---
title: "Learning Programmes — Business & STEM"
description: "Explore learning programmes at TISA in Lisbon: a project-based curriculum, the kids-Business program, and STEM (Science & Business) / CAD (Creative Arts & Design) tracks."
canonical: https://tisaschool.pt/learning/
lang: en
alternate: https://tisaschool.pt/pt/learning/
last-updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Learning Programmes — Business & STEM

Explore learning programmes at TISA in Lisbon: a project-based curriculum, the kids-Business program, and STEM (Science & Business) / CAD (Creative Arts & Design) tracks.

## Learning at TISA

TISA International School's Lisbon campus is an International Primary School where learning means doing — teaching children ages 3–12 through a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum, a signature 24-module entrepreneurship track, and specialized STEM and Creative Arts programmes.

## Our Programmes

Three pillars of education that work together to create well-rounded, future-ready learners.

### Core Curriculum

Our rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum provides a comprehensive education covering Math, English, Science, Sports, Arts, and Digital Literacy.

### TISA Business Programme

Our signature 24-module business education programme develops entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy from age 4 to 17.

### Professional Tracks

Students choose between STEM Track (robotics, coding, 3D modeling) or Creative Arts Track (music, drama, design) to develop specialized skills.

## How does TISA approach learning?

TISA is an International Primary School where learning means doing — an inquiry-based, project-based approach designed for students aged 3–12 that develops the whole child across academic, social, and creative dimensions.

Our curriculum organizes learning around transdisciplinary themes that cross traditional subject boundaries, building skills that transfer beyond the classroom into the world outside.

### Inquiry-Based Learning

Students construct meaning through exploration, questioning, and making connections to prior knowledge.

### Transdisciplinary Themes

Learning organized around global themes that cross traditional subject boundaries.

### Learner Profile

Developing attributes like being inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and principled.

### Assessment for Learning

Continuous feedback and reflection to support student growth and development.

## What does your child learn at TISA?

Our curriculum covers all essential learning areas while maintaining connections through transdisciplinary units of inquiry.

- Mathematics: Developing mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and numeracy skills through inquiry-based approaches.
- English Language Arts: Building strong literacy skills through reading, writing, speaking, and listening in authentic contexts.
- Portuguese Language: Native Portuguese instruction ensuring students develop fluency and cultural understanding of Portugal.
- Science: Exploring the natural world through experiments, observations, and scientific inquiry methods.
- Social Studies: Understanding our place in the world through geography, history, civics, and cultural exploration.
- Physical Education: Developing physical literacy, teamwork, and healthy habits through sports and movement activities.
- Visual Arts: Expressing creativity through various artistic media, developing aesthetic awareness and skills.
- Digital Literacy: Building essential technology skills, digital citizenship, and computational thinking for the modern world.

## Bilingual Excellence

At TISA, we believe multilingualism is essential for global citizenship. Our bilingual programme develops fluency in both English and Portuguese.

English serves as the primary language of instruction, ensuring students develop strong academic English skills. Portuguese is taught daily by native speakers, allowing students to integrate into Portuguese society and pursue further education in Portugal.

- Native-speaking teachers for English and Portuguese
- Portuguese instruction meets national standards
- Cultural immersion through events and field trips

## Learning Journey by Age

Our curriculum adapts to each developmental stage, ensuring age-appropriate challenges and growth.

### Pre-School (3-4 years)

Play-based learning, social skills, foundational literacy

### Primary (5-12 years)

Core academics, first business projects, track exploration

The pathway continues through Grade 7, with Cambridge Assessment marking progress along the way.

## Golden Hour & Tisacoins

Student-initiated project time, born the moment teachers noticed something remarkable.

Golden Hour began when teachers noticed students voluntarily spending their breaks working on personal ideas. Now it's a standing part of the week — time set aside for students to pursue projects that matter to them.

- Writing books
- Filming short movies
- Building apps
- Running a babysitting club
- Organizing the school library

## Enrichment & Field Trips

Learning that steps outside the classroom — competitions, excursions, and hands-on encounters with the real world.

### Competitions

- TIMO
- WRO Robotics
- Kangaroo Math
- Chess
- Cambridge Assessment

### Field Trips

- Dutch National Opera — The Nutcracker
- Space Expo
- NEMO Science Museum
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center
- Hortus Botanicus

### Grade 4–7 Business Trip to Germany

Older students travel to Germany to see business in action — visiting the Ritter Sport chocolate factory, the EU Parliament exhibition, and the Meissen porcelain manufactory.

## Professional Tracks

Students choose between STEM Track or Creative Arts Track to develop specialized skills alongside their core curriculum.

### STEM Track

For students passionate about technology, engineering, and scientific discovery. The STEM track develops problem-solving skills through hands-on projects in robotics, coding, and digital fabrication.

- Robotics Fundamentals: Building and programming robots using LEGO and Arduino
- Coding & Programming: From Scratch to Python, developing computational thinking
- 3D Design & Printing: Creating digital models and bringing them to life
- Electronics & Circuits: Understanding how electronic devices work
- App Development: Creating mobile applications for real-world problems
- Data Science Intro: Analyzing data and creating visualizations

### Creative Arts Track

For students with a passion for artistic expression and creative storytelling. The Creative Arts track develops creativity, self-expression, and artistic technique across multiple mediums.

- Music Production: Creating and recording original music compositions
- Drama & Theatre: Acting, stagecraft, and performance skills
- Visual Arts Studio: Painting, sculpture, and mixed media exploration
- Digital Design: Graphic design, video editing, and animation
- Creative Writing: Storytelling, poetry, and journalism
- Photography: Capturing stories through the lens

## TISA Business Programme

What sets TISA apart is our unique 24-module business education programme that develops entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy from age 4 to 17.

- 24 progressive modules across 4 phases
- Real business projects and internships
- Financial literacy from early years
- Partnership with industry leaders

## Ready to Start the Journey?

Schedule a tour to see our innovative learning environment in action.

## FAQ

### What framework does TISA's curriculum follow?

TISA follows a project-based, inquiry-driven curriculum designed for students ages 3–12, focused on inquiry-based learning and developing the whole child.

### What are the three pillars of the TISA programme?

The programme is built on three pillars: Academics (Math, English, Dutch, Science, Sports, Digital Literacy, and more), the TISA Business Programme (24 entrepreneurship modules), and Arts (Arts and Crafts, Music, Drama).

### What is the TISA Business Programme?

The TISA Business Programme is a professional business education track for children ages 4–18. It covers 24 modules developing creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership. Students work in teams and present at the end of each module in December and May.

### What 21st-century skills does TISA develop?

TISA develops eleven skills: Creativity, Digital Literacy, Design Thinking, Financial Literacy, Critical Thinking, Field Research, Problem Solving, Systems Thinking, Data Analysis, Project Management, and Ecological Thinking.

### Is there after-school care available?

Yes. After-School Care is open from 15:00 to 19:00 every working day. It includes social games, creative workshops, cooking, experiments, and field trips linked to the curriculum.

### What languages are used at TISA?

English is the primary language of instruction. Dutch is taught daily by native speakers, meeting national standards and allowing students to integrate into Dutch society.

## Related pages

- [Home](https://tisaschool.pt/)
- [Admission](https://tisaschool.pt/admission/)
- [Contact](https://tisaschool.pt/contact/)
- [Learning](https://tisaschool.pt/learning/)
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