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Virtual Open Day - 17th November
At St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal, students develop through our Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP), which integrates the IB Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning (ATLs) and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
In an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports students with learning difficulties, our dedicated Learning Support Team works collaboratively to remove barriers and provide personalised guidance, helping each student feel valued and make meaningful academic and personal progress.
Through our Learning.First™ approach, every stage of the journey is designed to help students become curious, caring and capable learners who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.
At St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal, students take ownership of their learning by asking questions, thinking critically and making meaningful connections. Through enquiry and reflection, they explore real-world ideas with curiosity and purpose, growing as engaged, internationally minded learners.
Enquirer
Knowledgeable
Thinker
Communicator
Principled
Open-minded
Students show respect for the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures and seek to include and consider a range of points of view.
Caring
Students show compassion and empathy towards the needs of others and act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Risk-taker
Balanced
Reflective
Through the IB Approaches to Learning, students develop thinking, research, communication, social and self-management skills, exploring real-world challenges with curiosity and growing into confident, engaged and internationally minded learners.
Thinking skills
Students learn to analyse, create and apply ideas in new contexts, developing critical, creative and transferable ways of thinking.
Research skills
Students find, evaluate and use information responsibly, building curiosity and independence through information and media literacy.
Communication skills
Students express ideas clearly, listen actively and adapt their message across spoken, written and digital forms to connect with others.
Social skills
Students collaborate, manage relationships and show empathy, learning to work effectively and respectfully in diverse communities.
Self-management skills
Students plan, organise and reflect on their learning, managing time, emotions and goals to stay motivated and balanced.
At SDIS, the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) provides a coherent framework for life skills, wellbeing and personal growth. From Grade 6 onwards, it is delivered through tutor time and everyday learning experiences, supporting students in developing self-awareness, managing challenges, building healthy relationships and making informed choices.
Self-awareness
Students develop a deeper understanding of their emotions, strengths and areas for growth, building the confidence to reflect on their choices and actions.
Self-management
Students learn to manage time, emotions and responsibilities, developing the habits and resilience needed to face challenges with independence.
Relationships
Students build positive relationships through empathy, respectful communication and collaboration, learning how to contribute to a supportive community.
Responsible decision-making
Students consider consequences, make informed choices and take responsibility for their actions, both in school and beyond.
Personal growth
Students connect academic learning with wellbeing and real-life experiences, helping them grow as reflective, capable and internationally minded young people.
ISP’s research-led approach helps students build the life competencies they need to thrive now and throughout their lifetime. These core human skills grow through learning experiences embedded across every stage of the learning journey.
Thinking deeply, questioning and problem-solving: "I lead my learning by solving problems, communicating confidently, and managing my time effectively."
Critical thinking
Making sense of information, solving problems, and making smart decisions
Creativity
Generating new ideas, exploring different perspectives and innovating
Curiosity
Asking "why?" and "what if?" to deepen understanding and spark new ideas
Understanding the world and taking action: "I am curious about different cultures and take action for a better world."
Citizenship
Recognising one's role in the global community
Action
Taking meaningful steps to support social causes
Understanding
Respecting different perspectives and ways of life
Managing self, goals and growth: "I know how I learn best, set goals and stay motivated to improve."
Confidence
Believing in self and tackling challenges with a positive mindset
Learning to Learn
Understanding how to improve learning strategies
Wellbeing
Balancing mental, emotional and physical health
Working together and building strong relationships: "I collaborate, communicate and build meaningful relationships with others."
Collaboration
Working effectively as a team to achieve shared goals
Communication
Expressing ideas clearly and listening to others
Social-Emotional
Understanding emotions and managing them effectively
Using technology safely and creatively: "I use digital tools responsibly to communicate, create and innovate."
Digital Literacy
Using technology effectively and safely
Responsibility
Respecting others and making ethical choices online
Innovation
Using technology to develop ideas and improve solutions
Our Social and Emotional Learning Programme helps students develop the self-awareness, empathy and resilience they need to thrive in school and beyond. Closely aligned with the IB Approaches to Learning and embedded within our Lifelong Learning Programme, it supports children and young people in building positive relationships, managing emotions, making responsible decisions and growing in confidence and independence. With a strong focus on student agency, learners are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, developing the confidence to play an active role in their own growth. Rather than being taught in isolation, social and emotional learning is woven into daily school life through classroom experiences, reflection and pastoral guidance.
Most schools talk about what they teach. We focus on how your child learns. Through the Learning.First™ approach, students reflect on their progress, explore new approaches and make decisions that drive their growth.
Curiosity fuels our learning
The best learning happens when students are actively engaged. We ignite curiosity through hands-on projects and inquiry-based learning, making learning exciting, memorable and full of exploration.
Confidence drives lifelong learning
Our students trust in their abilities, build confidence and lead their way forward. This mindset helps them believe they can learn and achieve anything, fostering a love for lifelong learning.
The power of 'Good Struggles'
We believe great learning happens just beyond the comfort zone. That's why we create purposeful challenges, or 'good struggles', that help students stay motivated while they grow. Through these experiences, students build resilience, solve problems, and learn to keep going – even when it's hard.
Teachers as co-pilots
Learning here is a partnership. Teachers work alongside students as guides, helping them navigate choices, embrace good struggles, inspire those 'aha' moments of self-discovery and grow in confidence.
As part of International Schools Partnership, every child’s journey is enriched with proven learning experiences that spark curiosity and grow confidence.
Academic achievement
Strong academic outcomes open pathways to leading universities and future opportunities worldwide.
Life competencies
Build the human skills needed to adapt, collaborate and keep learning throughout life.
Multilingualism
Develop fluency across languages, cultures and global environments.
International opportunities
Take part in global experiences that broaden perspectives and build confidence.
Life and career pathways
Explore personalised university and career pathways shaped around individual ambitions.
Strong academic results begin with students who feel challenged, supported and engaged in learning. Students across ISP schools consistently achieve results above local and international benchmarks through learning experiences that challenge thinking, deepen understanding and help every learner keep getting better.
Students are growing up in a world shaped by rapid technological change, uncertainty and challenges we cannot yet predict. To thrive, they need the curiosity to question, the confidence to adapt, the ability to collaborate and the resilience to keep learning throughout life. International Schools Partnership – ISP has partnered with Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge through Camtree and DEFI to embed life competencies into everyday learning experiences across ISP schools worldwide.
Language opens doors to new cultures, perspectives and opportunities. Students across ISP schools develop proficiency in multiple world languages while continuing to strengthen their home or first language. Through meaningful learning experiences and international collaboration, students build the confidence to communicate across cultures and thrive in global environments.
International learning experiences help students see beyond their own environment and understand the world from different perspectives. Students across ISP schools take part in unique collaborations, exchanges, competitions and global experiences that encourage curiosity, teamwork and independent thinking. Working with global partners, these life-changing opportunities help students build confidence, strengthen relationships and adapt to new experiences across cultures and countries.
Every student’s future pathway is different and through our Future Pathways programme, families are supported by specialist counsellors and advisors who guide subject choices, university applications and career decisions with personalised support throughout the learning journey. University fairs, global experts and our A–Z Speaker Series help students explore emerging careers and future industries with confidence. Students benefit from exclusive ISP scholarships and opportunities with some of the world’s most recognised institutions.
We do not assume that good teaching automatically means good learning. Through ISP’s Learning Improvement Process (LIP), teachers and leaders look closely at what students are learning, where they are making progress and where something needs to change.
That means we keep learning from what happens in classrooms and use that evidence to improve what happens next. For your child, it means a school that does not stand still - one that keeps asking how learning can be better.
Learning has no boundaries. It happens when we ask questions, challenge ideas, work together and connect what we discover to the world around us.
Stephen Blackburn, Principal
Learning has no boundaries. It happens when we ask questions, challenge ideas, work together and connect what we discover to the world around us. Every classroom experience, every conversation and every new challenge offers an opportunity to grow. Our role is to nurture that curiosity and empower students to become confident, thoughtful learners who make a meaningful difference.
Experience a student-centred journey at SDIS, where Learning.First™ and the International Baccalaureate foster curiosity, independent thinking and a global perspective.
Accreditations
Partnerships
Join St. Dominic’s Virtual Open Day from the comfort of your home.
