We are now more than halfway through the first semester of the St. Paul’s Foundation Prep Course, the most intensive phase in the Scholarship Programme’s Selection Process. During this period, candidates have been attending weekly English classes at St. Paul’s School, taught by volunteer teachers from the school. This experience has been enriching, not only academically but also in terms of personal growth and the development of new perspectives.
Our candidates and their parents have shared how the experience has been so far, offering valuable insights into the course’s impact on their lives.
For Gabriel, one of the candidates, the process has been welcoming and light, a sentiment echoed by many other students. His mother, Juliana, is enthusiastic about the transformation she has seen in her son: “Every Wednesday, he comes home excited about what he has learned and always says, ‘you have to meet the teachers!'”
Ana Rubia, mother of candidate Laís, highlights her daughter’s joy with each new discovery in the course: “It’s amazing to see her happiness as she learns so many new things each class, from the engaging school environment to the warm welcome from the Foundation team and the teachers.” She also points out how the sessions have been enriching beyond the academic aspect: “The meetings not only provide top-notch education, but also show how these lessons can be applied to real life,” says Ana Rubia.
Gabriela, mother of candidate Luiza, comments on how the Prep Course experience has contributed to her daughter’s personal development: “She has become more confident, developing and practicing her English in group settings and improving her communication skills.”
Luciana, mother of candidate Joaquim, is pleased to see how the course has sparked more interest and curiosity in her son: “He always comes home motivated, bringing lots of information, and he can clearly see the difference in the quality of the teaching, which boosts his interest, curiosity, and desire to learn and absorb everything the school offers.”
Adriano, father of candidate Miguel, initially thought the course would be more challenging due to the expectations of the selection process, but he was pleasantly surprised: “We thought that with all the activities and the pressure of being part of a selection process, it would be tough and exhausting, but on the contrary, he comes home with great enthusiasm and energy and always tells us how fun it was!”
For Yasmin, another course candidate, the learning goes beyond academic content: “We’re developing skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and communication.” She also mentions the positive impact the process has had on her family relationships: “I’ve enjoyed sharing what I learn with my mom, and it has sparked some great conversations at home. I feel like everyone is involved in this learning process.”
Beatriz, another candidate, emphasises the cultural aspect of the course: “I’ve made new friends and have already borrowed several books from the library, which are helping me improve my English. I never imagined I’d have the chance to experience a different culture in my day-to-day life.”
The Prep Course has been a transformative experience for both students and their families, reinforcing their commitment to learning and personal development. In the next semester, the selected students will move on to the next phase of the course, with classes three times a week at St. Paul’s School in various subjects.
We are excited to see what the future holds for this group!