St. Paul’s School brings to its pupils the richness and tradition of British education, incorporating practices and resources that go beyond the educational system we are most familiar with here in Brazil. Elements such as assemblies, the house system, half-term breaks, and other aspects of the UK curriculum ensure a comprehensive education aligned with international standards. With the support of Dr Jon Dicks, Assistant Head of Curriculum in the Senior School, we explore how these features help prepare St. Paul’s pupils for future academic and personal challenges.
Assemblies
One of the hallmarks of British education present at St. Paul’s is assemblies – weekly gatherings that bring the entire school community together to celebrate achievements, share important information, and reflect on core values. “They help pupils develop confidence, public speaking skills, and a shared sense of identity,” explains Dr Dicks.
House System
The house system at St. Paul’s School in São Paulo is derived from the traditional British model used in schools across the United Kingdom. Its aim is to foster a sense of community, belonging, and collaboration among pupils. Each scholar is assigned to a house – Stuart, Tudor, or Windsor – which they remain part of throughout their school journey. Houses have leadership roles among both pupils and teachers and compete in a variety of academic, sporting, artistic, and community service activities, encouraging active participation, teamwork, and the development of social and emotional skills.
Half-Term
Similar to some Brazilian schools, St. Paul’s observes a one-week break that splits each school term in two, known as half-term. During these days, pupils and teachers have a pause from lessons. This break allows time for physical and mental rest, enabling everyone to recharge and continue learning with renewed energy. The half-term encourages a more balanced study rhythm and helps maintain focus and well-being throughout the year.
PSHE
The PSHE programme (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) is an essential component of British education, also present at St. Paul’s. Through PSHE, pupils develop social and emotional skills, learn about health, ethics, relationships, citizenship, and personal finance. Dr Dicks emphasises that these subjects are vital for preparing pupils for life beyond the classroom and for facing contemporary challenges responsibly and resiliently.
Academic Milestones
Another important feature is the academic milestones that structure pupils’ development over the years. At 16, pupils take the IGCSE exams (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), which is the international version of the GCSE used in the UK. This certificate evaluates knowledge across a range of subjects and is recognised internationally, providing a solid foundation for further study – in the case of St. Paul’s, the IB (International Baccalaureate). By 18, pupils prepare for the final exams that open doors to top universities in Brazil and abroad: the IB exams, internationally recognised for their excellence and for fostering logical and critical thinking skills.
By combining the tradition and quality of both the British and Brazilian curricula, St. Paul’s School offers an educational model that values both academic knowledge and personal development. This integrated approach prepares students not only for academic challenges but also to become critical, conscious citizens ready to engage in a globalised world.