities (Article 20-A of Decree-Law 296- A/98 of the 25th of September). Students will therefore apply with the same standing as students who attend Portuguese secondary schools. Many Portuguese universities already have courses or subjects taught in English and are therefore very interested in students with the CIV philosophy.
Can students who attend the Portuguese studies apply to foreign universities?
Yes. Students who attend the Portuguese Studies may apply to a foreign university. Application processes to foreign universities are very different, so it is essential to take adequate measures from 11ºano. CIV has a Careers Adviser who guides students through the various stages of the application process (recommendation letters, testimonials, necessary exams and equivalences, language proficiency exams, interviews, etc.). There are currently many countries that have a tuition fee waiver scheme for students within the European Union.