The two-week residency from the beginning of March aimed to cultivate confidence, creativity, collaboration, and compassion among students from Year 2 to 9 through immersive arts education.

Renowned for her roles in "Mama Mia" and "Sweeny Todd," Lucy May Barker, along with rising theatre star Tom Dickerson, led students through a whirlwind of theatrical exploration. The first week saw children from Year 2 to Year 5 engage in a "play-in-a-day" workshop, culminating in captivating performances of classic musical numbers.

The energy and enthusiasm of the professional actors ignited a passion for performance in the students, with many experiencing the thrill of live theatre for the first time. Samuel, a Year 4 student, expressed his delight in being part of "Oliver," particularly enjoying its happy conclusion.

During the second week in the school in Alcabideche, Lisbon, students in Years 6 to 8 paid homage to Roald Dahl's "Matilda," under the guidance of Adam Jacques, Musical Director of Arts International. The residency fostered collaboration and creativity across different age groups, culminating in awe-inspiring performances that left audiences spellbound.

Mr. Chris Starling, Head of School, IPS Cascais British International School, lauded the partnership's transformative impact, emphasising the students' remarkable growth and courage. Dr. Andrew Lee, CEO of Arts International, highlighted the broader goal of equipping students with essential life skills beyond the stage.

As the partnership flourishes, with sister schools Nobel Algarve British International School in Lagoa and Almancil joining in, students like Eloise from Year 7 are left with indelible memories. Eloise described the experience as "the best day of my entire life", capturing the spirit of creativity and joy that permeated the collaboration. Esther, also from Year 7, reflected on learning about the "4Cs" of confidence, creativity, collaboration, and compassion.

The partnership between Globeducate’s three British International schools in Portugal, and Arts International exemplifies the transformative power of arts education, preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing world by fostering confidence, creativity, and empathy.

About IPS Cascais British International School

IPS Cascais prides itself on the warmth of its welcome to children and parents from around the world. It is a relatively small school of around 350 children, but almost 40 different nationalities make up the close-knit community. Situated 25km to the west of Lisbon, IPS attracts families living in Cascais and the surrounding localities, from Oeiras to Sintra.

This international, vibrant community helps to create a learning environment that fosters a global understanding; appreciating cultures, as well as each other. The school is proud of the high academic standards achieved by the children and encourages them to achieve their best in all aspects of the curriculum.

IPS Cascais has been teaching the National Curriculum of England for 40 years, starting all the way back in 1982. In 2010, IPS Cascais moved into its sustainable, purpose-built facilities that are ideal for Primary Education. The construction of a new purpose-built Secondary School is underway and it is planned for its doors to open in 2025. Over the coming years, IPS will offer year groups FS1 to Year 13.

The school is proud member of Globeducate, one of the world’s leading K12 education groups with 60+ premium bilingual and international schools, and online programmes, in 12 countries, educating more than 40,000 students. Being a member of Globeducate’s British International Schools (GBIS) brings many benefits such as global events, partnerships, and learning communities for areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Outdoor Learning, STEAM and Reading and Writing. Students and teachers collaborate with others on projects such as LEGO® Education and through partnerships with WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and Eco-Schools, and a recent partnership with Arts International, a performing arts project. The group’s vision is to prepare each student to become a global citizen who can shape the world.