Middle School

Middle school students take ownership of their learning, showing progress every day through classroom projects, study trips, and local or international competitions. Assessments combine student-led work, such as Literary Projects and Independent Research Projects, with formal exams that measure both knowledge and real-world application. 

Teachers monitor growth through observations, assignments, and external assessments in Portuguese and English. Every two months, students present research and collaborate in groups, while annual exams such as the Avant STAMP assess English proficiency across all language skills. 

By reflecting on learning and sharing responsibility, students strengthen confidence and independence. They are empowered to grow, connect, and thrive, prepared for whatever comes next. 

Through collaborative and student-led projects, students strengthen communication, teamwork, and empathy. They learn to navigate differences, exchange constructive feedback, and use technology responsibly to explore and share ideas. 

Inquiry and creativity guide experiments and interdisciplinary projects, encouraging critical thinking, initiative, and active engagement in community life while building confidence and leadership along the way. 

As responsibilities increase, self-management skills grow as well. Students learn to plan, stay organized, and persevere through challenges, developing resilience, focus, and independence. 

In Middle School, students become active leaders in their own language learning. Each year, they advance in Portuguese and English by leading discussions, sharing ideas, and building fluency through practical projects and real-world challenges. Spanish is introduced as a third language, giving students the opportunity to practice conversation, explore new cultures, and broaden their communication skills.  

Students reflect on progress through classroom observations, regular reviews, and internal assessments every two months. The annual Avant STAMP exam measures all four English language skills, giving a clear view of development and next steps. For those who want to go further, the DELE Spanish exam offers an additional opportunity to demonstrate growing language skills and confidence.

Students are immersed in a world of international experiences, connecting with peers across the ISP global community through International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS). Current programs include ISP Artists, ISP Chess Masters, ISP Filmmakers, ISP Maths Masters, ISP Scientists, ISP Changemakers, ISP Virtual Exchange, ISP Cultural Exchange, ISP Model United Nations (MUN), ISP Writers, and ISP Young Voices.

Students also take part in national academic competitions, including Olympiads in Mathematics, Language, Natural Sciences, and Humanities, and explore beyond the classroom through annual trips. Each year, destinations are carefully chosen to combine fun, culture, and learning, including science museums, interactive exhibitions, and themed museums such as Catavento, the Museum of Illusions, and the Football Museum, bringing learning to life in real-world contexts.

In Middle School, students explore academic and professional pathways that prepare them for university and beyond. With individual guidance, they identify their interests, strengths and goals. University preparation includes subject selection, admission requirements and progress monitoring.

Workshops, pnels and seminars introduce students to different careers, while research projects, competitions and international programmes provide practical experiences. In this way, they develop confidence, make informed choices and purposefully build a pathway ready for the challenges of the future.