Ages 3 to 18
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Where confidence grows
What's happening
Virtual Open Day - 17th November
Our Careers Programme supports students to navigate future pathways with confidence. From Grade 6 onwards, university and career guidance is woven into our Lifelong Learning Programme, helping students build self-awareness, explore interests and connect academic choices to future goals. As learners move through the IB continuum, guidance becomes increasingly personalised through tutor sessions, one-to-one counselling, parent workshops, alumni insight and direct contact with universitiesWith access to Unifrog, expert support for both international and national pathways and structured help with applications and next steps, students are prepared to make thoughtful decisions about life beyond SDIS.
Personalised guidance
Students benefit from tailored support through tutor time, guidance sessions and one-to-one counselling, helping them explore interests, reflect on strengths and make informed decisions about future pathways.
Early preparation
University and career guidance begins in Grade 6, with increasing structure from Grade 8 onwards, allowing learners to build awareness and approach future choices with growing confidence.
Unifrog access
Secondary students and parents can use Unifrog to explore careers, research universities worldwide, shortlist courses and extra-curricular activities.
Global pathways
Students are supported with applications Internationally and in Portugal, with guidance on different university systems and entry requirements.
University exposure
Through visits from university representatives, fairs and information sessions, students gain first-hand insight into higher education options in Portugal and internationally.
Application support
In Grades 11 and 12, students receive structured guidance on course selection, application planning and interview preparation, helping them approach the university application process with confidence.
Parent partnership
Parents are kept informed and involved throughout the university journey through regular newsletters, workshops, webinars, access to Unifrog and ongoing communication with tutors and counsellors.
SDIS graduates secure offers from leading universities in Portugal and around the world, reflecting the strength of the IB continuum, personalised university counselling and careful application planning.
83.3%
of candidates successfully obtained the IB Diploma, compared with the IB world average of 82.6%
4.98
average grade obtained by candidates who passed the IB Diploma
39
highest diploma points awarded to a candidate
92%
of students secured admission to their first-choice university
24%
of MYP and DP students attend national and international MUN conferences
30.6
average IB Diploma point score for the cohort
From early awareness to final applications, the SDIS university and careers journey grows with each student.
Building awareness and foundations
Grade 6 and 7 students begin exploring their strengths, skills and interests through the Life Learning Programme. Tutor-led sessions introduce career awareness, future thinking and curiosity about different pathways.
Exploring careers in action
Grade 8 students take part in hands-on career exploration through workshops and industry insight experiences, including business and finance, medical sciences, creative arts, law and politics and engineering.
Reflecting on strengths
Grade 9 students use Unifrog quizzes, exploration tools and Cognitive Abilities Test 4 (CAT4) insights to better understand their academic strengths, interests and possible future directions, helping them prepare for later IB subject choices.
Connecting choices to future pathways
Grade 10 students receive guided support with DP subject choices, using LLP and Unifrog to understand how academic decisions can shape university eligibility, course options and future careers. They explore global university systems, employability skills, volunteering, work experience, AI and begin alumni engagement.
Researching options
Grade 11 students move from exploration to informed decision-making as they deepen their understanding of global university systems, entry requirements and courses. Using Unifrog to research and shortlist options, they begin to define their career goals and build the skills, networks and experience needed to prepare for applications.
Applying with confidence
Grade 12 students receive one-to-one counselling for national and international pathways as they finalise university and course choices. Support includes personal statements, essays, motivation letters, CVs, profiles, interviews and application assessments, as well as transcripts, predicted grades, recommendation letters, application submission, PASS assessment and continued university interaction.
SDIS students progress to leading universities abroad and in Portugal, with many pursuing pathways in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences and beyond.
of students receive offers of admission from their first-choice institutions.
Portugal
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Spain
France
Switzerland
Ireland
Canada
United States
Together, this experienced team works closely with students and families to help navigate the many pathways available beyond school. Whether learners are exploring university options in Portugal and abroad, considering career pathways, or developing the skills and self-awareness needed for future success, our Futures Pathways team provides expert guidance every step of the way.
Michael Italiano
Futures Pathways Lead and DP Coordinator
Isabel Oliveira
Portuguese/French Language & Literature Teacher and Portuguese Universities Counsellor
Marta Pereira Teixeira
Specialist in Educational Psychology, Senior School Learning Support Specialist, and International University Counsellor
Born and raised in rural Australia, Mick Italiano is an experienced IB educator and leader who has worked across international schools in Australia, Singapore, and Portugal. He has been teaching for over 20 years, part of the IB community for over 12 years as a teacher and 16 years in leadership roles, developing extensive expertise in the Diploma Programme.Mick is an IB-certified Workshop Leader and has a strong track record of leading curriculum implementation, building high-performing teams, and achieving results that exceed world averages.Passionate about inquiry-driven, concept-based learning and the IB mission, Mick is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all students feel welcome, valued, and supported. He is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, collaboration, and academic excellence.
With a BA in Portuguese and French, a degree in Education and State Certification (PGCE), Isabel Oliveira has 20 years of experience in education, teaching Portuguese and French in international schools in Portugal, from Porto to Lisbon. Alongside teaching, she has extensive expertise as a counsellor for Portuguese universities, supporting students and families with applications and the equivalence of international qualifications within the Portuguese education system. Her experience includes advising on university admission pathways and liaising with Portugal’s Ministry of Education on equivalence matters. Isabel combines academic knowledge, international-school experience and specialized guidance for students navigating Portuguese higher education.
Marta Pereira Teixeira holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Neuropsychology. Throughout her career, she has continued to develop her expertise through several postgraduate qualifications, most recently in Neuroeducation and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). In 2026, she also completed her professional specialization in Educational Psychology, being recognised by the Portuguese Order of Psychologists as an Educational Psychologist.
She began her professional journey working in schools, focusing on inclusive education and supporting students who experience barriers to learning. Her work has centred on understanding individual learning profiles, promoting inclusion, and helping students reach their full potential.
In 2016, Marta transitioned into international education, initially working with students in Junior School. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience supporting students across different educational stages, spending the past three years working within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In 2026, Marta expanded her role to include International University Counselling, guiding students through their university exploration and application journeys. Combining her background in psychology, neuropsychology, and education, she brings a holistic, student-centred approach to supporting young people in their academic and personal development.
St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal alumni remain an important part of the school community long after graduation. Their experiences help bring future pathways to life for current students, offering real insight into university study, applications and life beyond school. Through alumni sessions in the secondary years, students can hear first-hand stories, ask questions and gain perspective from those who have recently taken the next step themselves. This ongoing connection reflects the strong sense of belonging that defines SDIS.
Students at SDIS take ownership of their future, shaping pathways that reflect their ambitions and celebrating the university offers they have worked hard to achieve. Watch their stories and discover how they grow, lead and thrive with support at every stage.
Academic foundations and lifelong connections
The international mindedness and academic grounding cultivated at SDIS gave me a distinct academic advantage at university, alongside lifelong friendships.
Teresa Montez
Alumni 2023
The value of hard work
My time at St. Dominic’s instilled a strong work ethic, working hard, striving for excellence and never settling for less.
Tazeeb Rajwani
Alumni 1997
More than a school, a family
To me SDIS was both a home and a family. Having spent 14 years studying at SDIS was the best experience I could have ever asked for. People, who built an environment so natural to thrive in and an education system that did not restrict, who you were, but instead helped guide you in the right direction.
Rodrigo Rodgers
Alumni 2011
Empowering voices, shaping tomorrow together
At SDIS, the DP is a collaborative, community-based journey. Through an open-minded, multilingual and inclusive approach, we create a vibrant learning environment, empowering students to take responsibility and confidently develop as future leaders in line with the IB mission.
IB DP Coordinator
We believe every student deserves the right guidance and support to make confident decisions about their future.
My role is to help students explore their academic pathways, understand their opportunities, and take the next step towards higher education with confidence.
Portuguese University Counsellor
Motivation is essential to learning.
Trust and connection between teachers and students help every child discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
Marta Teixeira
International University Counsellor
Step into your dream university with outstanding preparation and highly personalised guidance at St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal.
Accreditations
Partnerships
Join St. Dominic’s Virtual Open Day from the comfort of your home.
