Escola Internacional São Lourenço, Portugal

Escola Internacional São Lourenço is a day school teaching an adapted version of the English National Curriculum. The school is located in Almancil, to the west of Faro and close to the developments of Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Dunas Douradas.

Students range in age from three years old in pre-school to 18 in the sixth form.

The school has a friendly atmosphere, small classes and provides close attention to students' individual needs. There is a well-developed special needs department, experienced in coping with difficulties ranging from dyslexia to the teaching of English as a foreign language.

Computer studies is another area of excellence; students receive computer lessons from the age of five upwards and many classrooms have their own machines.

Throughout the infant and junior sections strong emphasis is placed on numeracy and literacy skills. In addition all pupils receive Portuguese and PE lessons.

Students in the secondary school are prepared for IGCSE, AS- and A-level examinations. They sit IGCSEs at the end of Year 11 (age 16) and then have the opportunity to enter the Sixth Form to study AS- and A-levels for university entrance.

A wide range of courses is offered to suit all students and so far all of those who have graduated have been able to follow their first choice of courses at university, college or occupation in their home country.

In addition to School Certificate examinations, EISL is a Pitman Qualifications Centre, allowing students to undertake additional vocational subjects in the senior school.

Extra-curricular activities include a variety of sports, music, science, art and computer clubs. In addition the school supports students in the Prémio Infante Dom Henrique, a Portuguese affiliate to the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and encourages them to become qualified First Aid Practitioners.