
MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 5–8
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!

Founding Headmaster


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.

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.

Michael Potoczakl

Jessica Mohr

Andrew Bow

Aoibheann O’Sullivan
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!
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.




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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research shows that teachers are the most important ingredient in education; however, purpose-built facilities help accelerate the learning experience.
Upper School Library
Gymnasium
Middle School Lounge
Science Lab
TASIS Theater


















