Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
800 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
45 |
| Most common nationality |
Portuguese. |
| Native English and Portuguese speaking teachers |
Yes. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Portuguese |
In Primary School (English Studies), all students from Grade Pre-1 to Grade 5, who have little or no contact with the Portuguese language are taught according to their level of language proficiency (one level of Portuguese A and 2 levels of Portuguese B). Additionally, extra support is provided in English, according to student’s needs. In the Portuguese curriculum, all students from kindergarten learn English as a Second Language. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French and Spanish. |
| Max. number of students per class |
25 |
| Average number of students per class |
20 |
| 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, with the use of laptops in the classroom. Nowadays, smart boards and VR were added to these new technologies. Students also use Teams, Managebac and Jstor.
|
| 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 |
Portuguese National Exams – Instituto de Avaliação Educativa Cambridge Assessment International Education: Secondary Checkpoint, IGCSE, A-Levels and IB DP Cambridge Assessment English – Certified Cambridge exams centre CAPLE Exams Center – Centro de avaliação e certificação de Português – Língua Estrangeira DELF Centre - Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française |
| 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 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 admission tests depending on the year of entry. Entry at the beginning of the school 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. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes. |
| School bus service available |
Yes. |
| School provided lunches |
No. |
| Uniform required |
Yes (until Grade 9). |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered: Art, Basketball, Dance, Eco-club, Football, Golf, Music, Drama, Tennis, Robotics. Afterschool activities: Ballet, Karate, Football, Tennis, Russian, Piano, The Inventors and Happy Code. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, Chemistry and Physics Labs, open-air auditorium. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Cross-country, gymnasium, football pitch, basketball, volleyball, handball 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, comprising the Portuguese National Curriculum, the Cambridge International Education and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). |
| Teaching approach of the school |
CIV teaches three curricula: the Portuguese National Curriculum, Cambridge International Education and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (DP). |