The Curiosity to Question. The Courage to Lead.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 5–8

Middle School is Different

Middle school is an amusement park of discovery. It is a time when young people can effortlessly embrace two diametrically opposed ideas and passionately defend both without the slightest sense of irony. As Dickens remarked (before middle school existed), it is the best and worst of times.

Beyond the intense physical changes these young people are undergoing, they are also experiencing a time of both questioning and independent thinking. Middle school is a time for young people to both question convention and engage in greater independent thinking.

When young people push against the rules, our job is to gently guide them back into their lanes — and steer them away from the ditch. Understanding and treating young people like the adults they area spiring to be is the best way to develop the meaningful relationships we all desire with our children.

We are not seeking to raise automatons, after all, but seekers of knowledge and wisdom with a moral compass. These are precisely the kind of young people who grow up to change the world. I invite you to get to know TASIS Portugal and the myriad ways we embrace TASIS ideals of truth, goodness, and beauty to prepare our middle schoolers to go forth with the curiosity to question and the courage to lead.

Go Knights! 

Headmaster Keith Chiquen

 

 

Keith Chicquen

Founding Headmaster

Who is Behind the TASIS High School Experience?

 

Alexander Wilson

Head of Upper School

Mr. Wilson brings a wealth of international experience to TASIS Portugal. He has served as a senior English teacher, department leader, and head of sustainability at schools in both the UK and Brazil. In addition to his leadership roles, he has coached rugby and fostered students' holistic growth. As the Head of Upper School, Mr. Wilson ensures that academic excellence is met with a strong focus on character development and sustainability, preparing students to succeed in and outside the classroom.

Eoghan Kerr & Catherine Grilo

Dean of Students

With over a decade of experience across the UK, UAE, and beyond, Mr. Kerr has developed a deep understanding of international education, teaching in the UK national curriculum, IGCSE, and IB Diploma programs. His background includes roles as a Head of Year and Head of House, where he focused on student pastoral care and well-being. As Dean of Students, Mr. Kerr is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.

Meet some of our IGCSE Teachers

Michael Potoczak

Jessica Mohr

Andrew Bow

Aoibheann O’Sullivan

School Pride

Every Wednesday, our Knights show their House pride wearing the House T-shirts!

Each House has its own color and mascot—here we see the Mouros' Pegasus boldly represented by their Knights!

Four Houses, One Family

The house system at TASIS Portugal is an integral part of the school community. From Elementary to High School, students are sorted into one of four houses: Regaleira (Dragon), Pena (Kraken), Monserrate (Griffin), and Mouros (Pegasus).

In addition to providing structure for students as they grow, the house system offers opportunities for leadership and a chance to connect with peers, which strengthens the overall school culture and community.

 

 

 

 

What Makes Middle School Math Stand Out?

Mathematics is a universal language that unites our diverse community. In Middle School, we continue the Singapore Math curriculum, building on the strong foundation from the elementary years. This method has proven to be one of the most successful ways to learn and apply mathematics.

The curriculum introduces complex concepts like advanced geometry and algebra early, offering a rigorous progression that prepares students for high school. With its unique "Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract" approach, Singapore Math stands apart, requiring both students and teachers to engage deeply with the material.

While challenging, this approach fosters a holistic understanding of mathematics, making the transition to the IGCSE program smoother in 9th grade. Above all, our goal is to inspire a love of math and show students how it connects to their everyday lives.

How will I Explore the Past and Present?

At TASIS Portugal, we believe in grounding students in World History and Geography to help them understand how past events shape the present and future. From PK to eighth grade, students learn to understand the major events, political and cultural underpinnings of how the world has come to be.

Middle School students explore topics like the Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, and French Revolution in Grade 6, moving to twentieth-century events, including the World Wars, Cold War, and Civil Rights Movement in Grades 7 and 8. Geography lessons complement this journey, connecting physical environments to historical events and adding Portuguese history for local context.

This comprehensive approach equips students with critical thinking skills and prepares them for IGCSE History and Geography as well as advanced studies in high school, fostering a deeper understanding of the world they inhabit.

How Does Middle School Science Spark Curiosity?

Our Middle School science program empowers students to think, collaborate, and communicate like scientists. Through hands-on experiments and real- world investigations, they explore biology, chemistry, and physics while honing their ability to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions.

With a strong emphasis on practical application, students gather evidence, evaluate methods, and solve problems, preparing for the rigorous IGCSE and IBDP programs. Our curriculum integrates the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) with the Longman 11-14 series, creating a solid foundation of scientific knowledge and skills.

By Grade 8, students are equipped with a deep understanding of key scientific principles, fostering curiosity and critical thinking that will serve them in their future studies and beyond.

What languages will I learn?

Our dedicated, native-speaking educators assist students in developing competency and a passion for languages, including French (offered at three levels), Spanish (offered at two levels), and Portuguese (4 levels). Classes in French and Spanish are structured to allow new learners to study alongside more advanced students, fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. We facilitate the journey toward proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, empowering students to engage confidently with diverse linguistic contexts and cultures.

What electives can I choose from?

In Middle School, we empower students to take greater ownership of their learning by offering them the chance to explore their passions through elective courses. Starting in Grade 7, students can choose two electives from an engaging lineup: Coding, Makerspace, Art, Drama, and Music. These electives give students the freedom to dive deeper into their personal interests while broadening their skills and creativity. We understand that interests can evolve, so flexibility is built into the program—students can switch electives if needed. This approach encourages curiosity and helps students discover what excites them most, creating a personalized and dynamic learning experience.

How Do Knights Grow Through Sports and PE?

At TASIS Portugal, physical education and sports play a vital role in fostering student growth, well-being, and resilience. Through a dynamic PE program, students develop motor skills, fitness knowledge, and emotional intelligence while learning the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and active living. The focus is on creating a foundation for lifelong health and fitness—all while having fun!

Our competitive sports program takes these values further, offering opportunities to develop leadership, collaboration, and mental toughness. Whether through basketball, soccer, volleyball, or our dance academy, students embrace challenges, celebrate victories with grace, and learn to overcome setbacks with courage. Guided by our Director of Sport, herself a previous Olympian, TASIS athletes grow as individuals and teammates, building skills that last far beyond the game.

How do TASIS Portugal’s facilities elevate learning?

Research shows that teachers are the most important ingredient in education; however, purpose-built facilities help accelerate the learning experience.

Upper School Library

A group of people playing basketball in a well-lit indoor court, with a basketball hoop and backboard visible in the foreground.

Gymnasium

Middle School Lounge

Science Lab

A large movie screen is visible in the foreground, surrounded by a dimly lit auditorium filled with a crowd of people seated in the audience.

TASIS Theater

How does TASIS Speaks help develop my rhetoric Skills?

The ability to speak articulately, convincingly, and publicly is an essential life skill. TASIS Portugal students hone this skill each year, showcasing their aptitude within their classes, at assemblies, and in front of the entire school community during our annual TASIS Speaks event.


 

Curriculum, Accreditations & Memberships

 

Cambridge IGCSE

 

IB World School

 

IB Diploma Programme

 

Core Knowledge School of Distinction

 

NGSS

 

Singapore Math

 

Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition

 

Portuguese Ministry of Education

 

Council of International Schools

 

Associação de Estabelecimentos de Ensino Particular e Cooperativo

 

Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)

 

College Board


 

Ready to Discover the TASIS Difference for Yourself?

 

Apply Now!