Empowering Self-Awareness, Empathy, and Purposeful Decision-Making
At Leiria International School, we believe that academic success goes hand in hand with emotional well-being. That’s why we integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into our curriculum—from our youngest learners in Primary to our Secondary students preparing for life beyond school.
Emotional intelligence is not about suppressing feelings. It’s about recognizing them, understanding their root causes, and learning how to respond with intention rather than reaction. We don’t teach our students to control emotions—we guide them to identify, understand, and express them in ways that support healthier relationships and clearer thinking.
Primary School: Building the Foundations
In Primary, Social-Emotional lessons are woven into the rhythm of the school week. Through circle time, reflective journaling, storytelling, and collaborative play, students explore:
Who they are: Developing a strong sense of identity and self-worth
How to relate: Practicing empathy, active listening, and inclusive behaviors
Why emotions matter: Naming their feelings, understanding the “why” behind them, and finding strategies to manage big emotions
By nurturing these foundations early, we create a learning environment where children feel safe, seen, and supported—a key to meaningful learning and growth.
Secondary School: Deepening Self-Understanding
As students grow, so does the complexity of their emotional and social worlds. In Lower and Upper Secondary, our SEL approach evolves to include:
Critical reflection on emotional triggers and personal values
Group discussions around social dynamics, stress, and ethical decision-making
Workshops on digital well-being, healthy relationships, and mental health awareness
We create space for teenagers to explore not only what they feel—but why they feel it, and how to navigate the decisions and relationships that shape their lives.
In Upper Secondary, we integrate Unifrog, a powerful platform that supports students in aligning their strengths, interests, and goals with informed personal and academic decisions. From career pathways to university choices, Unifrog allows students to connect emotional insight with real-world action
A Caring, Inclusive Community
Emotional intelligence is not just taught—it’s lived. At LIS, we strive to build a community where kindness is a strength, listening is a practice, and every student learns that they matter. Our goal is to cultivate learners who not only thrive academically but who also lead with empathy, reflect with courage, and act with integrity.
