Secondary
Kairos’s Secondary Program is for ages 12 to 18 (Year 7 to Year 13), and is based on the recognition of the special characteristics of adolescence—a time of great social development, critical thinking and re-evaluation, and a period of self-assessment. During this critical juncture, Kairos students work on understanding the world through a problem-solving lens while exploring the big ideas that have united humans across time: truth, beauty, freedom and justice.
Secondary at Kairos has its foundation in a rigorous classical education that strives to renew the minds of our students in the truth, goodness and beauty of tradition. Daily life at Kairos is a careful balance of work, prayer and play, which provides a dynamic structure for students to grow. Students are given the chance to participate in a wide range of wholesome activities such as athletics, symposiums, dramatic performances, local community service, and both cultural and liturgical celebrations. These activities are not thought of as “extra-curricular” but absolutely a part of the student formation. They provide a balance between the rigours of academic study and physical work.
“Education is not the acquisition of marketable skills, or self-improvement, culture, personal fulfillment or even knowledge—though these benefits normally occur; but, essentially, it is a call to something higher than ourselves…” — John Senior.
Secondary students run the Kairos farm, they are engaged in philosophy, theology and current event discussions. They have local residentials (such as the annual start of year farm residential, previously in the Douro and the Alentejo for wine and almond harvests) and international residentials (such as in Krakow and Rome). Students are also engaged in the International Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and have the opportunity to assist Guides in more junior parts of the School.
Kairos tracks individual student progress in alignment with UK National Curriculum and the Cambridge International Curriculum.
Lower Secondary
In Lower Secondary (Year 7 to Year 9) Students progress on foundations developed in Primary, becoming increasingly capable of longer, more complex and autonomous study.
The curriculum broadens into a series of subjects, with a particular focus on conceptual understanding and linkages between the various disciplines, so as to foster a global perspective on learning. In Lower Secondary the following Key Stage 3 subjects are provided to all students:
English, Portuguese, French (elective), Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Design & Technology, Art & Design, Music, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Religious Education, Global Perspectives.
Upper Secondary & Advanced
The school follows the Cambridge curriculum for years 10 and 11, with the following subjects offered to all students: English, Portuguese (first or foreign language), Mathematics, Combined Science, Physical Education, Religious Education, English Literature, French, Geography, History, Business Studies, Global Perspectives, Music, Art & Design, Design & Technology.
The AICE diploma (A-Levels) comprising exams typically taken between Years 11 and 13, is a group award diploma of Cambridge University that requires study from three different areas. A-Levels are widely recognised and accepted by leading universities in the UK, Portugal, Europe, the USA and around the world. They offer a unique combination of breadth, and focus, allowing students to excel in their areas of core interest and ability.
Students can choose any combination of the following subjects as long as they complete 7 credits, with one compulsory credit on Global Perspectives, and must earn at least 1 credit from each group. Each subject is offered at AS or A levels. One AS subject represents one credit, while an A-level subject represents two credits.
Active participation in school life helps students develop a sense of belonging and knowing that they make a difference. Students work on community projects that involve responsibility and decision-making, and daily care of the School and farm, providing an opportunity to unite the student body in achieving common goals.
Group 1: Mathematics & Science
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Design & Technology
Environmental Management (A/S only)
Mathematics
Physics
Physical Education (in Groups 1/3)
Psychology (in Groups 1/3)
Group 2: Languages
English Language & Literature (A/S only)
English Language
Portuguese
Spanish
French
Group 3: Arts & Humanities
Art & Design
Economics
Business
Classical Civilizations
History
English Literature
Environmental Management (A/S only)
Music
Physical Education (in Groups 1/3)
Psychology (in Groups 1/3)