The School – Externato Eduarda Maria

What drives us?

We aim to encourage the children to fulfil their all-round potential and to explore the world around them. We want them to grow up happy, building up their self-confidence and curiosity.

How do we work?

Each room is divided into several areas or corners, with quality didactic materials; pupils are grouped by age and have a stable daily routine – everything we do is based on a pedagogic approach.

Our team has the necessary training and experience to keep up with all the stages of child development. We reflect on our practices and share them frequently, with the support of the school’s educational psychologist.

Pedagogy of participation

The school’s educational project is inspired by a pedagogy of participation, which:

Promotes development.
Increases involvement in the learning process.

Provides structure.
Leads to confidence.

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Our educational practice reflects the principles of the constructivist and sociocultural theories by pedagogues like Piaget, Vygotsky, Montessori and Bruner.

We focus on learning, problem solving and research. All the rooms are equipped with varied didactic materials for flexible use, which the children are free to choose and experiment with.

In mathematics, we place particular emphasis on the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach (also known as “Singapore Maths”).

To teach reading and writing, we use the mimic and gestures approach (Jean Qui Rit, phononimic method).

English lessons start in kindergarten, with a playful approach both by speaking and singing. In primary school, we keep focussing on speaking skills, but also introduce the writing process; English lessons take place two to three times a week.

We love singing and rely on it as a pedagogical instrument, inspired by the Kodály concept for musical education.

What is the Kodály concept for musical education?

It is a pedagogical approach created by Hungarian composer and educator Zoltán Kodály, where the children learn through singing and musical games. Through simple songs, the children gradually learn the elements of music, such as rhythm, pulse, dynamics and time. The games reinforce the learning process and make lessons fun. The fundamental skills include the ability to listen and to sing in tune. This allows us to develop motivation, enthusiasm and self-confidence, laying the ground for them to become happy adults.

How does singing reinforce the learning of mathematics and literacy?

Singing helps to develop literacy skills, builds up confidence in oral communication, aids in the development of language and enhances the identification of sound patterns. With musical games, children identify patterns, they count and divide – all of which are important skills to learn mathematics.

Singing also helps with active listening, concentration and memory, apart from improving self-confidence and self-esteem.

And when you like school, learning is so much easier!

How do we put our educational project into practice in our day-to-day life?

A few examples:

Family environment, so that the children feel confident and calm.

Stable daily routines, so that they know what to expect.

A long-standing team, as it can take time for children to get used to new faces, especially if this happens too frequently.

English since kindergarten, as children need to learn how to communicate in a global world.

Access to books and exciting games, that the children can choose freely.

Singing is integrated in day-to-day activities as a means to learn how to listen and sing in a group.

Diverse extracurricular activities to help children find out what they like to do.

Home cooked, full meals so as to promote healthy eating habits.

A small vegetable garden for each room, where the children will learn how to take care of the world that surrounds them.

How do we put our educational project into practice in our day-to-day life?

A few examples:

Family environment, so that the children feel confident and calm.

Stable daily routines, so that they know what to expect.

A long-standing team, as it can take time for children to get used to new faces, especially if this happens too frequently.

English since kindergarten, as children need to learn how to communicate in a global world.

Access to books and exciting games, that the children can choose freely.

Singing is integrated in day-to-day activities as a means to learn how to listen and sing in a group.

Diverse extracurricular activities to help children find out what they like to do.

Home cooked, full meals so as to promote healthy eating habits.

A small vegetable garden for each room, where the children will learn how to take care of the world that surrounds them.

School rules

Please check the school rules here.

Normas de Funcionamento

Monthly fees

Please check the school fees here. Get an exemption from contributions and taxes by paying for the monthly fees with education vouchers (Cheque Creche or Estudante, Ticket Infância or Educação or Chèque Déjeuner).

The Externato Eduarda Maria private school has contracts in place with the Portuguese Ministry of Education and Science (“Contratos Simples e de Desenvolvimento”), which can subsidize part of the kindergarten and primary school’s monthly fee – contact us to request a simulation.

Tabela de Preços