Ages 11–13
Years 7–9
12 Subjects
Plus
extracurricular activities
67+ Nationalities
Truly international community
3 Campuses
Sintra • Estoril • Lisbon
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Lower Secondary bridges curiosity and independence. We consolidate core knowledge, build effective study habits, and nurture analytical thinking so students enter IGCSE with confidence.
Critical Thinking
Structured tasks that build reasoning, analysis, and problem-solving across subjects.
Hands-on Science
Regular lab investigations and projects that make conceptual learning concrete.
Study Habits
Guided note-taking, planning, and revision routines for steady academic growth.
Mentor Support
Close pastoral guidance to build independence, wellbeing, and purpose.
CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
A balanced Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum that builds breadth and depth before IGCSE subject choices.
Mathematics
Advanced mathematical concepts with increasing complexity and real-world applications to prepare for IGCSE.
Science
Integrated Biology, Chemistry, and Physics concepts explored through inquiry and experimentation.
ICT
Advanced digital literacy, programming, and responsible use of technology for learning and creation.
Art & Design
Developing artistic techniques and creative expression through various media and design principles.
Physical Education
Promoting fitness, team sports, and healthy lifestyles through diverse athletic activities and sports science.
English
Advanced language and literature skills, developing critical analysis and effective communication.
Portuguese 1st
First language Portuguese for native speakers, focusing on advanced literacy and cultural studies.
Portuguese 2nd
Second language Portuguese for international students, focusing on practical communication and integration.
History
Exploring world history, developing critical thinking and understanding of historical perspectives.
Geography
Understanding physical and human geography, developing spatial awareness and environmental consciousness.
Music & Drama
Integrating performing arts to develop creativity, confidence, and collaborative performance skills.
Spanish
Building proficiency in Spanish language and culture, developing communication skills for global interaction.
THE PRIME METHODOLOGY™
The Prime Methodology™ equips Cambridge Lower Secondary learners with personalised pathways, rigorous enquiry, and mentoring that bridges childhood curiosity to future IGCSE success.
Precision Diagnostics & Personalised Pathways
Prime Assessment intelligence pinpoints each learner's academic profile and readiness for Cambridge Lower Secondary progression.
- Cognitive, academic, and language diagnostics illuminate strengths, gaps, and next learning steps.
- Subject specialists build tailored progression maps and extension pathways for every discipline.
- Data dialogues with families align support, enrichment, and revision priorities.
Cambridge Lower Secondary & Applied Inquiry
Classrooms buzz with interdisciplinary enquiry that anchors deep subject mastery.
- Projects connect sciences, global perspectives, and humanities to real-world issues.
- Laboratory practicals, design challenges, and fieldwork cultivate investigative thinking.
- Debate, extended writing, and presentation sequences build confident communication.
Mentoring, Skills Coaching & Wellbeing
Balanced coaching supports early adolescents academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Prime mentors guide study routines, executive function, and goal setting.
- Skills clinics target reasoning, extended writing, and mathematical fluency.
- Wellbeing programmes embed emotional literacy, digital citizenship, and safe choices.
Innovation, Leadership & Global Citizenship
Innovation and values-led experiences inspire purposeful leadership.
- Adaptive digital platforms provide analytics and personalised feedback.
- Leadership studios, Model United Nations, and service ventures build agency.
- Entrepreneurial, sustainability, and creativity projects connect learning with impact.
In summary, the Prime Methodology™ empowers lower secondary students to balance academic ambition with wellbeing, leadership, and purpose as they progress towards upper secondary success.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
We channel early adolescent curiosity into clubs that stretch critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork through authentic challenges.
ROBOTICS
Design, programme, and calibrate robots with sensors, gearing, and competitive challenges.
MUSIC
Band, vocal, and songwriting labs develop ensemble balance, music theory, and live performance skills.
CHESS
Tournament squads analyse openings, mid-game tactics, and resilient endgame strategies.
ICT
Python coding, web design, and data projects build advanced digital fluency and e-safety judgement.
SPORTS
Conditioning and tactical sessions prepare squads for league fixtures and cross-school competitions.
ARTS & DRAMA
Devising theatre, stagecraft, and media production cultivate confident storytellers.
FOOTBALL
Advanced drills, positional play, and video analysis sharpen competitive performance.
MODERN LANGUAGES
Immersion days, debate clubs, and exam preparation expand fluency and cultural understanding.
ISO 9001 QUALITY CERTIFICATION
Prime School International is the first in Portugal to join the Prestigious group of ISO-certified schools.
This highlight our commitment to excellence in education and boarding.
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