Following negotiations with the Ministry of Education, town planners and architects, Vale Verde has recently received the backing for the development of a new primary section. The new section will require the development of a new wing to current buildings and will incorporate the most modern equipment and amenities making it the most well-resourced primary school in the Algarve. The primary school will make a mark on international education in Portugal as being the first bi-lingual school in Portugal. The novel concept which has been proved as an effective way of harmonising cultural differences and promoting the steady uptake of foreign languages from a young age in a number of countries. The system will work on a tier system whereby the emphasis on English will gradually increase as students reach Secondary level. For this reason, it has been decided that non-disciplinary subjects will be taught in Portuguese and disciplinary subjects in English. It is the school’s intention to ensure that all the primary school teachers are bi-lingual to assist student’s whose native language is either Portuguese or English. By doing so, new students not akin to the tier system will be able to communicate effectively whilst grasping the language that is not native to him or her.

Vale Verde International School is now accepting applications for September 2007. Due to small class sizes, places are limited. Applications can be made online, by e-mail to admissions@vvis.org or by visiting the school office. A non-refundable application fee of €75 is payable and does not guarantee your child’s place at VVIS.