As an institution directly connected to the British community and culture, with a goal to transform lives through a high-end international education, St. Paul’s Foundation sees the English language as one of its key tools to positively impact the whole society. It is a vital aspect of our scholarship programme that fundamentally prepares young people for a globalised world, while it is both a tool to open doors to opportunities, but also a way to empower students in their personal journeys.
Although all selection process candidates must be able to effectively communicate in English to apply to the scholarship programme, the preparatory course stage offer weekly sessions in the language, at St. Paul’s School, with teachers from the school. Candidates also sit a full term of online classes at Cultura Inglesa. This immersive preparation programme equips pupils with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an English-based educational environment and the impact goes beyond the selection process and the St. Paul’s environment.
Learning a second language can bring many advantages to one’s life – beyond professional boundaries. According to research, different areas in the brain are used during language and vocabulary training, and an intensive learning can make increase our brain mass. Learning English also helps us to expand our communication skills and confidence, while it enriches the diversity of content and audiences we can interact with. It becomes easier to know more about different cultures and subjects as we are able to access and interpret materials available in English, additionally to our native language.
At St. Paul’s Foundation
Analú, a current scholar at St. Paul’s, shares that, in her experience learning a new language, she’s also realised how it positively impacted her brain and expanded her perception. It also increased her critical and logical-thinking skills as she was able to connect the new content with her life.
Beyond the academic improvements, Analú also recognises the way learning English has changed her personal life. “The ability of speaking English provided me with the experience of making new friends, having access to content that aren’t available in my first language (Portuguese) and unblocked new destinations”.
Augusto Neto is a teacher for the Foundation’s prep course and works as Assistant Director of University Guidance at St. Paul’s. He adds that: “By investing in English language proficiency, the St. Paul’s Foundation guarantees that candidates have the skills required to excel not only at St. Paul’s School but also their future academic pursuits, whatever they may be.”
The St Paul’s Foundation aims to motivate children and their families to pursuit new goals through educational opportunities, be it through developing their English skills, be it building confidence and resilience to face new challenges in school environments. This is a commitment to a holistic development that reinforces the Foundation’s dedication to change lives.