Portugal is a well-known name among expats around the world as one of Europe's most enchanting beauty, weather and immigration-friendly countries. Many are living in Portugal or planning to move to Portugal. So everyone has a purpose for their child's education and future. While we can find a lot of information about higher education online, we don't find any comprehensive information from nursery to higher secondary. So for those who are thinking about Portugal or staying here, let's find out how is the education system in Portugal for your child?
All children have equal rights in Portugal
Children of immigrants or refugees arriving in Portugal will enjoy the same rights and privileges as Portuguese children. That is, education for Portuguese children is an education for children of foreign nationals living in Portugal.
Compulsory primary education in Portugal usually starts at age 6. That means your child will be in first grade at the age of six. But if you want, i.e. if the parents are busy at work, you can give your child day care from the age of six months.
The educational program is divided into several sections from years zero to seventeen. (Creche / infantaria) Nursery from 0 to 3 years, (Jardim de infancia) Kindergarten from 3 to 5 years, Primary (compulsory) Ensino Básico 1st Ciclo Basic from 6 to 9 years, Secondary (compulsory) (Ensino Básico 2nd Ciclo) Basic II Circle 10 to 11 years. Ensino Básico 3rd Ciclo Basic Third Circle 12 to 14 years, High School Ensino Secundário 15 to 17 years.
Compulsory basic education takes place in first, second, third circle. Primary and secondary are divided for ease of understanding. Moreover, the second and third part is through secondary school. All the subjects that are taught belong to Madhyamik.
Nursery (Cheche / infantaria) 0 to 3 years
From the age of six months you can send your child to the nursery ie (Cheche / infantaria). Here you can keep up to three years of age. Nurseries are usually at your expense.
How to spend?
Monthly can be from 25 to 300 euros. But it depends on your income and type of organization. If private then it will be determined depending on your income. On the other hand, if it is covered by Santa Casa or other charities, it can be completely free or 20/25 euros per month.
How to find out?
Ask your nearest Ward Council (Junta) office and they will tell you or give you a list of all the nurseries in your area. Moreover, you can visit any of the nearest Santa Caja offices and talk. They will give you information.
Application time
Applications can be made at any time of the year. But the session starts from the first week of September.
Kindergarten 3 to 5 years (Jardim de infancia)
From three to five years, they give a beautiful education about independent living, i.e. daily routine, how to eat, how to move on the streets, how to treat people, responsibility towards nature, responsibility and duty towards parents. Not only is life taught; Literacy is also given here. Because of this, word formation and numbers can be done easily as soon as the first grade is reached. Portuguese is taught here. Besides, some English teaching has started. Although compulsory education is from 6 years but kindergarten is very important. Because in this he can adapt to the language and the external environment.
Compulsory Primary and Secondary (Ensino Básico)
First circle
From first grade to fourth grade, children are taught four main subjects: (Português) Portuguese, (Mathematics) Numeracy, (Estudo do meio) (Envemental Study) Environmental Education, (inglês) (English) English. Moreover, there are various extra-curricular activities such as painting, physical education, swimming, cycling, sports and more.
Second and third circles
Class V to Class VI and Class VII to Class IX are divided into two sections. The previous four subjects are English, Portuguese, Mathematics, Physical Education including Environmental Education, History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Information Technology Education, Natural Science, Visual Education, Technical Education, Art and any one of Spanish, French or German as a foreign language. There is a variety of extra-curriculars at different levels of education and at different levels.
How to find out?
For the compulsory education of children between the ages of kindergarten three to five years and primary and secondary six to fourteen years, each zone or area has several schools together, called a central school (agrupamento). You have to apply to the Central School. You can get the address of the central (agrupamento) school by visiting the nearest ward council (junta) junta freguesia office. For example, there are three Agrupamento in Agrupamento de escolas Nuno Gonçalves, Agrupamento de escolas Passos Manuel, Agrupamento de escolas Gil Vicente. After applying will arrange teaching in the nearest school according to your home address. However, in case of additional application for the allotted seat, send to the second nearest school
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