At St. Paul’s School, pupils not only receive an exceptional education, but are also prepared to face global challenges with confidence and competence. Throughout Senior School and the Sixth Form, pupils have the opportunity to engage in two of the most recognised and demanding international curricula: the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and the IB (International Baccalaureate).
These programmes are integrated into the school’s curriculum, becoming a key experience that all of our scholars undergo throughout their journey at St. Paul’s.
Find out more about these programmes below:
IGCSE: a solid foundation beyond the academic aspect
The IGCSE is offered to students during the Forms 4 and 5 at St. Paul’s. This curriculum encourages pupil centered and inquiry-based approaches to learning. Jon Dicks, Assistant Head of Curriculum at the school, describes the IGCSEs as “a rigorous and challenging course, which establishes a solid foundation of knowledge in the core subject areas as well as optional subjects across the humanities, arts, computing and languages”.
Optional subjects offered at IGCSE include Global Perspectives, Spanish, French and a range of arts electives such as Music, Music Technology, Art, Drama and Creative Media Production.
IGCSE exams take place twice a year, in June and November, and students are assessed on a grading scale from G to A*, with A* being the highest. These assessments are carried out by Cambridge Assessment International Education, a body external to the school, and their application is similar to a “vestibular”, with strict rules for the arrival and departure of students and an exam conduct.
IB: beyond access to university
The IB, or International Baccalaureate, is a diploma for Sixth Form students. This curriculum is designed for pupils who desire a more in-depth academic challenge and an education that goes beyond the traditional content.
Over the two years, pupils take six subjects from different academic areas, either at Standard or Higher Level. They also focus on mandatory topics that form part of the IB’s holistic approach. There is a specific discipline for thinking critically about the act of learning (Theory of Knowledge); and IB Learners also need to carry out independent research and a dissertation on a topic of interest (the Extended Essay), and carry out community service work (Creativity, Activity and Service).
Subjects are graded on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest score. These grades are combined into points, totaling up to a maximum of 45 points. IB not only focuses on content, but also on enriching their world view and core values. This diploma is an important tool for access to higher education and is accepted by universities around the world.
Differences and advantages
While the IGCSE establishes a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, IB goes further, encouraging students to think critically, engage in independent action and contribute to the community. Both curricula offer exceptional preparation for university education and life’s challenges.
Dr. Jon Dicks highlights that “the IB is a difficult path to follow, but our students finish the programme with the skills, knowledge and mental agility to face any challenges that come their way.”
Although its explicit aim is not to prepare the pupils for the “vestibular”, the skills and knowledge pupils acquire through the course matches everything pupils would study in a Brazilian school. Many pupils who complete the IB at St. Paul’s, after a preparation period in “cursinho”, gain entry into top universities in Brazil.
A growing number of institutions in Brazil recognise and accept the IB diploma without the requirement of a regular “vestibular”, such as FGV, FIA and ESPM.