Differentiated projects
Legacy and Innovation as the
Foundation of Development
At Escola Ave Maria, we respect the historical legacy and a pedagogical journey of almost 80 years. Today, we combine tradition and innovation to offer modern education aligned with the challenges of a constantly evolving world.
We develop unique projects that stimulate critical thinking, creativity and global awareness in our students. We work in the areas of sustainability, environmental education and citizenship, entrepreneurship, health education, experimental science, digital education and English.
Bilingual Learning and University of Cambridge Partnership
Multilingual skills are recognised as essential skills, which must be developed early to ensure the success of lifelong learning.
In the current context of mobility, internationalisation and interculturality, we believe that learning English is an indispensable and facilitating tool in adapting to a globalised world.
We have established an educational partnership with Cambridge University. Escola Ave Maria is a Cambridge Educational Partner, implementing an integrative English programme that involves the entire educational community. It is also a Cambridge Preparation Center for English Qualifications, which allows students to take Cambridge exams in our school facilities.
Escola Ave Maria invests in the early development of children’s communicative proficiency in English. The English project is implemented by specialised teams made up of teachers and teaching assistants and includes:
- Bilingual Learning, by linguistic immersion – Portuguese and English – from Nursery
- English classes from preschool
- CLIL Approach (Content and Language Integrated Learning) from preschool
- English Subject with Cambridge Curriculum (primary and preparatory school)
- Cambridge Certification – Young Learners Exams (primary and preparatory school)
Words With Science
The “Words with Science” project, developed in the curricular areas of Science, ICT and English, aims to encourage students to enjoy science and develop critical thinking and digital skills.
It is through 60-second videos in English that the educational community is informed about this concept, theme or scientific advance that has occurred in recent years, reinforcing the essential and dynamic nature of this area of knowledge.
Read More, Read Better
This initiative by the Schools’ Library Network creates a strategic reading environment that places the library at the center of learning. The objective is to encourage the pleasure of reading and writing and, consequently, improve students’ reading comprehension and oral and written expression.
At the same time, Preparatory School students are invited to read in the classroom, in a place and time dedicated to reading the books they bring from home. An activity that contributes to the creation of solid reading habits.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement Portugal (JAP) is a non-profit organisation and the Portuguese equivalent of JA Worldwide, an organisation nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize and ranked 5th among the Social Good Organisations with the greatest impact in the world.
Through an entrepreneurial, conscious and inclusive approach, JAP develops innovative educational programmes that prepare students for the challenges of the future. Its work is based on three essential pillars: Entrepreneurship and Citizenship, Financial Literacy, Preparation for the World of Work.
With this partnership, we help create a more prepared, autonomous generation capable of making a difference.
Socio-Emotional Skills Programme
At Ave Maria School, we believe that students should grow up in a happy, respectful and balanced environment. To support this development, the Multidisciplinary Team for Support to Inclusive Education (EMAEI) created the Socioemotional Skills Programme, aimed at students in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years, with the following objectives:
- Develop self-esteem and self-confidence;
- Promote harmonious interpersonal relationships;
- Develop values of citizenship, solidarity and respect for differences;
- Reflect on insecurities and difficulties, exploring overcoming strategies;
- Promote conscious decision-making;
- Develop non-verbal communication skills;
- Identify and act in situations of bullying;
- Reflect on each person’s individuality.
Eco-Schools
The Eco Schools Project is an innovative initiative that integrates sustainable practices into the school routine, promoting awareness of environmental issues among students, teachers and families. This project encourages environmental preservation; reducing waste and using resources responsibly; the promotion of biodiversity.
Thanks to the involvement of students and the community, Escola Ave Maria has won the Green Flag award year after year, in recognition of its commitment to sustainability.
Sustainability and Social Impact
Our students participate in projects with an effective social impact, which respects their motivation and interests, and involves them in a meaningful and memorable way in dynamic and experiential learning.
We view the school as an active agent of change within the community, educating students for lifelong citizenship and involving families in impactful actions.
Every two academic years, a central To Be theme is identified to develop a large-scale project across all To Be educational communities.
BE BLUE PROJECT
The BE BLUE Project – For a Bluer Ocean and an always Green Planet mobilised the educational communities of To Be Schools for the cause of protecting the Ocean (see the Be Blue Documentary).
Numerous scientific-pedagogical, field, and artistic activities were organised within the schools and in public spaces of the community, in partnership with individuals and organisations connected to marine conservation.
Be Blue encouraged the active participation of students, educational communities, and local communities from all To Be Schools.
BE KIND PROJECT
The BE KIND Project – A Bridge Between Generations raised awareness in the To Be School communities about the importance of intergenerational connections in building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Its main purpose was to mobilise students, educational communities, and local communities to develop initiatives that promote intergenerational meeting and sharing.
To Be Schools collaborated with various local community organisations to organise intergenerational dynamics. Grandparents from the To Be families were regular guests at the schools, sharing memories, knowledge, and experiences (watch the Vila Be Kind Be Happy film).
Volunteering
Every Friday afternoon, preparatory school students replace the classroom for experiences of solidarity. As part of the Catholic Moral and Religious Education discipline, they volunteer at the Alcântara Day Center and Ajuda de Mãe, where they interact with the elderly, babies and young mothers.
The activities are planned by the students and the teacher, providing moments of sharing and learning for everyone. This project not only brings students from different backgrounds closer together but also helps them develop essential values for their personal growth.
To Be Parent
Project To Be encourages, in its schools, a family and affective environment, with the participation of parents as central elements of educational processes, valuing openness and cooperation within the school community.
In compliance with the To Be values, there will be organised information sessions open to families or thematic sessions on parental education.
Escola Ave Maria’s parents are encouraged to participate as speakers in lectures and webinars related to topics in their professional area of interest.
STEAM Approach
We implement an innovative and integrative educational model that promotes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication and real-world problem-solving through the STEAM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).
The STEAM approach is grounded in inquiry-based learning and the design of real solutions, fostering collaboration, creativity and the integrated, contextualised application of knowledge.
The STEAM approach involves:
- Solving social and environmental problems with ethics and responsibility, led by children and pupils;
- Community-based projects that promote active citizenship;
- The involvement of families and the wider community as active agents in the educational process.
The STEAM approach is implemented from the very beginning of each child’s journey at Escola Ave Maria, supporting the development of essential 21st-century skills.
National Arts Plan
The National Arts Plan (PNA) promotes access to culture, encouraging active participation, enjoyment and cultural creation, with a focus on inclusion and continuous learning.
Every year, the school develops an interdisciplinary and transversal cultural plan, which involves the entire school community in enriching projects, in partnership with public and private entities.
I AM DIGITAL
The I Am Digital project aims to use new technologies in teaching and learning, motivating students and, at the same time, developing their digital literacy. From 5th Year onwards, students use iPads in the classroom and across a range of subjects, combining their interests with the enormous potential of these tools.
With this project, we prepare students for the present and the future, combining technology with knowledge.
Peses - Health and Affection Education Project
PESES equips children and young people with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that lead them to adopt healthy behaviours and lifestyles throughout their lives, developing their full potential as active, productive and responsible citizens.
We live this project transversally through activities throughout the year that are planned and organised by our own team, encouraging students to become active, responsible citizens who are aware of their well-being.
Educate Together
At Escola Ave Maria, we believe that education is a shared path between school and family, both with the same objective: to enhance children’s development, making them autonomous, responsible and civic-minded, prepared to transform the World.
To support families on a daily basis, the Multidisciplinary Team for Supporting Inclusive Education (EMAEI) develops articles and short conferences on relevant topics, offering practical strategies that help parents in their routine with their children.
Planet Fraternity
Planet Fraternity is a global exchange project that stems from the Global Pact for Education, proposed by Pope Francis. It involves Catholic schools from all over the world and launches common challenges, based on universal fraternity and the pursuit of the 17 sustainability goals defined by the United Nations. Students are encouraged to become agents of change by 2030.
Let’s talk
The Let’s Talk project, aimed at all students in the Primary and Preparatory School at Escola Ave Maria, provides an opportunity for informal conversation, directly impacting all students through unique, remarkable, and innovative interactions. The project also involves families, inviting parents to participate and share experiences, testimonies, and stories on various areas of knowledge and relevant educational topics.
Children's Assembly
The Lisbon Children’s Assembly is a project that gives a voice to young people, bringing together representatives from all the city’s parishes to reflect and share opinions on public policies that involve them.
This initiative is the result of a partnership between the Municipal Assembly, the Council, the Parishes and schools in Lisbon, promoting the active participation of children in society.
Our students have the honor of frequently representing the parish of Alcântara, contributing with ideas and suggestions for a better future.
To Be Healthy
Project To Be developed and launched the To Be Healthy initiative, aiming to make its schools a reference in promoting health and well-being within educational communities.
In the area of nutrition, To Be Healthy focuses on fostering healthier and more sustainable dietary habits and practices. It is implemented in partnership with nutritionist Mariana Bessa from Nutrir – Food and Nutrition Consultancy, and includes:
- Varied, balanced, and complete menus with natural foods and essential nutrients, including a daily ovo-lacto-vegetarian option;
- Training for school staff (kitchen personnel, for refining menu preparation methods, and teachers, who will continue the food education project with students);
- Nutritional education activities with students;
- Workshops with families;
- Monitoring and reducing food waste.
The To Be Healthy menus prioritise offering fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing meat consumption, and minimising the use of refined sugars and salt.
To Be Healthy also promotes regular physical activity and sports as part of the school routine, recognising their benefits and contributing to students’ physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
To Be schools offer numerous curricular and extracurricular activities related to physical activity, and students engage in projects focused on health education and healthy lifestyle habits. Inter-school initiatives are organised (such as tournaments, field trips, and outings), both at school and in the community, along with activities that involve family participation (walks, projects).
Reading Monitoring Programme
At Project To Be, the development of reading competence is a priority, as it is a fundamental pillar of learning and academic success.
To strengthen this competence in Primary School pupils, we have implemented the Reading Monitoring Programme, which makes use of the digital tools Microsoft Reading Progress and Microsoft Reading Coach.
This programme enables the assessment and development of each pupil’s reading skills in an individualised and personalised way, allows for the early identification of difficulties, supports the definition of targeted intervention and practice strategies, and ensures continuous monitoring throughout the academic year and across the stage of schooling.
It complements the current reading assessment and monitoring practices used by our class teachers and reinforces the commitment of Colégios To Be to a rigorous, high-quality education.
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