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Virtual Open Day - 17th November
Primary students in Grades 1 to 5 - aged 6 to 10 - learn through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), creating an engaging internationally minded educational experience. Through transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry and an engaging curriculum, children build strong academic and personal foundations while developing curiosity, confidence and ownership of their learning.
IB Primary Years Programme
Progress through the IB PYP, exploring meaningful ideas through six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. Build knowledge, strengthen curiosity and the ability to make connections across learning.
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.
Expert teachers
Thrive through enriched learning supported by experienced teachers who continually refine their practice through regular IBO training, Professional Learning Communities and ISP professional learning courses.
Multilingual learning
Strengthen your English while developing Portuguese through weekly lessons, with tailored pathways for native and non-native speakers. Access additional English support to build language confidence and proficiency.
Dedicated learning areas
Learn in welcoming spaces that support curiosity, collaboration and creativity. Explore dedicated classrooms, outdoor areas and corridors that celebrate student work.
Vibrant student life
Broaden your experiences through a rich programme of after-school activities, field trips, clubs and interschool competitions, growing as active, confident and well-rounded learners.
Leadership opportunities
Develop leadership skills through the Primary School Student Leadership Group, where class representatives meet weekly with teacher leaders.
Partnership with parents
Engage with the wider school community through sharing events, weekly class assemblies, three-way conferences and PTA community events, strengthening connections between students, families and the school.
Friendly admissions process
Our admissions process is clear and responsive, ensuring a smooth transition as we warmly welcome your family into our vibrant community.
Students learn through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, exploring knowledge through six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. This connected approach builds strong academic foundations while developing the skills to think, communicate and reflect with increasing independence.
Students engage with six Units of Inquiry that encourage questioning, investigation and meaningful connections across their learning. These transdisciplinary themes of global significance develop both subject knowledge and essential skills:
Each UOI is enriched by field trips, offering regular opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Building confident communicators Students develop their communication skills with English as the main language of instruction, strengthening their ability to express ideas clearly and communicate with confidence. From Grade 1, English as an Additional Language (EAL) is available for pupils who require additional support, with dedicated beginner and intermediate groups. Read Write Inc. continues into the Primary years up to Grade 3, supporting the development of secure foundations in phonics, reading and writing through small, levelled groups based on English proficiency. Portuguese is taught through a structured and formal approach, with differentiated pathways for native and non-native speakers through Portuguese A and Portuguese B, with students receiving four to five periods each week.
Developing confident problem-solvers Students develop mathematical understanding through practical exploration, structured progression and meaningful problem-solving. They build confidence with number, pattern, measurement and reasoning, learning not only how to find answers but how to explain their thinking. The Singapore Maths further strengthens our existing maths units by aligning closely with the IB’s problem-solving approach. It encourages pupils to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts by exploring strategies, making connections and applying their learning to solve meaningful problems.
Exploring the world through enquiry and discovery Students explore the natural world through enquiry, observation and experimentation. They learn to ask thoughtful questions, test ideas, identify patterns and build explanations based on evidence. Scientific learning is connected to real-world contexts, helping students understand how living things, materials, systems and natural phenomena interact and change.
Expressing creativity through artistic exploration Students use the arts to express ideas, explore creativity and communicate their understanding in different ways. Through specialist lessons in Visual Arts, Music and performance, they develop conceptual learning, transferrable skills, confidence, imagination and the ability to respond thoughtfully to the world around them. In Grade 4, Drama is added to the curriculum, giving children further opportunities to build expression, collaboration and performance skills while developing confidence in presenting ideas to others.
Promoting health, movement and teamwork Students develop the personal, social and physical skills they need to grow as confident, balanced and respectful learners. Through PSPE, they learn about wellbeing, relationships, teamwork, responsibility and the importance of making positive choices. Physical development is supported through movement, sport and active learning opportunities. Swimming is included in up to Grade 2, helping younger Primary pupils build water confidence, coordination and essential physical skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Understanding people, places and communities Learners develop their understanding of people, cultures and the wider world. They explore how individuals and societies are connected, how communities are organised and how history, geography and personal experiences shape the way people live. Through discussion, research and enquiry, students learn to consider different perspectives and develop a growing awareness of their role within local and global networks.
Every day at SDIS gives Primary students opportunities to question, investigate and grow as independent learners. Each class follows its own rhythm across Grades 1 to 5, but here is a glimpse of what a typical day can look like.
Morning arrival & purposeful learning
Students start the day in a welcoming environment, ready to connect with classmates and engage in learning. Morning lessons spark curiosity and help students build knowledge across the IB PYP curriculum
Breaks, lunch & active learning
Regular breaks and a relaxed lunchtime give students time to recharge, socialise and return to class ready to learn. Throughout the day, purposeful lessons support collaboration and the development of essential academic skills.
Afternoon lessons & life beyond academics
Afternoon learning brings together new knowledge, reflection and achievement in a positive classroom environment. At the end of the day, students prepare for dismissal or continue into clubs and activities that nurture personal interests.
IB PYP students thrive as multilingual learners empowered by a rewarding school environment where they build strong academic foundations, life skills and a global mindset.
Academic achievement
Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.
Gain essential life skills to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Multilingualism
Develop English language skills through daily immersion in an international environment.
International opportunities
Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.
Our IB PYP students are supported to make steady academic progress through continuous assessment across all subjects. Learning is measured against grade-level outcomes and subject-specific criteria, helping teachers understand each student’s development and provide the right level of support and challenge throughout the year. Progress is reported termly and celebrated through meaningful opportunities for students to share their learning with the wider community. Class assemblies, sharing events, three-way conferences, student-led conferences and displays around the school give families regular insight into their child’s growth and strengthen the connection between home and school.
Learners strengthen the skills and attitudes that help them grow as confident, reflective and responsible learners. Through the IB Approaches to Learning (ATLs), they develop thinking, research, communication, social and self-management skills, learning how to analyse information, ask questions, express ideas clearly, work with others and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Guided by the IB Learner Profile and supported by our Social Emotional Learning Programme, students build empathy, resilience, independence and positive relationships. Leadership opportunities, including the Primary School Student Leadership Group, further help children develop their voice, contribute to school life and grow as caring, active members of the community.
In IB PYP, English is the main language of instruction, helping students strengthen their ability to read, write, speak and listen with clarity and confidence across the curriculum. From Grade 1, English as an Additional Language (EAL) is available for students who need additional support, with dedicated beginner and intermediate groups to help each learner make sustained progress. Read Write Inc. continues up to Grade 3 to support secure foundations in phonics, reading and writing through small, levelled groups based on English proficiency. Portuguese is taught through a structured approach, with Portuguese A for native speakers and Portuguese B for non-native speakers, including five periods per week from Grade 2 to Grade 5.
Primary students extend their learning beyond the classroom through enriching regional opportunities. They can represent the school in football, volleyball, basketball, badminton and athletics competitions as part of the After-school Programme.
Two field trips within every Unit of Inquiry also connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, helping students build confidence, teamwork and a deeper understanding of the topics they explore.
Learning beyond the classroom
Behind the scenes
The Primary Musical
Coming soon
On stage
PYP Exhibition 2024
Sport at SDIS has helped me learn teamwork and confidence, and the teachers are kind. I also made friends in tournaments.
João, Student Primary IB PYP
At St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal our Admissions team welcomes families throughout the year. We offer flexible entry points into our IB Primary Years Programme, ensuring your child can begin 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 from the very beginning.
Clubs, sports and opportunities
Tuition fees
IB Middle Years Programme
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Discover, grow and thrive at St. Dominic's International School, Portugal, with our skill-building IB Primary Years Programme.
Accreditations
Partnerships
Join St. Dominic’s Virtual Open Day from the comfort of your home.
