The significance of education in a child’s overall well-being cannot be overstated. Holistic education goes beyond traditional academic learning by prioritising the development of the whole child – encompassing their emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being. At its core, holistic education aims to cultivate individuals who are not only academically proficient but also emotionally resilient, socially competent, and mentally healthy.
Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and laid-back lifestyle make it an ideal environment for holistic education. With its mild climate and abundance of outdoor activities, children in Portugal have ample opportunities to explore nature, engage in physical activity, and develop a deep appreciation for the environment. Furthermore, Portugal’s strong sense of community and emphasis on family values create a supportive and nurturing environment for children to thrive.
As the founder of Alesco, my passion for holistic education stems from my background and experience working with families and educational institutions worldwide. Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand the profound impact that education can have on a child’s well-being and happiness. My journey to founding Alesco was driven by a desire to share my expertise and support families in navigating the complex educational landscape in Portugal. I am committed to promoting holistic education and empowering children to reach their full potential.
So what is holistic education?
Holistic education is an approach to learning that focuses on the development of the whole person—mind, body and emotions.
It goes beyond traditional academic subjects and seeks to nurture various aspects of an individual’s well-being, including intellectual, emotional, social, and physical. Key principles of holistic education often include integrated learning, individualized learning, emphasis on personal growth, inclusion of life skills, cultivation of creativity, promotion of well-being, and community and environmental awareness.
5 Areas of Holistic Education
Creative/Artistic
Engaging in opportunities for creative expression through various mediums such as visual arts, music, and drama.
Exploring how exposure to creative stimulus enhances our understanding of different perspectives and our role in the world.
Physical
Utilising and developing our full range of physical and sensory capacities to interpret and navigate the environment around us.
Fostering an understanding of the body’s capabilities and limitations, promoting physical health and wellbeing.
Intellectual
Building knowledge and comprehension of the world, both conceptually and physically, by establishing connections and fostering intellectual curiosity.
Enhancing executive functioning skills, including metacognition, to facilitate problem-solving and critical thinking.
Social
In face-to-face interactions, developing an understanding of social systems and cues, and effectively managing one’s own interactions within various social contexts.
In virtual or digital environments, cultivating the ability to comprehend and critically assess digital interactions, including online communication and social media engagement.
Emotional
Recognising and regulating one’s own and others’ behaviours, triggers, and responses in order to navigate social and emotional situations effectively.
Creating a space between action and reaction to allow for thoughtful emotional responses, promoting emotional intelligence and resilience.
Each child can benefit from holistic education regardless of the schooling they receive, as it recognises and caters to the unique needs and strengths of each individual. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that what works for one child may not work for another, and different academic structures may better suit different children’s needs. Flexibility and customisation are essential in providing a holistic education that truly supports the well-being and development of every child.
Tailoring Education to Unique Needs
Through personalised education consultancy services, we work closely with families to identify their unique needs and preferences, providing guidance and support every step of the way. With several types of schools and curriculums available in Portugal, it is crucial to consider the impact that each system might have on each child as an individual before reaching the important decision of where they will spend the next years of their life learning and growing.
Types of School in Portugal – Pros and Cons
Public Schools
Pros
- Accessibility to all children;
- Fostering a diverse learning environment;
- Providing a wide range of extracurricular activities;
- Often less demanding timetables allowing more time for personal pursuits;
Cons
- Large class sizes;
- Limited resources;
- Pressure from standardised testing;
- Rooted in traditional academic values which may impact individualised attention and holistic development of students;
Private Schools
Pros
- Smaller class sizes and personalised attention;
- Flexibility in curriculum and tailored approach to education;
- Offering specialised programs, resources, and extracurricular activities;
Cons
- Costly and may not be accessible to all families;
- Some prioritise academic achievement over holistic development leading to a competitive and pressure filled learning environment;
International Schools
Pros
- Catering to a diverse student body;
- Promoting cross-cultural understanding;
- Offering enriched curriculum with a strong focus on holistic education;
- Providing opportunities for experiential learning, service projects, and cultural exchanges;
Cons
- Expensive tuition fees and expenses;
- Rigorous academic standards leading to undue stress for students;
Alternative Methods
Pros
- Montessori and Waldorf methods prioritise holistic development and individualised instruction;
- Home-schooling and online schooling offer flexibility and customisation in education;
- Forest schools integrate outdoor education and environmental awareness promoting physical health, creativity, and connection to the environment;
Cons
- May not be widely available or recognised;
- Requires a significant level of parental involvement and commitment;
- Limited social interaction compared to traditional schooling;
While each type of school has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of education, what matters most is the commitment of educators, parents, and communities to prioritise the holistic development of every child. By fostering supportive and nurturing environments that value creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, schools of all kinds can ensure that children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of the educational setting. This is why the Alesco Team is committed to getting to know and understand the culture of each school, so that we can find a good fit between the families and schools’ values.
Conclusion
Our vision at Alesco is to empower families with personalised education consultancy services, ensuring that every family receives the support and guidance they need to help their child to thrive academically and emotionally. We understand that each child is unique, with their own set of strengths, challenges, and aspirations. That’s why we tailor our services to meet the specific needs and preferences of each family we work with. We believe that when children feel supported, valued, and engaged in their learning, they are more likely to flourish academically and lead fulfilling lives.
As we continue our journey at Alesco, we remain committed to our mission of shaping a child-centric vision of academic success—one that prioritises well-being, happiness, and holistic development.