This stage of education is marked by the gradual yet significant transition into adolescence. The profound physical, emotional, and intellectual changes that take place during this period require careful attention and close support from both the School and families.
At this stage, students begin making important personal choices across many aspects of their lives—from choosing friends to shaping their lifestyle, from their attitude towards school to how they spend their free time, from setting priorities to developing their values, and from understanding themselves to understanding others.
In Upper Secondary School, we believe it is essential to combine academic development with students’ growing independence, while helping them become increasingly aware of the role they play in shaping their own future.
With this in mind, we strive to build pathways for our students, supporting a smooth transition to the next stages of their educational journey.
We place great importance on pedagogical diversity and on keeping students engaged with national and international current affairs, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society. In this context, differentiated teaching is a key priority, shaping our educational practices both inside and outside the classroom.
Through this differentiated approach, we aim to encourage the creative expression of students’ talents and interests, promote more generous and collaborative social relationships, and inspire the development of well-prepared, responsible citizens.
In Upper Secondary School, Maple Bear Estoril – Sigea School offers French as a second foreign language, beginning in Year 7.
As part of the Arts Enrichment Programme, the Year 7 and Year 8 curriculum includes Creativity & Innovation, a subject designed to develop creative, critical, and analytical thinking skills that are essential for success across the curriculum and for creative problem-solving.
Following the implementation of Decree-Law No. 55/2018 and the Student Profile by the End of Compulsory Schooling framework, the School has introduced Project in Action as a Complementary Curriculum subject for Year 7 and Year 8 students. Its purpose is to engage students in interdisciplinary, cross-curricular projects while developing rigorous research skills, the ability to select and organise information, a deeper understanding of project-based learning, greater independence, and confidence in presenting their work orally.
Upper Secondary School classes also have a weekly Citizenship and Personal Development lesson, taught by the Form Tutor. This subject aims to develop the skills required for active citizenship, democratic participation, collaboration, and thoughtful discussion of contemporary issues.