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Portugal, Lisbon
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The Cambridge Pathway Curriculum is followed from primary through middle school, leading into IGCSEs and A Level/AICE Diploma years. World University SAIS Placement highlights strong university pathways, and results are praised as excellent with updates published yearly. Examinations for IGCSE and A Level/AICE Diploma are described as excellent and are updated annually. Global Perspectives is a Cambridge subject included in the upper years.
Performing Arts is included in the curriculum. SAIS partners with Oficina da Dança, which offers Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Ballet Fitness, Ballroom, Hip-Hop and Yoga, with SAIS pupils involved and performances hosted. Arts & Design, Music, and Photography & Crafts are present in the program or as after-school activities.
English (Languages) and Portuguese (Languages/Literature) are taught across age groups. Global Perspectives is a Cambridge subject in the upper years. The school participates in cultural initiatives such as watercolour and artwork prizes with local partners and maintains a voluntary work protocol with Junta de Freguesia Estoril.
There are after-school activities across sport and arts, including Ballet, Basketball, Badminton, Judo, Football and Volleyball, plus SAIS Tutoring and Summer School. Students have opportunities to learn music and different instruments, photography and crafts. External candidates are accepted for these activities.
Through community service and helping local charities and NGOs, SAIS pupils gain real-world experience and practical skills such as leadership, problem-solving and time management. Some pupils complete final projects for Global Perspectives in partnership with the Lisbon Project. The PTA has existed since 2013 to welcome new families and support fundraising and school activities, with year-group representatives meeting monthly. SAIS maintains partnerships with local and international organizations, including Grupo Desportivo Estoril Praia, Sal Surf School, Oficina da Dança, and Junta de Freguesia Estoril.
Student leadership is evident through SAIS Student Council involvement and roles such as Head Girl. The PTA involvement fosters leadership and fundraising, with active parent representation across year groups. The school emphasizes leadership development through university placement pathways and global perspectives programs.
A broad range of sports is offered, including basketball, badminton, football, volleyball, and judo, complemented by dance and fitness activities. Surf training is provided by Sal Surf School during Summer School, and Office da Dança offers dance activities to promote fitness and wellbeing. Summer School programs include activity blocks and work experiences that support overall well-being.
SAIS is a full K-12 British international private Catholic school located in Monte Estoril, near Cascais in the Lisbon district. The school delivers the Cambridge Pathway Curriculum from Primary through IGCSE and A Level/AICE Diploma years, preparing pupils aged 5 to 18 for international examinations and university study. It has held Cambridge International Examinations accreditation since 2013 and operates as a Cambridge examination center. All classrooms are in the main building, with the dining hall and vocational subjects on the ground floor leading to the courtyard. The spacious Multi-Use Hall supports physical education, assemblies and external exams. The school combines English and Portuguese language instruction with a Catholic ethos, and offers arts, music and design subjects. Distinctive features include a partnership with Oficina da Dança for Ballet and contemporary dance, and a focus on Global Perspectives and university placement pathways. Community service, MUNs and a PTA underpin leadership and involvement.
