Our focus at Aspire International School (AIS) is on educating the ‘whole child’. Our aim is to create a positive learning environment where every child can shine. We do this by limiting class sizes to 12 per class from Year 1 all the way to Year 13 and by providing a balanced curriculum that includes academics, sports and the arts.
We offer a preschool for children aged 3–5, a primary for ages 5–11 and a secondary school for ages 11–18. Our curriculum is based on the English national curriculum, adapted to suit an international student-body.
The school is accredited by Pearson Edexcel providing globally recognised qualifications – including iGCSEs and A Levels – which allows pupils to access universities worldwide.
Small, by design
A small school by design, AIS offers an alternative experience to the big corporate schools.
Founded by experienced teachers, AIS is built on the belief that small class sizes, coupled with highly qualified and dedicated teachers, are the most fundamental factors in the ultimate success of a child. Our approach to education is individualised, with each child, no matter their ability, encouraged to achieve to the very fullest of their potential.
We encourage our students to adopt a growth mindset and a ‘can do’ attitude. We provide academic, social and emotional education and a friendly school community, offering students a real sense of belonging and equipping them with the tools they need for success.
A balanced curriculum
The value to pupils of Sport and the Creative Arts has been a hot topic in education for several years. Often these subjects are viewed as a bolt-on or ‘extra’ to more traditionally academic subjects such as Science and Languages.
At AIS, we take a different view. All of our pupils are encouraged to get into sport and the arts, whether or not they believe they have a talent – after all, no child was ever permitted to skip Maths because they said they were no good at it! They are often pleasantly surprised by the results.
We also put an emphasis on recognising our location in the beautiful Algarve. Our primary teachers are all fluent in Portuguese as well as English, and pupils at key stage three – ages 11 to 14 – are given three hours of Portuguese language learning per week. An understanding of Portuguese language and culture is fundamental to our curriculum.
Well-being
Well-being is at the forefront of the AIS journey to success. We believe that students learn best when they feel safe, valued and happy. Our staff are committed to providing an environment that nurtures personal growth, self-esteem and mutual respect.
