1st Cycle

At Maple Bear Estoril – Sigea School, we see Primary School as the essential foundation of every child's educational journey. That is why, during the first two years, we integrate the best practices of the Maple Bear methodology, combining:

• Bilingual immersion (Portuguese/English) in Years 1 and 2, where learning takes place naturally and meaningfully. Each academic year, we expand our bilingual offering; in the 2026/2027 school year, Year 3 will also benefit from bilingual education.
• Student-centred pedagogy, recognising each child as a unique individual within a collaborative learning environment.
• A playful, hands-on approach that transforms the classroom into a space for active discovery.

We embrace the role of learning facilitators, recognising each student as a unique individual while also valuing their essential role within the group. We respect and nurture their individual needs, interests, and unique strengths.

Aware of the importance of this stage and the emotional vulnerability that still characterises young children, we are committed to creating a warm, stable, and nurturing environment that supports their personal, social, and cognitive development.

While always recognising the importance of emotional well-being in the learning process, we place a strong emphasis on our students’ academic development through a cross-curricular, multidisciplinary approach to the core subjects of Portuguese and Mathematics, with particular focus on written expression and mental arithmetic. Environmental Studies, English, the Arts, Physical Education, and Technology are not viewed as complementary subjects, but as essential and integral components of each student's overall education.

Alongside the interdisciplinary development of knowledge, our aim throughout this stage is to prepare students for as smooth a transition as possible to Lower Secondary School, fostering essential skills such as independence and responsibility.