Primary
Spaces are available now in Years 3 to 6. See Admissions for open days and how to apply.
Strong academics, time in nature, and room for children to think for themselves.
We follow the Cambridge International Curriculum with full accreditation.
For each subject, we complement it with carefully selected, internationally recognized programs and teaching methods, such as Read Write Inc. for English and Singapore Mathematics. This gives our teachers a clear structure and helps every child build strong foundations step by step.
Academics
Children work towards clear learning goals in every subject. Our mixed-age classes allow each child to progress at the right level and pace, while also learning from and supporting others. Teachers know exactly what each child is learning, where they are making progress and when they need additional support or greater challenge.
Our Primary Curriculum Covers
English and Literacy
We use Read Write Inc. to build strong skills in reading, writing, spelling and communication.
Children learn in focused groups, so teaching can match their current level. As they progress, they read more independently, build their vocabulary and learn to express their ideas clearly in writing and conversation.
Portuguese
English is the main language of instruction at Hypha. Children also have Portuguese literacy lessons.
Art, Music and Physical Education are taught by specialist educators. Some activities take place in Portuguese, giving children regular and natural contact with the language.
Mathematics
We use Singapore Mathematics, an approach that helps children understand how math works before relying on rules or repetition.
Children use objects, drawings and practical examples before moving towards more abstract problems. This helps them build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of numbers and mathematical thinking.
Science and Humanities
Science and Humanities help children understand the natural world, geography, history and the communities around them.
Children work towards clear curriculum goals through experiments, research and practical projects. Whenever possible, we bring the subject to life. They might study a local ecosystem outdoors, explore landscapes using maps, investigate an important historical period or taste the spices involved in the Portuguese spice trade.
Physical Education and Movement
Movement is part of everyday life at Hypha.
Primary children take part in regular Physical Education and use the professional facilities at União Mucifalense, including an indoor gym, football pitch, gymnastics studio and martial arts dojo.
They experience different sports and physical challenges throughout the school year. This helps children develop strength, coordination and confidence. They also learn to work as a team, keep trying and understand what their bodies can do.
Time outdoors and active play add to this. Children move throughout the day, rather than spending most of it sitting in a classroom.
Learning to Think
We want children to gain knowledge and know how to use it.
In Socratic Seminars, children sit together and discuss real questions. The teacher supports the process, but the children lead the conversation.
They learn to form an opinion, use evidence, disagree respectfully and sometimes change their mind.
Art and Music
Art and Music are a regular part of the school week and are taught by specialist educators.
Both subjects give children another way to communicate, work with others and turn ideas into something real.
Ready for What Comes Next
By the end of Primary, we want children to be confident readers, writers, mathematicians and thinkers. We also want them to know how they learn, how to ask for help and how to approach something they do not yet understand.
This prepares them for the move into secondary education and gives families clarity if they later change schools or move to another country.
See Learning in Action
The best way to understand Hypha is to see a school day for yourself. Book a visit or online meeting
Academic Progress
Clear Goals, Personal Progress
We have clear learning goals for every subject. Teachers closely follow each child through daily work, observation and individual conversations.
Regular feedback and detailed reports show what each child has learned, where they need support or greater challenge and what comes next. We document academic and personal development, giving children strong foundations for secondary education or a move to another school.
Each Report Includes:
- Subject-by-subject competency assessments
- Individual comments from teachers
- Achievements and clear next steps
- Academic and personal development
- Real-world competencies
- The child’s own reflections and learning moments
Extracurricular Activities
After the school day, children can choose from a wide range of extracurricular activities. The program partly changes each term, allowing children to try something new or continue developing an existing interest.
This term’s schedule
Monday
- Supervised Play
- Gymnastics
- Football
Tuesday
- Origami
- Beatboxing
- Swimming
- Volleyball
Wednesday
- Yoga
- Robotics
- Football
- Surfing
- Design and build a home for our rabbits
- Study skills and money basics
Thursday
- A school musical
- Violin
- Soft Skills
Piano lessons are also available.
Football, volleyball and gymnastics take place at our sports center nearby.
The current program is shared with families at the beginning of each term.
Activities run Monday to Thursday. Every day includes an activity at no extra charge, alongside paid options.
A Day at Hypha
We structure the day in a thoughtful rhythm that reflects how children learn and feel.
Mastery Time
Mornings are dedicated to core academic learning, when children are fresh and ready to focus. They learn as a class, in small groups and individually, with regular breaks for snacks and movement.
Recharge and Connect
Hypha provides a morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack for every child. Lunch starts with a soup, followed by a balanced meal made from whole foods. The approach is Portuguese in style, built on traditional and familiar ingredients. Afterwards, children have time for free play, usually outdoors, to move, relax and connect with friends before the afternoon begins.
Explore and Create
Afternoons bring a broader mix of languages, science, creativity, sport, Forest School and social-emotional learning. Activities take place across the campus and at nearby partner facilities.
More to Discover
The regular school day ends at 15:45. From Monday to Thursday, children can join extracurricular activities until 16:45. The program changes throughout the year.
