Located in the historic city of Amarante, in northern Portugal, Escola Secundária de Amarante is a public institution offering intermediate and secondary education. With a student population of 1,332 across regular and vocational classes, this school is committed to providing high-quality educational services that support teenagers’ overall growth. By promoting students’ intellectual, social, and emotional development, the school serves as a driving force for the social and economic progress of the community.
The school benefits from a teaching staff of 142, with 80% of them holding permanent positions, creating a stable and cohesive working environment. These dedicated teachers, always open to growth and improvement, share best educational practices and are fully committed to supporting students from disadvantaged social and economic backgrounds. Despite the challenges posed by these conditions, the school environment is enriched by values of generosity, solidarity, respect, and tolerance, making it a place where inclusion and growth truly thrive.
Modern Facilities and Innovative Approach
Celebrating its 57th anniversary, Escola Secundária de Amarante boasts modern, well-equipped facilities thanks to recent renovation and expansion works. Each classroom is outfitted with state-of-the-art ICT tools, enhancing the learning experience and enabling students to develop essential digital skills for today’s world. The school also has considerable experience in Erasmus+ projects, having undertaken two KA1 projects focused on ICT skill development and project-based learning with curriculum flexibility. 
International Projects and Collaborations
Over the years, the institution has participated as a partner in five Erasmus+ projects and recently completed a KA201 project dedicated to emotional management. Topics covered in these projects include environmental sustainability, folk culture, economic literacy, entrepreneurship, and the CLIL methodology. Recently, the school has been awarded VET Accreditation, further expanding learning and collaboration opportunities for both students and teachers.
Among the innovative initiatives undertaken by Escola Secundária de Amarante is the national “Innovation Plan,” which introduced new subjects on citizenship, health, and environment at the intermediate and secondary levels, with a focus on developing students’ soft skills. Additionally, the “Young Entrepreneurs – Building the Future” project, organized by the Business Association of Amarante, fosters youth entrepreneurship and brings together national and local partnerships to support this cause.
The school is part of the ECOescolas network, dedicated to environmental education, and has its own club called ESAambiente, which focuses on environmental issues and sustainability. The school also offers a club for emotional management and another for fitness, showcasing a commitment to students’ overall well-being.
A Dedicated and Motivated Team
The EUdemos project brings together a motivated and dynamic team, led by Laura Pinheiro, Erasmus+ project coordinator, and including experienced and passionate teachers: Cristina Afonso, English teacher; Isabel Araújo, school librarian; Margarida Teixeira, Economics teacher; Orlando Teixeira, Geography teacher; and Vânia Ferraz, English teacher. This team is excited to delve into topics related to European institutions, EU values, and Human Rights, keen to raise student awareness on the importance of European citizenship.
Escola Secundária de Amarante exemplifies how an educational institution can be a catalyst for change, leveraging resources and international collaborations to address local challenges while promoting an inclusive and future-oriented vision. With the EUdemos project, the school is committed to strengthening the European spirit and fostering in its students a sense of belonging to a broader community, based on shared values and active citizenship.
