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Virtual Open Day - 17th November
Secondary students in Grades 6 to 10 - aged 11 to 16 - learn through the IB MYP, an internationally recognised framework that combines academic challenge with meaningful real-world learning. With 30+ years of experience delivering the MYP, we offer students the confidence of learning within a deeply established IB environment. Across interdisciplinary learning, Service as Action and the Personal Project, students grow as critical and reflective thinkers. Through personalised guidance and early university and career conversations, students explore future pathways with confidence, while internationally benchmarked eAssessments, multilingual learning and a vibrant student life prepare them for the Diploma Programme and beyond.
IB Middle Years Programme
Progress through the IB MYP, engaging with eight subject groups, interdisciplinary learning, Service as Action and the Personal Project.
Academic achievement
Achieve outstanding MYP results, with an overall pass rate of 87.5% and an average score of 40.5 points - compared with the IB world average of 76.5%
Future pathways
Explore future pathways through our Careers Programme, supported by Unifrog, GL Assessments and university presentations.
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.
Multilingual learning
Learn in English, the language of instruction, with 58% of MYP students earning a bilingual certificate, while continuing Portuguese and developing Spanish or French.
Dedicated learning areas
Grow up in purposedly-designed learning spaces including bright classrooms, music rooms, art studios, science and design labs and expectational sports fields.
Life beyond academics
Enrich school life through after-school activities, clubs, MUN, SA initiatives and sports including football, basketball, volleyball and badminton - with 32% representing SDIS in sports competitions.
International experiences
Broaden your perspective through ISP's International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS), cultural exchanges and global initiatives that strengthen independence and intercultural understanding.
Leadership opportunities
Develop confidence and global awareness through leadership experiences, with 24% of students attending national and international Model United Nations conferences.
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 at SDIS consistently achieve excellent academic results, a testament of their academic commitment. Here some key highlights from 2025.
87.5%
of candidates successfully obtained the IB MYP Certificate, compared with the IB world average of 76.5%
40.5
average MYP point score, compared with the IB world average of 37.5
4.88
average grade obtained by our candidates, above the IB world average of 4.7
58%
of students achieved the bilingual certificate
50
highest point score awarded to a candidate
24%
of students attend national and international MUN conferences
32%
of students represent SDIS in sports tournament
Through the IB Middle Years Programme, students engage with a broad and balanced curriculum that brings academic challenge together with interdisciplinary thinking and real-world enquiry. In Grade 10, the Personal Project encourages each student to explore an area of individual interest through sustained research, while Service as Action further supports collaboration, problem-solving and ethical decision-making.
Developing voice, analysis and expression Students strengthen their ability to read critically, write with clarity and communicate with confidence.Through a range of texts and perspectives, they learn to analyse ideas, express informed opinions and develop their own voice as thoughtful communicators.
Building multilingual confidence Students develop additional language skills that support communication, cultural understanding and global awareness. Learners continue Portuguese until the end of Grade 10 and add a third language from Grade 6, choosing between Spanish and French.
Understanding people, places and perspectives Students explore how individuals, communities and societies shape the world around them. They develop enquiry, research and critical thinking skills as they examine historical, geographical, social and cultural contexts.
Exploring the world through enquiry Learners investigate scientific ideas through observation, experimentation and analysis. Learning encourages curiosity, evidence-based thinking and a deeper understanding of the natural and designed world.
Strengthening reasoning and problem-solving Students build mathematical understanding through logical thinking, problem-solving and real-world application. They develop confidence in using mathematical concepts to analyse patterns, make connections and approach challenges with precision.
Expressing creativity and perspective Students develop creative confidence through artistic exploration, reflection and performance. They learn to communicate ideas, experiment with different forms of expression and appreciate the role of the arts in culture and society.
Promoting wellbeing, movement and teamwork Students develop physical skills, personal wellbeing and an understanding of healthy, active lifestyles. Through individual and team activities, they build resilience, cooperation and confidence beyond the classroom.
Creating solutions with purpose Learners use creativity, research and critical thinking to respond to real-world needs. Through the design cycle, they learn to investigate, develop, test and refine ideas, building practical problem-solving and digital fluency skills.
Every day at SDIS offers MYP students opportunities to think critically, develop independence and make meaningful connections across their learning. Each day brings a different rhythm across Grades 6 - 10, but here is a glimpse into what a typical day may look like.
Tutor time & morning learning
Students begin the day with registration, creating time to prepare for learning and set a focused tone. Morning lessons build subject knowledge, encourage enquiry and critical thinking.
Breaks, lunch & deeper enquiry
Breaks allow students to recharge and reconnect with friends before returning to purposeful learning. Lessons throughout the day promote collaboration and problem-solving.
Afternoon learning & life beyond academics
Immersed in a stimulating environment, IB MYP students thrive while getting ready for a future of success, reaching academic excellence and building skills through enriching experiences.
Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.
Multilingualism
Learn in English while developing Portuguese and adding a third language - with Spanish, French and Mandarin available as options.
International opportunities
Life & career pathways
MYP students build academic confidence through a balanced approach to assessment, combining formative and summative tasks aligned with IB criteria. Ongoing feedback helps each learner understand their progress, strengthen their performance and take ownership of their next steps. In Grade 10, students prepare for IB MYP eAssessments, including on-screen examinations and ePortfolios. Learners also complete the Personal Project and Service as Action requirements, working towards the MYP Certificate. This preparation is reflected in the school’s strong academic results, with an average MYP score of 40.5 points, compared with the IB world average of 37.5.These internationally benchmarked assessments recognise achievement beyond the classroom, while exhibitions, presentations, performances and regular communication with families celebrate progress throughout the programme.
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 - students develop the skills they need to grow as confident, independent learners.
They strengthen communication, collaboration, critical thinking, research and self-management, while also building digital literacy, creativity, resilience and intercultural understanding.
These competencies are embedded across school life, helping students manage challenges, form positive relationships and make responsible decisions. By connecting learning to real-world contexts, students gain the confidence to express their ideas, work effectively with others and contribute as globally minded individuals.
In the IB Middle Years Programme, students continue to learn in English across the curriculum, strengthening the fluency, precision and confidence they need to communicate, analyse and express ideas with increasing independence.Portuguese remains a core subject through to the end of Grade 10, supporting students’ connection to the local language and culture.From Grade 6, students add a third language at acquisition level, choosing Spanish or French, with the option to continue or switch in Grade 10. Mandarin pathways are also available for fluent or near-fluent speakers.
Through ISP's International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS), MYP students broaden their horizons through experiences that connect learning with the wider world. From national and international sports tournaments to cultural trips and Model United Nations (MUN) initiatives, students develop confidence, teamwork and intercultural understanding in meaningful real-world settings. These opportunities encourage learners to pursue their interests, represent their school community and engage with different perspectives. By taking part in experiences beyond the classroom, students build the communication, leadership and global awareness needed to thrive in an interconnected world.
MYP students begin to shape their future pathways through early guidance that helps them understand their strengths, interests and ambitions. Through tutor time, guidance sessions, the Lifelong Learning Programme and individual conversations with counsellors, they develop self-awareness and begin making informed choices for the years ahead. As they move through the programme, students explore careers in practical and age-appropriate ways, from discovering personal skills in Grades 6 and 7 to taking part in workshops and industry insight experiences in Grade 8. In Grades 9 and 10, Unifrog tools, CAT4 insights and guided DP subject choice support help students connect academic decisions with university options, employability skills and future careers.
MYP Personal Project
The Personal Project is the culminating experience of the MYP, completed over the course of a year. Students choose a topic they care about, investigate it independently and create a product or outcome that reflects their ideas, interests and learning. Through the project, students apply the skills they’ve developed across the programme, especially self-management, research and critical thinking, while demonstrating personal growth and academic independence. It is a celebration of student voice, choice and agency.
MYP Service as Action
Through Service as Action, students connect classroom learning with real-world contribution. From class-based projects to school-wide initiatives and global engagement, they identify community needs, plan and carry out meaningful actions and reflect on their impact. As they reflect on their impact, learners see how their choices can make a difference locally and internationally. They also strengthen collaboration, problem-solving, leadership and ethical decision-making skills that support them in school and beyond.
MYP Certificate
The IB MYP Certificate is an internationally recognised qualification that validates student achievement at the end of Grade 10. Awarded through on-screen examinations, ePortfolios and the Personal Project, it assesses critical thinking, problem solving and applying knowledge in new contexts. Students demonstrate learning across a broad range of subjects, and through meaningful community involvement via Service as Action. This certification is widely respected by schools and universities around the world, supporting future applications and preparing students for further study, including the IB Diploma Programme.
Inter-schools Jazz Night 2025
Team building day
Lights, camera, action
At St Domnic's I find a home where academic success grows side by side with human closeness - among sincere embraces, shared smiles, and the certainty that every student is welcomed like family.
Patrícia Appelt, Parent Secondary IB MYP
At SDIS, our Admissions team welcomes families throughout the year and is here to guide you at every step. For Grades 6 to 9, flexible entry points are available for our IB MYP, allowing your child to join at the right time for your family. Grade 10 has one entry point before the start of the school year in September. Whether your child is joining us in Grade 6 or Grade 10, we will help you feel informed, supported and part of our school community.
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IB Diploma Programme
Get ready for a successful global future at St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal, through a forward-thinking and internationally recognised IB Middle Years Programme.
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Join St. Dominic’s Virtual Open Day from the comfort of your home.
