We follow the Cambridge International Syllabus, and the following subjects are taught at KS2 level:

We also offer the following subjects, taught by specialist teachers:

1. Language Lessons
Years 3 and 4 have two lessons of Portuguese each week, either at beginner or advanced level.
Years 5 and 6 have a choice between Portuguese and French lessons. The French lessons are intended to give students a positive exposure to the language at entry level.

2. Special English
These lessons provide beginners and intermediate learners of English with conversational and formal writing classes. These classes take place during the school day at a prearranged time with the class teacher.

3. Information Technology
All students have a double IT lesson each week, with the focus on attaining skills in Microsoft Office moving on to beginner’s programming. Students also learn how to use the Internet effectively for research work and integrate their skills with Maths, Science and History topics.

4. Music
Years 3 and 4 have two lessons Music lessons each week. Music lessons for Years 5 and 6 take place once a week and students are taught to understand musical notation, learn how to use percussion instruments and learn a variety of songs to sing during assemblies.

5. Physical Education
Students are offered a varied seasonal sporting programme, culminating in inter-house events such as an Athletics Meet and Swimming Gala. Refer to class timetables for PE days. It is compulsory for students to wear PE kit.

6. Reading
Story time and Library Reading is an essential part of English and therefore we have two reading periods a week.
A grade-reading scheme is used in Years 3, 4 and 5 to improve reading skills and Years 4 – 6 also have a set book.
There is a 30-minute leisure-reading period and a library lesson each week. Students are exposed to different genres of novels, are expected to complete book reviews and learn about the library classification system.

The progress of students is closely monitored and continuous assessments are made.

Reports are sent out at the end of each term. Reports indicate a grade for effort and for attainment. The evaluation symbols awarded can range from an A* through to an E (which are regarded as passing symbols) or an F (which is an indication of the student not meeting grade requirements).

Parents interviews are held before mid-term break of Term 1 and Term 2

Year 6 students write the Cambridge Checkpoint test at the end of the academic year and their grading will be according to the Cambridge Curriculum levels. These levels (and marks obtained through other assessments) will decide the placement of the child into the relevant ability groups for Key Stage 3.

Students have a choice of afternoon activities which include sports, art activities, community services, leisure activities and the performing arts.

Although optional, these become compulsory once a child has signed up for them. The selection of activities available will be given out at the beginning of each term.

After any activity students are expected to be collected promptly.

Team Football

An information evening is conducted early in the year. General Key Stage Two information is given at a combined meeting in the school hall and parents/guardians are encouraged to accompany relevant teachers to their child’s classroom to hear more specific information about the operation of the class and the content of the year’s curriculum.

Teachers are available to discuss individual needs and concerns at any time during the year. Prior contact must be made with the teacher to arrange a suitable time to meet.

Two parents per class are asked to volunteer to become class parent representatives at the beginning of each year. Our class reps act as a general source of information for parents about MIS, and liaise with parents during trips as to arrival times and give updates during the trips.

A calendar is sent out at the beginning of each term outlining all events. Parents/Guardians must send notes to the class teacher to explain absences of a child from school.

Class excursions are arranged at various times. Permission slips are sent out which must be signed and returned to teachers.

Assemblies are held every Thursday at 12H10. Each week a different class or specialist group provides +/- 10 minutes of entertainment. The remainder of the time is for notices, special awards and birthday announcements. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend Key Stage assemblies.

Joana De Sousa / Head of KS2