Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Number of students |
650 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
40 |
Native English and Portuguese speaking teachers |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English and Portuguese |
All students who have little or no contact with the English language and enter the English Studies take English as an additional Language. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Portuguese, English, French, Russian |
Max. number of students per class |
26 |
Average number of students per class |
23 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
CIV’s constant concern for educational innovation led to the implementation, in 2006, of an integration project for new technologies in the classroom. The school has invested in new technologies, equipping all classrooms with projectors, interactive whiteboards, teacher training, Wireless Internet and the installation of a Moodle platform. Lessons have become more dynamic with the use of laptops in the classroom. Interactive methods within each subject, combined with the project methodology (individual and group research projects) has led to a development in student learning. Research Methods and Techniques, knowledge of research tools, data processing and image manipulation has contributed greatly to create an enthusiasm for research, organisation of information, supporting points of view, diversifying sources of information and, of course, the presentation of results. This approach, of using information and communication technologies in an educational context, stimulates self-confidence, independence and cooperative learning. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
The school is fully equipped for remote and hybrid teaching and learning. |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
External examinations or assessments available |
Cambridge Assessment International Education: Primary Checkpoint, Secondary Checkpoint, IGCSE, A-Levels |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
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. |
Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
Waiting list |
Yes |
Students can join after academic year begins |
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. |
School start time |
09:00 |
School finish time |
Between 16:05 and 16:50, depending on age group |
School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
Yes |
Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Art, basketball, dance, eco-club, football, golf, music, drama, tennis |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Football pitches, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, handball court, gymnasium |
Sports facilities at the school |
Cross-country, grass football pitch, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The Vilamoura International School is the most prestigious educational institute (Pre-school, Primary School and Secondary School) in the South of Portugal, encompassing the Portuguese National, British (adapted) National and the Cambridge International curricula. |
Teaching approach of the school |
CIV teaches two curricula: the Portuguese National Curriculum, in the Portuguese Studies and the British National Curriculum (adapted) / Cambridge International Curriculum in the English Studies. |