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Portuguese Curriculum
Message from the Pedagogical Director
“The 1st Cycle marks the starting point for building knowledge and values that accompany a lifetime. In this space for discovery and growth, we promote active learning, where children learn to think, create, and collaborate in an environment that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. Through challenging projects and meaningful experiences, we cultivate autonomy, a love of learning, and respect for others. At Colégio do Vale, learning is a shared adventure, lived with joy, shaping confident, caring, and happy students.”
— Cristina Raposo, Pedagogical Director of the 1st Cycle
1st CYCLE
At Colégio do Vale, the 1st Cycle curriculum follows an active, student-centred approach that emphasises meaningful learning. Lessons are based on children’s interests, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and engagement across all areas of knowledge.
The curriculum also develops transversal skills, attitudes, and values that are part of the school’s educational culture, such as autonomy, respect for others, and a love of learning.
This cycle ensures a smooth transition from Early Years education and links with Cambridge Primary, offering diverse pathways tailored to the needs and goals of each family.
Disciplinary Areas
- Portuguese: At Colégio do Vale, we work on reading and writing in an engaging way, allowing each child to develop their creativity and the ability to express themselves clearly. Through stories, poems, and playful activities, we encourage a love of language and the development of critical thinking from an early age.
- Mathematics: Mathematics is explored in a practical and fun way, through games, challenges, and everyday situations that help students understand abstract concepts. The aim is to develop logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for challenges, always in a positive and motivating environment.
- Visual Arts: Children experiment with different techniques, colours, and materials, exploring imagination and creativity freely. This subject allows students to express feelings and ideas, learning to appreciate art and develop their own sense of aesthetics.
- Environmental Studies: We encourage observation and curiosity about the world around us, exploring nature, society, and the phenomena that influence children's daily lives. Through practical experiences and investigations, they learn to understand the environment and develop critical thinking.
- English: Learning the English language is integrated into playful activities, games, and everyday situations, promoting confidence and fluency. Children discover the joy of communicating in another language and expand their vocabulary in a natural, fun, and interactive way.
Curriculum Enrichment Areas
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Children learn to use digital tools safely and creatively, exploring new ways to learn, investigate, and communicate. Exposure to technology develops essential 21st-century skills, always with guidance and supervision.
- Swimming: Through swimming, students develop water safety, endurance, coordination, and a sense of perseverance. This subject promotes healthy habits and personal confidence, providing moments of fun and learning in a water-based environment.
- Tennis: Practising tennis helps develop concentration, discipline, endurance, and team spirit. Students learn to face challenges, respect rules, and value cooperation, while having fun and engaging in regular physical activity.
Areas of Curricular Autonomy
- InovArte, EncontrArte, and ElevArte: These special projects combine art, creativity, and personal development, allowing children to explore different forms of expression, values, and transversal skills in a stimulating and motivating environment.
Curriculum Enrichment Projects
- Little Scientists: In this project, students explore the scientific method in a fun and practical way, carrying out experiments that spark curiosity and an investigative spirit. Children learn to observe, question, and discover answers, developing critical thinking and enthusiasm for science.
- LabMat Club: A space dedicated to mathematics where challenges, games, and problems stimulate logical thinking and creativity. Students learn to solve complex situations in a playful way, strengthening essential skills for everyday life and their academic future.
- Artistic Drawing: This project allows children to explore drawing techniques, colours, and styles, encouraging imagination and personal expression. By working on artistic drawing, students develop attention to detail, aesthetic sense, and confidence in their own creations.
- School Sports: A programme that promotes healthy living habits, the practice of various sports, and team spirit. Children learn to cooperate, respect rules, and value individual and collective effort, developing discipline, endurance, and self-esteem.
- Literacy Education: Through reading and writing, students discover the joy of stories, poems, and tales. This project encourages creativity, imagination, and personal expression, helping each child communicate ideas clearly and confidently.
- Mathematically: A fun and challenging project that combines games, experiments, and hands-on activities to strengthen logical thinking and mathematical curiosity. Students learn to think in a structured way and solve problems creatively while having fun.
- Theatre Club (Subject to Casting): A space dedicated to dramatization, where students explore body expression, imagination, and emotions. This project develops confidence, communication, and teamwork skills, preparing young actors for performances and presentations.
- Percussion Orchestra: Group music promotes rhythm, coordination, and collaboration among students. Through percussion, children learn to listen, cooperate, and express themselves artistically, while developing concentration and a sense of collective spirit.
- Design The Future - Transição de Ciclo: O projeto Design The Future acompanha as crianças do 4º ano na transição para o 2.º ciclo, ajudando-as a conhecer o novo contexto e a perceber semelhanças e diferenças entre os ciclos. Entre atividades e jogos, observamos competências e desafios, apoiando cada criança de forma personalizada para que esta mudança seja feita com mais confiança, tranquilidade e curiosidade.
- Solidarity Education Project: Children participate in activities that promote empathy, social responsibility, and a spirit of mutual support. This project allows students to engage in community initiatives, developing ethical and civic values from an early age.
