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Great emphasis is placed on the acquisition of language skills, and we take pride in the fact that our pupils become fully proficient in both English and Portuguese. From Pre-Nursery to Reception, Language and Literacy objectives cover important aspects of language development and provide the foundations of literacy. At this level, the focus is on both English and Portuguese.
Pupils are introduced to the process of reading and writing in English and in Portuguese during Reception (age 4/5). In the Infants classes, pupils continue to develop reading and writing in English and in Portuguese.
Throughout the Upper Primary and Secondary School, English and Portuguese are taught as first languages. Portuguese is also taught as a second language from Upper Primary to IB level for students arriving from overseas. At all levels, considerable importance is given to reading. The formal study of literature takes place throughout the Secondary School.
English language support is provided for those pupils requiring additional help throughout the Primary and up to Secondary Class 6.
Foreign Languages are introduced in the Secondary School. In Class 5 all pupils study French and in Class 6 they are also introduced to Spanish. Exposure to both languages allows them to make an informed choice for Class 7 when they start
their IGCSE options. Both French and Spanish are offered up to IB level.
Pupils are introduced to simple mathematical ideas in Pre-Nursery. Practical activities provide a foundation for numeracy, enabling children to understand increasingly abstract mathematical concepts as they progress through the school.
All students follow the same mathematics curriculum but classes may be set according to ability in the Secondary School. The IB programme
provides three maths courses of different levels to suit students’
abilities and future needs.
Social Studies are introduced in the Foundation Stage together with the Sciences through the discovery of other peoples and features of the natural and man-made world.
In the Upper Primary, History and Geography are incorporated into Social Studies. The split into two distinct disciplines occurs in Class 6 and both History and Geography are mandatory courses of study until the IGCSE examinations. IB students can choose to follow one or two courses from History, Geography or Historical and Contemporary Brazilian Studies or Business and Management. Sociology and Philosophy, as well as, other humanities courses not taken at IB level, are required to be taken under the Brazilian programme. 
Throughout the Social Studies programme great emphasis is put on outdoor activities and fieldwork. In the Primary School, besides a wide range of day visits, all the pupils in Classes 3 and 4 attend a residential field trip each year. Fieldwork is a major component of the Secondary School Geography and Brazilian Studies courses.
Experimentation and practical work are central to the Science programme from the Foundation Stage onwards and students are exposed to practical work in the science laboratory from the Upper Primary. Trips and fieldwork further contribute to the active learning and relevance sought by the Science curriculum.
General Science is taught up to Secondary Class 6. From Class 7 to Class 9, pupils follow the three sciences: Chemistry, Physics and Biology. During the IB years, students must take at least one science course. Other science courses not take at IB level, are required to be taken under the Brazilian programme.
The artistic and creative development of our pupils is one of the major objectives of The British School. Through the Arts we aim to develop self-expression, self-discipline, self-esteem and a sense of personal and group achievement.
Art, Music and Drama are taught as specialist subjects from Pre-Nursery to IB level. Every opportunity is given to the pupils to participate in the many dramatic and musical productions and presentations which take place throughout the year.
A coherent programme of Information & Communication Technology skills is delivered throughout the school, with continuity and progression across a range of ICT areas. At each year level, pupils learn ICT skills through the context of other topics or subjects.
ICT is taught as a separate subject in the GCSE ICT course. This course is for those students who enjoy working with computers and wish to be able to develop their knowledge and interest further.
Physical Education lessons are an essential and compulsory part of the curriculum throughout the school. The PE Curriculum aims to develop pupils’ ability to express themselves through natural movements, using the body as a reference point in relation to materials, space, other children and the environment. The programme includes the basic sports skills for swimming, track and field, basketball, volleyball, indoor football, football and recreational games.
Personal Social and Health Education - PSHE - is integrated across the Primary curriculum and topics relating to health and to personal and social development are used as themes for group assemblies. In Classes 5 and 6, when pupils are experiencing the transition into adolescence and Secondary School, a coordinated PSHE course is delivered and is designed to prepare them for the changes and challenges they are facing.
A programme of PSHE tutorials is also established within the tutor periods for all Senior students. |
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