Since arriving at St. Paul’s, the new scholarship pupils have gradually been discovering the rhythm of the school and increasingly experiencing its challenges and opportunities. In this process of adaptation, each one finds their place, connects with classmates, and explores what the environment has to offer. In this post, we share a little about this journey, as well as the moments and impressions that mark the beginning of this new phase.
St. Paul’s, as an international school, has an educational approach characterised by a comprehensive formation and a robust curriculum. For those coming from a different background, this can be an initial shock, but also an opportunity for growth. The scholarship pupil Luiza Rios, from Form 5, shares: “These first weeks at St. Paul’s have been intense. The main challenges were adapting to the school’s fast pace and the learning method, but with the support of teachers and classmates I’m managing to adjust quickly.”
Gabriel Aron, a scholarship pupil from Form 4, also commented on the start in this new environment: “As a new and scholarship student, the beginning was a bit complicated, especially because I’m in Form 4 and needed to review all the Form 3 content to keep up with the IGCSE pace.”
For many scholars, the biggest challenge is not only the content, but the environment itself. “One thing that really struck me when moving from my previous school to St. Paul’s was having to leave the classroom to go to another lesson without getting lost or arriving late, but I’ve already managed to adapt,” said Maria Eduarda Paulin, a Form 3 scholar.
In addition, integrating with other pupils can be a common difficulty, but activities such as joining clubs, sports, or artistic groups have also been an important way to connect: “I’m trying lots of new things like choir, volleyball, PE… and loving all of them! St. Paul’s motivates me to give my best in everything I can,” shared Laura Bueno, a Form 4 scholarship pupil.
Although there are differences in background and references between scholarship and non-scholarship pupils, integration among them happens gradually. Many already feel part of the new academic context — as Filippo Xisto, a Form 3 scholar, shared: “I’m finding it an incredible experience, not only with the lessons and teachers, but also with the new friendships I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had. Every day I come here, I’m impressed by all the opportunities ahead of me and by the talents I’ll develop with those opportunities.”
Thus, the interaction with classmates and the continuous support from the school and the Foundation have proved decisive in this process. Over time, these differences tend to soften, consolidating an inclusive, collaborative, and enriching environment for everyone.