international school

Learning approach: Whole-Child Approach to Education

At Hypha, we have a whole-child approach to education that supports children’s rights to play, to be in nature, to be nurtured, to pursue their own interests within the curriculae, and to be collaborators of their own learning.

THE HYPHA DIFFERENCE

MINDFULNESS AND WELLBEING

Hypha has a whole-child approach to education that supports children’s rights to play, to be in nature, to be nurtured, to pursue their own interests, and to be collaborators of their own learning

WORLD-CLASS INNOVATIVE EDUCATION

Hypha ensures an outstanding educational experience by hiring excellent educators and ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that is transferable and internationally respected. Our innovative approach ensures structure, continuity, a nurturing environment, and personalized learning tailored to each child. We convey confidence in our students and hold the expectation that each one of them can reach their greatest potential.

NATURE IMMERSION

Our students spend, on average, 3 hours a day exploring, learning, and connecting with the wonders of nature. Many researchers agree that children who spend time outdoors are happier, better at paying attention and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. By deepening their understanding and appreciation of the natural world, these children often also develop a profound sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship.

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RESEARCH-BASED EDUCATION

In primary, we use the Cambridge International curriculum framework to provide an outstanding academic foundation that engages students and prepares them for future success.

We complement the framework with research-informed curricula that is content and skills rich. We take the most robust aspects of the latest cognitive research and apply them in thoughtful and practical ways to our curricula.

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Our methodology is further rooted in research-based education practices delivered by highly trained educators. Some of the methods we use are:

  • Visible Thinking Routines (VTR): Created by Project Zero at Harvard, the routines help children learn how to learn more effectively by visualizing their thinking steps.
  • Flag Time: Routines that individualize learning and give learners agency, improving their strengths while providing practical reinforcements in areas that need development.
  • ELLI (Effective Lifelong Learning Inventory) Skills: Originating from Bristol University, the skills learners develop under this system makes them more adaptable to changes in their environment.
  • Hypha Growth Journals: Created by Big Life Journal, Hypha Growth Journals is a unique science-backed journal that helps wire brains for resilience, confidence, gratitude, kindness, and self-love.

21ST century skills

We aim for our learners to develop soft skills. They support our learners in unearthing their unique path and growing to their fullest potential.

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SELF-AWARENESS

Understanding and recognising one’s own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

SELF EXPRESSION

The ability to communicate one’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas effectively.

CRITICAL THINKING

The process of analysing, evaluating, and synthesising information to make informed decisions or judgments.

GROWTH MINDSET

A belief in one’s ability to develop and improve through dedication and hard work.

FLEXIBILITY

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and be open to new ideas or approaches.

problem-solving

The process of identifying, analysing, and resolving issues or challenges based on intuition, knowledge and experience.

enquire

This new school is a breath of fresh air, embracing the power of inquiry-based education and the wonders of forest school. Students actively participate in their learning, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The integration of forest school activities promotes holistic development and a deep connection with nature. It’s an innovative approach that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning

Katherine Fenner

16 May 2023

Amazing place, kids live to be there and connect with nature and animals. Beautifully designed educational program and great teachers

Maryam Keledjian

8 August 2023

I’ve had my 3 children with Kerry Trigg as their teacher and she is a natural- seeing and celebrating each child for who they are, and nurturing aspects of them beyond the academic. I am excited for this new chapter in her career and certain that she will provide an incredible experience.

Violeta Goldaracena

16 May 2023

What an amazing experience for children to be able to have such beautiful surroundings and locations to spend their days in. I love the philosophy!

Homemade by mama

16 May 2023

This new school is a breath of fresh air, embracing the power of inquiry-based education and the wonders of forest school. Students actively participate in their learning, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The integration of forest school activities promotes holistic development and a deep connection with nature. It’s an innovative approach that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning

Katherine Fenner

16 May 2023

Hypha is a brand new school with innovative learning approach. I visited the school and got very impressed with the school facilities, where kids get exposed to nature, and most importantly, their teaching methods, which is a mix of Montessori, Reggio Emilia and forest school. I highly recommend Hypha to anyone that is looking to give their kids an amazing learning experience.

Jacqueline Hsiao

16 May 2023

I have known Kerry through her holiday camps since the beginning of her ventures. My daughter absolutely loves Kerry’s approach and I have no doubt her connection to nature started there, in the nature-focused camps, surrounded by like-minded children and families. I strongly believe that the early years make up for the foundation of our personality and I am thrilled that there is now the possibility in the Cascais/Sintra area to weave academics and nature-based activities together in a high-standard education centre.

Solenn Alazet

16 May 2023

I have had the privilege to know and work alongside Kerry for over 15 years and my children have flourished under her guidance as their teacher and at her outdoor learning camps. She expertly combines modern day teaching practices with a holistic child-led approach, connecting children with nature and giving them the life-long learning skills they need to flourish and grow.

Kathryne Evins

21 May 2023

All three of my children have participated for many years with Kerry and her outdoor learning program. It was one of the highlights of their overall education here in Portugal. My children had an opportunity to have a connection with the outdoor world that I did not have growing up and that still informs how they travel in the world many years later. I can’t recommend enough!

Riverside Place

21 May 2023

Kerry and her team are completely dedicated to the holistic, forest school and learning through play approach. My children have loved their time at the school and with all the initiatives they have been involved with from Guincho Green too. This is a really special place run by passionate and patient practitioners. Highly recommended!

Chloe Jenden

19 July 2023

Incredible place for kids, a huge space for games, studying the world around. Excellent teachers. The child was satisfied with classes, communication, games. Thanks a lot to the team.

Agni-Elena Khmeleva

10 July 2023

Amazing new school, in a wonderful location with great teachers following a truly wonderful approach to learning. My children have taken part in Kerry´s forest school for the last five years and what an amazing experience it has been.

Carole Gershanov

16 May 2023

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COME EXPERIENCE
OUR INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL MODEL

Ages 3-8. Older age offerings coming in the future.

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