Critical thinking, global awareness, and lifelong learning will continue to be essential in ensuring that students are outward-facing, says Martin Harris, Headmaster, at United Lisbon International School
We are living in a time of unprecedented global mobility, and the role of international schools in preparing students to thrive in this environment cannot be overstated. The International Baccalaureate (IB) – the widely recognised education programme for students aged 3-18 – has become a cornerstone of this effort, shaping students who are academically accomplished, globally aware, and culturally sensitive.
The value of the International Baccalaureate
The IB is not just an academic programme; it is a philosophy of education that prioritises the development of the whole person – intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. It encourages students to think critically, challenge assumptions, and engage with complex global issues from multiple perspectives. This approach prepares students for success in higher education and life beyond the classroom.
One of the distinguishing features of the IB is its focus on global citizenship. The programme emphasises understanding and appreciating different cultures, a vital attribute in our interconnected world. This global outlook is reflected in the diverse student bodies of international schools, where students from various nationalities learn together, fostering mutual respect and cross-cultural understanding. United Lisbon is proud to have over 50 nationalities represented in its student body.
The IB’s rigorous curriculum is highly regarded by universities worldwide, particularly valued for its emphasis on independent research and critical thinking. Many leading universities recognise the IB as a gold standard qualification, often offering preferential admission to IB students.
For example, the first cohort of United Lisbon International School’s IB Diploma Programme students achieved outstanding results, with many receiving offers from some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Duke University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Brown University in the United States; and leading institutions across Europe such as Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, IE University in Madrid, University of Amsterdam, King’s College and St Andrews.
ULIS: A success story
There are now close to fifty international schools in Portugal. United Lisbon International School (ULIS) has quickly established itself as a leader in international education since its opening in 2020, guiding pupils from nursery through to eighteen. The school’s first cohort of IB students achieved exceptional results, with many scoring above the global average and securing places at top universities worldwide. This success is a testament to the hard work of the students, the dedication of the faculty, and the supportive community that ULIS has fostered. The school was the first European partner school for Duke’s Education, marking the group’s expansion into Europe.
The school’s success is further underscored by its strategic location and ongoing expansion. Situated in Lisbon’s Oriente district, near Parque das Nações – a hub of technological innovation – ULIS is perfectly positioned to provide students with a cutting-edge education that is both globally relevant and locally rooted. The area’s growth as a “technology district” offers unique opportunities for partnerships and learning experiences aligned with the school’s focus on technology, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship.
ULIS is also expanding its campus to accommodate its growing student body and ensure it provides an educational experience of the highest quality in both breadth and depth. The new facilities, which include state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, maker spaces, and a 250-seat auditorium, will double the existing school area. This expansion reflects ULIS’s commitment to providing a world-class education in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Looking ahead
The future of international education is bright, with schools like ULIS continuing to lead the way. The principles of the International Baccalaureate – critical thinking, global awareness, and lifelong learning – will continue to be essential in ensuring that students are outward-facing. At United Lisbon, these are the qualities we hope will equip our students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century and contribute meaningfully to the world.
I am reminded of the words of the great Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa: “Viver é ser outro”, in English: “To live is to be other.” In education, as in life, we must embrace the other – the other perspective, the other culture, the other way of thinking. It is through this that we truly learn and grow.
Further information
www.unitedlisbon.school
