Teaching and Learning at IPS Cascais: A Strong Start to the Year

As we conclude the second week of term, I want to express my gratitude for the incredible energy the entire school community has brought to the start of the school year. It has been fantastic to see pupils, both returning and new, settling so quickly into their routines, engaging with their learning, and demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm in every subject.

At IPS Cascais, we are dedicated to providing a holistic education that balances academic rigour with creativity, physical activity, personal growth, and social responsibility. Our aim is to develop pupils who not only achieve excellent results but also possess the confidence, resilience, and curiosity to thrive in an ever-changing world. This vision is built on a strong partnership between home and school, and we value your vital role in supporting your child’s educational journey.

A central focus for us this year is ensuring that teaching and learning are both ambitious and engaging. Our teachers are designing lessons that challenge students to think critically, explore creatively, and reflect on their progress. Already, in just two weeks, I have seen our youngest pupils in the Early Years developing their curiosity through play and exploration, our primary pupils experimenting in science and tackling mathematical problems with growing confidence, and our secondary students debating complex ideas and producing creative writing that demonstrates real imagination and skill.

Homework is a crucial link between school and home. In the Primary years, the focus is on building strong foundations through daily reading, whether sharing books together, listening to your child read aloud, or encouraging them to talk about stories and characters. This habit not only strengthens literacy but also fosters a love of reading that supports learning across the curriculum. As pupils move into Secondary, homework increasingly emphasises developing independent study skills, organisation, and responsibility for learning. This gradual progression helps prepare students for the demands of further education and beyond. Your support in making homework a calm, purposeful routine at home makes a significant difference.

Beyond the curriculum, we are committed to cultivating learning habits that will serve pupils for life. This includes encouraging persistence, active listening, and the ability to ask thoughtful questions. You will see these themes consistently integrated into homework, assemblies, and classroom activities.

We also want all pupils to engage actively in the wider life of the school, as these experiences help build confidence, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility. As children grow older, this naturally develops into opportunities for leadership, whether through contributing to the School Council, taking on the role of House Captain, or leading initiatives that strengthen our school community.

As parents, you play a key role in reinforcing these habits. With younger children, you might ask questions such as, “What new sound or word did you learn today?” or “What was your favourite part of the story you read?” to encourage them to reflect on their daily learning. With older pupils, questions like, “What was the most interesting question you asked today?” or “How did you solve a problem when it was tricky?” can spark deeper discussions about their thinking and problem-solving. Together, through consistent expectations at school and encouragement at home, we can help every pupil at IPS Cascais pursue academic excellence while enjoying a balanced and enriching educational experience.

Written by Leo Holdstock
Deputy Head, Teaching and Learning