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Portugal, Madeira
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Founded in 1980 as Madeira British School in Funchal by Mrs. Susan Farrow to serve English-speaking families and Portuguese students seeking British-style education. In 1985, the school hosted a royal visit by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, and The Hon. Angus Ogilvy. The institution expanded and relocated to larger facilities in 2006, receiving recognition from the Secretaria Regional de Educação (Madeira), the British Consulate, and the Scottish Qualifications Authority. In 2013, the Sharing Foundation acquired the school, renaming it Madeira Multilingual School and initiating IB authorisation; ISS Madeira became an IB World School in 2017 offering the PYP and MYP, and in 2018/2019 adopted the International Sharing School name. In 2024, ISS Madeira was recognised as a Must-Watch International School in Europe by the K-12 Digest's International Advisory Board.
ISS Madeira represents over 35 nationalities, forming a diverse international community. Core values are Care, Multiculturalism, and Hospitality, and parents, teachers, and students collaborate to foster an encouraging, collaborative environment that guides every aspect of learning.
International Sharing School Madeira (ISS Madeira) is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. English is the official language of instruction, and ISS Madeira serves a community representing over 35 nationalities. The IB curriculum uses an inquiry- and concept-based approach across subjects, with emphasis on language development. The Diploma Programme includes Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and The Arts, with options such as English A, Portuguese A, and language acquisition subjects including Portuguese B, German B, French B and Spanish B. The DP core elements—Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS—encourage independent inquiry and personal growth, preparing students for university. The school's learning environments are flexible and student-centered, evolving from PYP to DP, with spaces such as Mountain Top, Cave, Campire, Watering Hole, Hands-On and Movement. ISS Madeira originated as Madeira British School in 1980 and was recognised as an IB World School in 2017.
