Beyond the Classroom: Why Education is About More than Exams

At A-level, our graduating students achieved excellent results and are now embarking on exciting journeys: to the University of York, the University of Reading, and to universities in Madrid and Lisbon. Their results are ones of which they - and their teachers - can be very proud. At GCSE, AIS recorded its highest ever number of top grades, with more pupils than ever before gaining 8s and 9s, the highest marks available in the UK system.

But while we celebrate these academic achievements, they are only one part of what we consider success. Education is not only about exams. Schools are places where children discover who they are, what they value, and how they can contribute to the world. At Aspire, we believe that a holistic education - one that nurtures the whole child – goes beyond simple academic excellence.

The Transformative Power of Leadership

Few things capture this more clearly than our Leadership Programme, which has given students the chance to grow in ways no exam can measure. Ariana, a student in Year 11, spoke at last year’s ceremony about the effect the programme had has on her:

“I knew I wanted to grow, to push myself, and to try something new. So I signed up – and that one decision changed everything. I’ve become more organised, more responsible, more creative – and much braver. I’ve done things I didn’t think I was capable of doing.”

Ariana’s words capture why we place such importance on character alongside subject knowledge.

Drama, Music, and the Arts

Creative opportunities are also at the heart of a rounded education. Last year’s school play, Backstage Betrayal: A Dramatic Exit, written by teachers Bethany Blakemore and Emma Batten, combined music, theatre, and plenty of mystery. It was a triumph of teamwork and talent, and perhaps most importantly, of personal growth.

Ava, one of the cast, reflected:

“At first, I was nervous about taking part as I was new to the school. But it was the most amazing experience and an easy way to make new friends… The play boosted my confidence with all the students, teachers, friends and parents coming to watch. It felt like a community of people.”

Ffion, who played the detective, shared a similar story:

“Being part of this production showed me how much I can achieve when I step out of my comfort zone. I’m really looking forward to participating in the next one.”

And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Auditions are already underway for this year’s production, My Fierce Lady, Bethany Blakemore’s interpretation of Pygmalion and My Fair Lady. Students are eager to return to the stage, and the anticipation of another creative journey is already filling the school with energy.

Music is another important aspect of our holistic approach. Catherine Francis, our music teacher, points to the wealth of research showing that music education boosts memory, problem-solving, and wellbeing. During exam season in particular, music offers a vital outlet for creativity and stress relief. Students at Aspire benefit not only from classroom music but also from one-to-one tuition in strings, guitar and drums with Catherine and her husband, Dr Paul Francis. Pupils Henry Cassells Brooksbank and Alberto Madeira even formed a band with Dr Francis to perform his original music during the play - a collaboration that embodied the joy of shared creativity.

Sport, Community, and Connection

Sport plays a vital role in our pupils’ development. From regular PE lessons to growing opportunities for inter-school competition, physical activity builds resilience, teamwork, and pride. We are excited to expand our sporting links with local schools, creating friendships and healthy rivalries across the Algarve.

Holistic education also means engaging with the wider community. At our Multicultural Fair, families shared food, music, and traditions while raising money for charity. Our Spring Fair focused on sustainability, with students designing and running their own stalls as young entrepreneurs. Proceeds went to local tree-planting initiatives—an inspiring example of enterprise linked to environmental responsibility.

Primary pupils regularly practise their Portuguese and maths skills at the local farmers’ market, buying fruit and vegetables directly from stallholders. Others visit the nearby elderly people’s home, forging friendships across generations. These simple but powerful experiences remind students that education is about being part of a community and contributing to something larger than themselves.

Why Holistic Matters

None of this diminishes the importance of exam results. Quite the opposite: our experience shows that when children are engaged, motivated, and given space to explore their talents, their academic performance flourishes too. But grades are not the only measure of success. As educators and parents, our task is to prepare young people not just to pass exams, but to live full, meaningful, and purposeful lives.

At AIS, we are proud that our students achieve academically. But we are just as proud when they act with kindness, show initiative, take to the stage, make music, or give back to the community. These are the moments that shape character, and it is character that shapes the future.

For more information, please contact Aspire International School on (+351) 289 392 238.