Offering the National Curriculum for England from Early Years (EYFS) to Secondary, pupils are working towards achieving their IGCSEs and the school is intending to offer A-Levels in the 6th form.

When the Head of School, Mr Chris Starling, meets parents, he is keen to paint a picture of the choices a learner will need to make at Year 12. This year sees the first cohort of pupils embark on their IGCSEs, but the future is to ensure every pupil has a pathway.

Jess Wood, Year 10 said: “I feel that IGCSEs are going really well. I picked Art, Geography, Global Perspectives and Business along with the compulsory Maths, English and a Science. Business was new to me this year, along with Global Perspectives. I am loving Business and learning how much it can be useful in real life. I have dyslexia and struggle to write long pieces so Global Perspectives is trickier for me. I am a bit nervous at the thought of all the revision, but the teachers are really good at giving us resources and guiding us through. I have not decided what I want to do right now but midwifery is a possibility, I am hoping to do Biology A-Level. We are only at the start of IGCSEs but my teachers keep telling me ‘it goes quicker than you think’!”

Each pupil is unique

IPS does not offer a ‘one size fits all’ approach to learning; every child matters and their pastoral development and academic journey are at the centre of what the school does. As one of the only schools in the area that are planning to offer A-Levels, Chris Starling, Head of School, stated: “In the ever-evolving landscape of secondary education, pupils and parents are often faced with a pivotal decision: A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB)? While both qualifications are respected globally, A-Levels offer a streamlined, focused, and pupil-friendly path that better suits many learners — especially those with clear academic goals and a desire for depth over breadth”.

Why A-Levels?

The IB’s interdisciplinary approach may appeal to some, but it does not suit every learner. A-Levels strip away the excess and focus on what truly matters: mastering your chosen subjects. There’s no need to juggle unrelated disciplines or fulfil arbitrary requirements. Pupils can play to their strengths and build a foundation that aligns with their future.

While the IB promotes a broad worldview and academic diversity, A-Levels offer precision, clarity and in-depth learning. For pupils who know where they’re headed — and want to get there without detours — A-Levels are the smarter choice. They empower learners to excel in their chosen fields, reduce unnecessary stress, and pave a direct path to university and beyond.

Life beyond School

A-Levels provide a more focused approach to education, allowing pupils to specialise in subjects they are passionate about. This depth of study can lead to higher levels of expertise, which is particularly beneficial when applying for competitive university courses. A-Levels typically allow for a more flexible timetable, enabling pupils to manage their studies alongside extracurricular activities. University is highly competitive, and prospective undergraduates need to stand out. What a young person does outside of school, the voluntary service they undertake independently, the coaching qualifications through their sports clubs, the life experiences outside of school they are proud of, and have achieved, add value. As a result, many pupils find that A-Levels better suit their academic aspirations and complement their lives outside of the classroom.

Following in the innovative steps taken by IPS Cascais’ sister school, Nobel Algarve Almancil British International School, with their implementation of BTECs, this career-focused qualification will also be part of the 6th form offering at IPS Cascais. BTEC courses focus on skills-based learning and are designed around themed units. Rather than testing everything together at the end, BTECs are tested throughout the course using assessments based on real-life scenarios. This practical approach allows BTEC learners to develop and apply the knowledge and skills that employers and universities are looking for, and that means there are plenty of opportunities to learn, improve and succeed. Pupils also graduate with a BTEC Extended Diploma, the equivalent of 3 A-Levels, in terms of points for university applications in the UK.

Beyond the Classroom

Away from the curriculum, pupils are learning about financial literacy, the importance of managing bank accounts, budgeting for the future, discussing the pros and cons of cryptocurrency and understanding the role money will play in their lives.

Entrepreneurship and business skills are put into practice as the senior pupils have been tasked with running the tuck shop – they have to staff it, stock it and manage the profit and loss. IPS Cascais ensures the pupils understand that success needs hard work, dedication and resilience.

It is evident when you walk through the doors of IPS Cascais that sustainability is central to school life. The school offers a unique programme, ‘The Journey’, where pupils not only learn outdoor skills, but also drive eco initiatives, and learn the role we all have to play as guardians of our planet. Pupils in Year 7 are designing their own board games, Year 8 pupils are learning about marketing, and are creating their own adverts for an imaginary company. Pupils in Year 9 have built a model of their ‘dream’ sustainable city. These real-world skills are crucial in building global citizens who are

confident, creative, innovative and career-ready. The classrooms are buzzing with active learning, where the children are engaged, polite and kind. It is a regular comment amongst IPS Cascais parents that they wish they could go back to school and join in the lessons too.

In education, one size doesn’t fit all, and it certainly doesn’t for IPS Cascais.

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