Eupheus International School, based in Algarve, Portugal, introduced Cambridge Early Years in September 2023 for learners aged three and four. The school already offered Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary.
Sophie Gomes, Primary Coordinator and Cambridge Exams Officer, and Patrícia Cardoso, Early Years Coordinator, describe how the programme provides a smooth journey to primary school.
'In essence, early years education is the bedrock on which learners build their foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth, with far-reaching implications for both their present and future achievements,’ says Sophie Gomes. ‘It plays a key role in a learner's developmental journey.’
Choosing Cambridge Early Years
Sophie says there were compelling reasons why the school chose to adopt Cambridge Early Years, including the fact that the Cambridge Pathway offers a clearly defined and structured educational journey, giving a seamless and continuous learning experience.
'The Cambridge Early Years curriculum helps prepare our learners for the Cambridge Primary curriculum, ensuring that they experience a smoother transition to the next stage as they progress from early years,’ says Sophie.
'Like the rest of the Cambridge Pathway, the Cambridge Early Years curriculum can be tailored, adjusted and differentiated to meet the unique needs of each of our individual learners, facilitating each child’s progress at their own pace.’
The emphasis of Cambridge programmes on critical skills was another reason to adopt the programme: 'Early years education lays a robust cognitive foundation, fostering skills like problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making, which are pivotal for achieving academic success,' Sophie says.
Holistic development
The programme also helps children develop vital social and emotional competencies such as empathy, cooperation and conflict resolution, says Sophie.
'The Cambridge Pathway underscores the importance of holistic student development, encompassing learners’ social and personal skills for a well-rounded education.
'These skills all need to be cultivated as part of an early years education, providing a firm grounding for establishing and maintaining healthy relationships.
'As learners explore and overcome challenges, their confidence flourishes, setting the stage for them to pursue future goals with unwavering determination. This journey also gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility for their actions, instilling values of active citizenship.’
Getting started with Cambridge Early Years
'Right from the beginning, we were fortunate to receive invaluable support from the Cambridge team who introduced the idea and presented the Cambridge Early Years programme to us,’ says Sophie. ‘They then expertly guided us through the application process.
'We also benefit from Cambridge’s comprehensive support and resources for our teaching staff, including professional development opportunities and teaching materials, enhancing the overall quality of education within our institution.’
Delighted by learners’ progress
Early Years Coordinator Patrícia Cardoso says that teaching Cambridge Early Years has been a ‘truly enriching experience’ for both educators and children: ‘As educators, we have been delighted to witness the progress our learners are making. Their language skills are blossoming and their mathematical abilities are growing stronger. Moreover, their critical thinking and problem-solving skills are developing at a remarkable pace.
'We are confident that this early exposure to structured learning will pave the way for their future academic success.’ In summary, Sophie says that through the Cambridge Early Years Programme, the school’s primary goal is to empower children to excel in academics, foster critical thinking and build strong character.
'We also strive to ignite children’s passion for learning, enhance their communication skills, and equip them for a successful future, nurturing well-rounded individuals who can thrive in any circumstance.’