User:Larsipsheger/sandbox

Introduction
The International Preparatory School is a private school in Cascais, Portugal. It was opened in 1982, with only 10 children but grew to an enrolment of about 180 before moving to purpose built premise in 2010. Present enrolment is 250.

As a primary school, it takes children from 3 to 11 years of age. With over 30 nationalities it is very international but English is the dominate language the children use in the playground and classrooms.

Education
It uses the English National Curriculum starting from the Foundation stage in its Nursery and Reception Classes through Key Stage 1 in Year 1 and 2 and Key Stage 2 from Year 3 to 6. Children sit the Key Stage 2 Tasks and Tests at the end of Year 6 and are prepared to enter secondary schools either in the local area or international secondary schools in their home countries.

Facilities
IPS is a modern colourful school with spacious light airy classrooms, large playing areas and rooms for specialist teachers such as music, art and gym. It's main atrium plays host to a vaiety of events throughout the year from PTA events to school performances.

Membership
IPS is licensed by the Portuguese Ministry of Education (ME), is a member of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), and the Portuguese Associação de Estabelecimentos de Ensino Particular e Cooperative (AEEP). It is recognised by the Stichting Nederlands Onderwijs in het Buitenland (NOB), by the British Service Children's Educational Authority (SCEA) and the US Department of Defense (DOD) and US Department of State.