ARCHITECT’S DRAWINGS for the construction of the new International School of São Lourenço (EISL) building in Almancil have been unveiled by Plan Associated Architects, the award winning company based in Quinta do Lago.
The new school, costing 6.5 million euros, is due to break ground in spring 2009 and is predicted to open its doors to students in September 2010.
The school has been a project for many years, as the current buildings are becoming older, with the increasing number of students outgrowing the facilities.
The new educational facility will include information, computer and technology suites, music and performing arts rooms, and studios for art and design as well as science and technology rooms.
In addition to equipped classrooms, the new building will accommodate 350 students in a single 4,800sqm building.
Speaking at the unveiling this month, Terry McGuire, head teacher of the school, said: “The academic results for our students last year were outstanding. Based on the UK GCSE measurement, our students achieved an 86 per cent standard as opposed to the UK average of 46 per cent. This places our existing school in the top 15 per cent of international schools worldwide.”
He added: “Our new facilities can only help us build on this achievement. International School São Lourenço, through its dedicated and professional teaching staff, will continue to strive for excellence.
“Our new enlarged school building will allow us to recruit more students, continue to engage our students in appropriate and relevant learning, and provide more facilities to ensure exceptional international education standards here in the Algarve.”
EISL currently has 41 members of staff and 260 students from various nationalities including British, Dutch and Portuguese.
Although the school’s curriculum is based on the national English and Welsh system, it also aims to help its students develop the Portuguese language and an understanding of Portuguese culture.
EISL provides student facilities from nursery, age three to university entrance.
For more information contact the school on 289 398 328 or visit the website www.algarveinternationalschool.net
