Ages 3 to 18
Enrol with ease
Discover us & the campus
Where confidence grows
What's happening
Virtual Open Day - 17th November
Our Early Years programme welcomes children aged 3 to 5 through Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception. Guided by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), pupils explore meaningful topics through transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry, developing an understanding of themselves and the world around them while building strong foundations across key areas of learning. With a significant focus on communication, social-emotional development and discovery-based learning, each day supports students in growing as confident, curious and happy learners.
IB Primary Years Programme
Begin your IB PYP journey through play-inspired, hands-on learning and four transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. Explore meaningful ideas about people, places and the world around you.
Life competencies
Grow into confident, adaptable people through the ISP Life Competencies Framework and our Lifelong Learning Programme, where the IB Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning (ATLs) and social-emotional learning are woven into daily learning experiences.
Experienced guidance
Benefit from personalised support and enriched learning as teachers continually strengthen their practice through regular IB training, Professional Learning Communities and ISP learning courses.
English immersion
Develop strong English communication skills through reading, writing, speaking and listening - supported by our Read Write Inc. phonics programme - while also being introduced to Portuguese through weekly lessons.
Dedicated learning areas
Play, explore and discover in bright, welcoming spaces - including purpose-built learning environments and outdoor recreation areas.
Life beyond academics
Discover new interests through a rich Early Years experience that extends beyond the classroom, with field trips and after-school activities that foster social skills and a love for movement.
Partnership with parents
Stay closely connected to your child's learning journey through regular email updates, daily contact with teachers, termly parent conferences, the Learning Journal and the Toddle Parent app.
Extended care
Continue the day in a familiar and supportive setting through after-school activities. Enjoy extended care while exploring interests, playing and building friendships.
Friendly admissions process
Our admissions process is clear and responsive, ensuring a smooth transition as we warmly welcome your family into our vibrant community.
Our youngest learners begin their journey with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) from the outset, exploring learning through four transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry that connect knowledge to real-world contexts.
Throughout our IB PYP Early Years curriculum, children investigate their environment, their community and the natural world, asking questions and sharing discoveries. Pupils step into six Units of Inquiry and make connections between the classroom and the wider world:
Through these units, children develop understanding and skills across different subject areas in an integrated and meaningful way, enriched by regular field trips within each UOI.
Building confident communicatorsStudents develop strong communication skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening within a language-rich environment where storytelling, structured and unstructured play and early literacy are embedded in daily experiences. English is the main language of instruction, while Portuguese is introduced once a week to promote early exposure to additional languages. In the final two years, children receive support through Read Write Inc. - our structured phonics programme - working in small, levelled groups based on their English proficiency to ensure targeted teaching and steady progress in early reading and writing.
Developing logical thinkingChildren develop mathematical understanding through practical, engaging experiences that build number sense, pattern recognition, measurement and problem-solving skills. Learning is active and hands-on, helping children make sense of mathematical concepts in meaningful and relevant ways. In the final two years, Mathematics is further strengthened through the Singapore Maths approach, which deepens conceptual understanding by supporting children as they progress from concrete experiences to conceptual understanding.
Exploring though experimentationChildren explore the natural world through observation, investigation and experimentation. Through play, enquiry and first-hand experiences, they begin to ask questions, notice patterns and develop an early understanding of how living things and natural phenomena grow, change and interact.
Understanding the worldPupils develop an early understanding of people, cultures and communities by exploring their own experiences and the world around them. Through discussion, shared experiences and Units of Inquiry, they learn about relationships, belonging, routines, traditions and the ways people live and work together.
Unleashing creativityChildren explore ideas, emotions and imagination through visual arts, music and performance.
Specialist Art and Music lessons provide opportunities to create, experiment, communicate and express themselves in meaningful and joyful ways.
Supporting wellbeing, relationships and independencePersonal, Social and Physical Education supports children in developing confidence, wellbeing and positive relationships from an early age. Through daily routines, play, movement and guided interaction, they learn to collaborate with others, develop independence and strengthen their motor and coordination skills.For Kindergarten and Reception students, this also includes weekly swimming lessons, which help build water confidence, coordination and essential physical skills.
Every day in Early Years at St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal is filled with play-inspired exploration and meaningful learning. Each class follows its own rhythm across Nursery - where children also have time to rest with a nap as part of their daily routine - Kindergarten and Reception, but here is a glimpse of what a typical day can look like.
Morning arrival & joyful learning
Children begin the day with a calm arrival, time to settle in, connect with classmates and prepare for learning. Morning sessions combine focused teaching, play-inspired exploration and meaningful activities.
Lunch, care & afternoon discovery
A healthy lunch and relaxed break give pupils time to recharge, socialise and enjoy the school community. The afternoon begins with a gentle check-in before further learning experiences.
End of day & extended opportunities
The day ends in a calm and organised way, giving children time to reflect, gather their belongings and prepare for dismissal. Extended care and after-school activities offer opportunities to enjoy creative experiences beyond the classroom.
Children start their journey of discovery with confidence and curiosity, supported by a nurturing and safe environment that encourages them to become aspirational and adaptable learners.
Academic achievement
Multilingualism
At SDIS, academic achievement is supported through continuous observation and close collaboration between teachers and families. Children’s progress is regularly monitored through daily in-person interactions, ensuring that development is guided and supported in real time. Progress is documented and shared through each child’s Learning Journal and the Toddle Parent App, allowing families to follow their child’s experiences, milestones and ongoing growth. Parents remain closely connected to the school community through regular emails and consistent daily communication with teachers. This partnership is strengthened through termly parent conferences, offering dedicated opportunities to reflect on achievement, development and next steps.
In Early Years - IB PYP, children begin to build the life competencies that underpin success at school and beyond. From Nursery to Reception, the programme develops self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, communication and relationship skills. Through play, enquiry and purposeful interaction, children gradually grow in confidence, independence and their ability to make responsible choices. Rooted in the IB Approaches to Learning, guided by the IB Learner Profile and enriched by our Social Emotional Learning Programme, children learn to express themselves, collaborate with others, manage emotions and build positive relationships, creating a nurturing foundation for confident, curious and caring learners.
English is the language of instruction, creating an immersive environment in which children develop confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing from the very start. Through play, exploration and everyday interactions, language learning is embedded naturally across the day, helping children communicate with growing fluency and ease. Alongside English, children are introduced to Portuguese through weekly lessons that encourage curiosity about language and culture. In the final two years, literacy development is further enhanced through the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, delivered in small groups according to each child's level of English, enabling personalised support and steady progress in reading and writing.
Music learning
Social-emotional learning
We nurture curiosity through play and exploration, giving every child the confidence to discover, grow and become an independent learner
Sofia Monteiro, Early Years Coordinator
Growing up in Portugal with Indian roots and a family heritage spanning South Africa and Mozambique gave me an early appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Over 26 years in education, including experience in Portuguese and British settings, I have seen how important it is for every child to feel understood, included and confident in who they are. In Early Years, I believe in creating a nurturing environment where children learn through play, exploration and meaningful relationships, developing the curiosity, independence and confidence that will support them throughout their learning journey.
Classes start at 8:20 amDuring the morning, children have a morning snack and break time.In the Early Years, lunch is at 11:30 am, in the school’s main refectory, followed by the lunch break in the playground.After that, the Nursery students nap, whilst Kindergarten and Reception students return to their classrooms for activities.Kindergarten and Reception students have a weekly swimming lesson in the afternoon.Before dismissal, which is at 3:20pm, children have their afternoon snack.Afterschool activities run from 3:30pm to 4:15pm.
Every child and every family are different. All children go through a period of adaptation when they start at a new school and the community at St Dominic’s, we is very experienced at integrating new students. The teachers, the assistants and the students are very used to welcoming students from very different cultural backgrounds and contexts, making for a positive integration in the community.Within our Learning Support Team, we have a Junior School counsellor who may also contribute to a successful adaptation.
All Early Years students have school lunch which is supplied by a certified catering company. Soup, fish, meat and vegetarian options, salad and fresh fruit. There are also options for children with dietary restrictions.We ask parents to bring a healthy morning and afternoon snack, and a refillable water bottle.
Besides the expected termly meetings with the teachers and students, parents have other occasions to get to know more about their child’s learning, for example:
At St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal our Admissions team welcomes families throughout the year. We offer flexible entry points into our Early Years - IB PYP, ensuring your child begins their learning journey at the time that is right for them. We are here to guide you every step of the way and help your family feel at home in our welcoming school community.
Keep exploring
Clubs, sports and opportunities
Tuition fees
Enquire now
Watch your child thrive at SDIS through the IB PYP in a warm, enquiry-led environment that nurtures curiosity and independence from the start.
Accreditations
Partnerships
Join St. Dominic’s Virtual Open Day from the comfort of your home.
