Portuguese Studies
Segundo and Terceiro Ciclos reflect the result of the foundation established in previous school years. Aiming to organise and arrange their learning experience with a greater degree of complexity and conceptuality, students have the opportunity to manipulate data and concepts in various fields of knowledge. Therefore, the learning models are integrated within an educational philosophy that seeks to enhance the "thinking self."
The concept of science and the development of the scientific spirit is deepened. The student's individual organisational skills, their ability to analyse, synthesise, relate, complete, calculate, demonstrate and interpret data become part of the student's routine. The relationship with literature, the most famous writers of Western civilisation, writing workshops, developing a love for drama and research (Research Methods and Techniques lessons) are all reinforced and help students establish a foundation in humanistic and scientific awareness.
English is reinforced through a specific programme aimed at elevating students to a level of proficiency and international certification. From 5º ano, students are introduced to another foreign language, French.
Students are involved in educational programmes aimed at promoting the individual development of knowledge. Here students hold a leading role (with teacher guidance) in developing their own knowledge. Students are involved in educational initiatives such as the reading programme, the annual programme, academic week, internships at international schools, and in 9ºano - professional internships. The goal of the school’s educational approach is to educate students to envisage studies and research as an asset to their personal and professional development.
Segundo and Terceiro Ciclos promote the integration of all students into a common teaching method followed at CIV and in the international community.
English Studies
Secondary School focuses on groups of skills that together with functional skills in English, Mathematics and ICT, are essential to success in learning, life and work. Each group is distinctive and coherent, yet interconnected. CIV aims to develop: Independent enquirers, Creative thinkers, Reflective learners, Team workers, self-managers and Effective participators.
The English Studies’ Secondary is an approved Cambridge Secondary School. The curriculum is initiated in Year 7 and students sit the Cambridge Secondary Checkpoint Examination in Mathematics, English and Science, in Year 9. History, ICT (Information and Communication Technology), Physical Education, Art, Geography and Music continue to embrace the British National Curriculum, adapted to Portugal. In Year 9 students have a choice between Art and Physical Education Theory. Geography and Music are not optional from Year 9.
In Year 10, students are encouraged to sit CIE examinations in subjects that will enable them to move to a higher level in Year 11. First Language learners may sit the First Language Portuguese Examination in Year 10 – allowing for the AS level Examination to be written in Year 11 and the A Level examination in Year 12. All the other subjects are evaluated individually according to the student’s standard.
In Year 11 students usually sit all the subjects below, including their choice subject: ART or PE Theory. By sitting these subjects including 2 languages, students also become eligible to receive the ICE (International Certificate of Education). Considering the diversity of our community, multilingualism is encouraged and students may register to sit any other First Language that is offered by the Cambridge International Examination Board.