In recent years, as a result of the large increase in foreign students in the country, the Ministry of Education has been working to improve the favourable results of those whose mother tongue or first language is not Portuguese, trying to provide both access to the curriculum and educational success through Portuguese public school.
This year Portugal celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution and undoubtedly the improvement of the Portuguese Public school is a conquest that stems from that historic event. Before 1974, access to education was limited, women and the less fortunate were often excluded and the best you could aspire to was completing Primary School. Today, Portuguese public schools provide an opportunity for all students to learn and grow, regardless of their background or nationality.
Language Support and Inclusivity in Portuguese Public Schools
What Do Portuguese Public Schools Offer Foreign Students?
Public schools in Portugal provide Portuguese as a Second Language (PL2) courses, or Português Língua Não Materna (PLNM), at the primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels. These courses are also available in scientific-humanistic courses, specialised arts courses, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs at the secondary level. Through these PL2 courses, students can develop their language skills in an inclusive environment.
Upon arrival in Portugal, foreign students undergo an initial sociolinguistic assessment and placement testing to determine the level of support they need. This helps schools understand the language needs of each student and ensures they receive targeted support.
Different students, different needs
Based on each student’s language proficiency, Portuguese public school, together with parents or legal guardians, implement various measures to facilitate access to the curriculum. These include:
Assessment accommodations, both internal and external, to match each student’s needs.
Language support and inclusion programs for easier adaptation to school life.
Courses and support measures
In general, students placed in A1, A2 and B1 language levels benefit from PLNM courses for the development of the Portuguese language and follow a specific PL2 curriculum. Those placed in B2 and C1 levels follow the national curriculum, in the subject of Portuguese, but receive additional language support, including the use of dictionaries during exams for other subjects. These accommodations help students succeed academically as they build language proficiency.
Education for All: Inclusivity as a Core Value in Portugal
These are the main guidelines issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Education reflect a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for foreign students. Portuguese public school have their own autonomy and measures which may vary. Before you decide to enroll your children, it’s always a good idea for parents to visit the school to learn about the specific language support programs available.
Why Choose Portuguese Public Schools for Your Child?
Education is an everlasting process with ups and downs, nothing is immutable and perfect. All my life I have attended Portuguese public school, first as a student and then as a teacher. Is it the best solution? I can’t answer you, but one thing I know for sure is: without it my parents would not have been able to provide me an education and I owe the public school and my wonderful teachers all that I have accomplished in my life as a student, as a teacher but foremost as a person.
How Alesco Supports Your School Choice in Portugal
Relocating and choosing the right school in a new country can be complex. Alesco offers personalised support to help your family make informed choices, from in-depth school research and guidance on enrollment to arranging school visits and finding language support resources. Simplify your child’s transition into the Portuguese education system with expert assistance from Alesco.