After a full term of immersion in English with classes at St. Paul’s School and Cultura Inglesa, and a lot of dedication from our candidates, the second stage of the preparatory course begins as part of St. Paul’s Foundation selection process. In this new term, the immersive experience is expanded: scholarship applicants delve into the various subjects and routines in St. Paul’s School.
Volunteer St. Paul’s teachers lead lessons on various subjects three times a week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), most of which are in English. This helps candidates to familiarize themselves with the school’s educational approach, as well as the type of content that is developed within the curriculum. During this time, candidates can also understand whether the school’s profile aligns with their expectations, dreams, and goals for the future.
Students have already shown themselves to be full of energy in this first week of preparatory classes and shared a little of what they feel about the course: enthusiasm, joy and some anxiety about what should come in the following term sessions.
While waiting for the class time at 3:30 pm, candidates usually stay in the school library, and the Learning Resource Center team tells us what it has been like to receive students in space. Coordinator Natalia Leoni says that they take full advantage of the available titles: “It draws our attention that they are very interested in the collection, in picking up new and different materials, and it shows that they are pleased to be here and participate in the course”, she says. “The students are very polite and interested; many pick up several books and like to talk about what they are reading. It is very positive to have them here. We really like their presence in the space”, adds librarian Hadassa Itepan. Assistant Larissa Santos highlights the interaction between foundation candidates and current students at St. Paul’s. “The pupil community’s engagement with candidates looks promising. We’ve already seen several curious Pauleans spontaneously positively interacting with them.”
Throughout the course, our team will evaluate and closely monitor students, always aiming to provide the best learning experience. The preparatory course goes until the end of May and will also have tests in the middle and end of the academic term.
In addition to the teaching staff at St. Paul’s and their pedagogical follow-up, we also count on the help of other professionals who are part of the selection process. Also, during this term, candidates and their families will talk to social assistance worker and a neuropsychologist to assess the structure and support of the family environment and the socio-emotional and psychological profile of the candidate.
Candidates in this selection process compete for scholarships to join St. Paul’s School in August 2023.