“Nobel Algarve draws families from around the world, some of whom may not be familiar with southern Portugal. We feel the new name will assist parents in finding our primary school and exploring what we have to offer their Early Years and Primary students,” said Mr Farrer.
The Nobel International School Algarve’s Lagos campus accepts children from Pre-Reception to Year 5 (three to ten years of age). Pre-School students are taught in Portuguese and English, while students in Years 1 to 5 follow the British education system. Small class sizes allow the experienced, qualified teachers to provide one-to-one instruction and small group lessons as well as whole class teaching. The extensive school grounds offer three large play areas with climbing frames, swings, slides, other play equipment, as well as a large gym and all-weather football pitch.
As part of the Nobel Education Network of international schools, Nobel Algarve provides distinct educational advantages. The Lagos campus maintains close links with Nobel International Algarve at Lagoa, which gives older children the opportunity to join pupils there at sporting events, ski trips and camping holidays. It also eases the transition from Primary to Secondary education. The schools frequently come together for whole school shows, educational trips and teacher training, which ensures that pupils at Nobel Lagos enjoy both a small, safe, friendly primary school and the benefits of belonging to Nobel, a modern, dynamic network of international schools.
As Head of School, Mr Farrer brings more than 25 years of experience in international education to Nobel Algarve, having taught and served as Senior Housemaster at St Alban’s College and Founding Senior Headmaster of Pecanwood College in South Africa. His goals for Nobel Algarve include building enrolment, particularly among international students, continuing to enhance the quality of inquiry-based learning, and creating new offerings that encourage students to explore nature and the world around them.
The theme of Discovery, reflecting the proud Portuguese history of exploration, runs through every aspect of the school’s academic programme and campus life. Mr Farrer plans to build upon that theme, introducing learning activities and extra-curricular programmes that invite students to leave the classroom and experience nature, culture, history and tradition first-hand.
“I want to take children out of their comfort zone,” Mr Farrer says. “Young people today live in an almost virtual world. They experience life on a screen. I want to take them out of that and let them see what it’s like in the real world.”
Students and families at Nobel Algarve’s Lagos campus and the main campus in Lagoa can look forward to more positive changes as Mr Farrer further defines and implements his vision for the school.
“Nobel Algarve has a tradition of academic excellence and a spirit of discovery that truly excites both students and faculty,” said Mr Farrer. “It excites me, too. I know that, together, we can continue to build a learning environment that inspires and motivates our students to be compassionate, determined global citizens.”
The Lagos campus, which accepts children from 3 to 11 years (Pre-school and Primary), is already accepting new enrolments for the next school year and those who enroll by the 17 June will be offered free Summer School (from 4 July to 12 August).
Information, visits and enrolments: lagos@nobelalgarve.com