Third Cycle
Third Cycle

Third Cycle

Students aged 12 to 15 consolidate essential skills and knowledge while developing a lasting passion for learning. By the end of the Third Cycle, they are ready to take the next step in their educational journey, choosing between an academic or professional specialisation.

Excellent academic results

Colégio Monte Maior students achieve excellent results in Year 9 National Final Exams in Portuguese and Mathematics.

3.79/5

Average results in the national Portuguese exam

3.39/5

Average results in the national Mathematics exam

Curriculum

Through an excellent Portuguese National Curriculum, learners foster critical thinking, scientific enquiry, problem-solving and digital literacy while preparing for High School. 

Portuguese

Exploring language and imagination

Students in the 3rd Cycle strengthen their reading, writing and communication skills, learning to express ideas with clarity, purpose and creativity.

Through literary and non-literary texts, structured writing and oral expression, they expand their vocabulary, deepen comprehension and develop analytical thinking. They learn to argue coherently, interpret meaning in depth and use language as a powerful tool for thought, citizenship and personal expression.

Portuguese

Mathematics

Solving real-life problems through logic and numbers

Students in the 3rd Cycle deepen their understanding of Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and problem solving, learning to think critically and apply mathematical tools with confidence.

Through patterns, relationships and real-life situations, they strengthen numerical fluency, logical reasoning and the ability to justify their thinking. They use Mathematics as a universal language for decision-making, technology and everyday life, preparing for future academic and professional challenges with autonomy, creativity and resilience.

Mathematics

Physical Education

Strengthen body and mind through movement

Students continue to develop physical condition, coordination and teamwork skills. They participate in a wider variety of sports and physical challenges, while also learning about personal health, safety and the importance of physical practice throughout life.

Physical Education

English

Gaining confidence in a foreign language

As their English skills develop, students work with more complex grammatical structures, vocabulary and text types. They read and write more accurately, participate in discussions and express opinions on various topics, strengthening confidence and fluency in a global language.

English

History

Studying the past to build a better future

Students explore key events, figures and transformations in Portuguese and world history. They analyse how national identities have evolved over time and learn to interpret historical sources, think critically and make connections between the past and the present. They develop civic awareness, historical empathy and an understanding of the social, cultural and political contexts that shape today’s world, promoting active citizenship, reflection and responsibility for our collective future.

History

Geography

Discover different cultures and understand the place that each one occupies in the world

Students in the 3rd Cycle explore the world by understanding the connections between natural phenomena, human diversity, society and the environment.

Through Geography, they develop critical thinking, curiosity and global awareness, learning to make informed decisions and act responsibly in response to current and future challenges. This approach encourages active citizenship and a strong respect for sustainability.

Geography

Natural Sciences

Investigating the world through curiosity and discovery

Students continue to explore living systems, ecosystems and the environment, developing scientific enquiry skills through observation, research and experimentation.

By deepening their understanding of natural systems and the relationship between humans and the environment, they build a strong sense of responsibility and sustainability. Students learn to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to the protection of the planet.

Natural Sciences

Physics and Chemistry

Explore through experimentation

Students discover the fundamentals of physical and chemical phenomena, exploring how matter and energy behave through experiments and scientific models.

By observing, analysing and predicting outcomes, they develop scientific reasoning and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Students also explore practical applications in everyday life and reflect on the impact of science and technology on society, the environment and future innovation.

Physics and Chemistry

Understanding yourself through creative expression

Understanding yourself through creative expression

Explore techniques, tools and artistic concepts in greater depth. Our 3rd cycle students analyse images, express themselves creatively and develop visual literacy, also acquiring an understanding of the cultural and communicative power of the visual arts. They experiment with diverse materials, reflect on works and historical contexts, and create personal projects that reveal identity, critical thinking, and aesthetic sensitivity.

Understanding yourself through creative expression

Citizenship and Development

Understanding diversity through unity

Learners understand their rights, responsibilities and role in society, exploring themes such as equality, democracy, sustainability and intercultural understanding.

By analysing real social issues, debating collective solutions and developing intervention projects, they build ethical awareness and a strong sense of civic participation. Students learn to promote justice, respect diversity and engage actively with both local and global communities.

Citizenship and Development

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Developing digital skills for an interconnected world

Students consolidate their digital skills through programming, multimedia, digital communication and online safety activities.

By using technology responsibly and creatively, they prepare for a world where digital competence is essential. Students explore tools, solve real problems, collaborate on digital projects and reflect on ethics, privacy and the impact of technology on their future personal, social and professional lives.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Artistic Expression and Emotion

Unleashing the inner self

For one transformative hour per week, students are invited to explore their emotions and inner world in a safe and supportive space. Through the chosen means of expression, be it movement, art or music, they give voice to their feelings, unlocking creativity and self-exploration.

Guided by a teacher, they reflect and share their experiences with colleagues, promoting connection, empathy and understanding. This practice goes beyond simple expression: it is a journey of healing, trust and freedom to be truly seen.

Artistic Expression and Emotion

A typical day in our Third Cycle

Every day is a step towards preparing students for the challenges of Secondary School and for the future.

Core learning pillars

In the Third Cycle, students strengthen their skills and explore more advanced subjects, preparing confidently for the challenges of Secondary School.

  • Academic achievement

    Academic achievement

    Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.

  • Life competencies

    Life competencies

    Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.

  • Multilingualism

    Multilingualism

    Develop proficiency in at least one world language, while being supported in home or first languages.

  • International opportunities

    International opportunities

    Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.

  • Life & career pathways

    Life & career pathways

    Benefit from personalised guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path.

When to enrol?

At Colégio Monte Maior, flexible enrolment is available for the Third Cycle throughout the year. The admissions team is here to answer your questions and help you choose the most suitable start date for your child.

Andreia Veloso Guerreiro

The iMonte Project has helped to integrate digital technologies into everyday school life in an intentional and pedagogical way, promoting more active, participatory and student-centred teaching methods.

Andreia Veloso Guerreiro, ICT Teacher and iMonte Project Lead

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Master key concepts, strengthen essential skills and prepare for national exams with confidence at Colégio Monte Maior.

Enquire now