The International School of the Algarve was established in 1972 by a group of local residents, led by Paul and Eva Schelfhout, to provide an education for the growing Portuguese and international community in the Algarve.
There are two sections: the International section (ages three to 18) and the National section (ages six to 18). In the International section, the early years are organised to deliver curriculum in a fully bilingual way (English/Portuguese).
The bilingual pre-school focuses upon the speaking and learning of English and Portuguese. The curriculum planning builds upon children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm, and learning occurs through carefully planned play, first-hand experiences and discussions. Thereafter a modified English national curriculum is taught and the National section follows the Portuguese national curriculum.
Students work towards UK GCSEs and A Levels in a large choice of subjects, as well as Portuguese national exams before moving to university. Whilst the majority goes to university in Portugal or the UK, some gain places in the USA as well in a variety of EC countries.
The school community originates from more than 30 different nationalities, resulting in a truly international atmosphere. In the International section, Portuguese is taught as a foreign language right from Year 2.
The school is situated in Lagoa, on the main east-west coastal road (EN125), and is served by nine private charter coaches from Budens, Lagos, Silves, Messines, Albufeira, Boliqueime, Vilamoura, Loulé and Faro.
The school stands in 90,000 square metres of countryside and includes one official rollerblading rink, two 7-a-side football fields, three 5-a-side football fields, three volleyball courts, five basketball courts, two tennis courts and one cross-country track.
Physical Education and Music are taught by specialists throughout the school. Information Technology is introduced in pre-school and developed in the years that follow.
Music, Drama and the Arts play a significant role in school life. As well as an extensive instrumental Music Programme, a variety of concerts, plays and exhibitions are prepared each year.
School teams compete against other local schools through the officially promoted Schools Sports Organisation. Football, basketball, tennis, karate, rollerblading and dance fall within this organisation.
The catering department, with the support of a nutritional engineer, has established high levels of nutritional quality, with all the meals served to pupils being of the variety, quantity and balance suitable for youngsters of school age.
The school said: “We are very proud to announce the opening of our Boarding House for September 2013. The Boarding House is near the school, situated in the premises of a converted hotel and overlooks one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From year 7 (12 years old) pupils of both sections of the school will have the opportunity to enjoy a quality educational service, supervised by our school’s highly qualified staff.Parents will be able to consider the use of our Boarding House by choosing full time, term-time or temporary boarding.
“Our reason to be is for our pupils to succeed in education and to achieve everything they are capable of achieving. We are confident they will always carry with them the benefits of having been part of our community.”
