Yes, we have a number of English first language speakers, and our Portuguese and Spanish teachers are all first language speakers.

We provide language support as part of the timetable. English and Portuguese as an Additional Language is provided for students who require it, based on assessments. We also offer an English booster programme called Accelerate for Secondary students who require intensive language support when they first join the school.

Portuguese, Spanish and French.

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20

Yes, in Early Years and Primary

All classrooms have either projectors or televisions, there are sets of iPads across the campus, and students in Grades 6 - 8 are provided with 1:1 Chromebooks. We employ a ‘Tech Integration Lead’ whose role is to work with our educators to explore ways of ensuring that our community is taking full advantage of the technology available, but also in a safe and appropriate way.

This was the practice during the pandemic but, since then, we only offer in-class lessons.

No. We are a non-faith-based school, but we have families from a wide variety of faiths. As an inclusive school, we run learning units, such as ‘World Religions’ and engage students from Primary upwards in discussions and visitors of different faiths.

MYP e-Assessments and IBDP examinations from this year. We also carry out online assessments, such as MAP Growth, that are used for internal monitoring of student progress, and opportunities to improve our teaching practices. The data from the MAP assessments is never published or shared with families.

2026 will be the first IB Diploma Programme examination year.

Yes, but carefully aligned to what is being studied in the classroom, not simply as a routine. A maximum amount is set depending on the age, but it is not compulsory nor expected to be set every week. The purpose of homework is to help establish responsibility and autonomy as a learner. Teachers assign homework thoughtfully, with careful consideration of its purpose and ensuring the amount is age-appropriate. Homework is used as a way to extend learning beyond the classroom, whether through additional practice or by gathering information that students can bring back to enrich class discussions.

It ranges from 30 minutes per day in Primary, which might be some reading activities, to 90 minutes in Secondary. However, again, on a needs basis.

This is the first year of the IB Diploma Programme, so we do not yet have graduates.

Yes, the school has an experienced and qualified team of ‘Personalised Learning’ (PL) teachers for students with learning needs or disabilities. We also have a team of psychologists who make up the Wellbeing team, and work in partnership with the PL team.

Our PL specialists develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with identified students and provide accommodations and modifications as needed. In addition, the Wellbeing specialists support the mental health and emotional needs of our students.

On a case-by-case basis, and the nature of learning in the IB programmes supports these exceptional students.

Yes, a dedicated team of psychologists and wellbeing specialists support learners. This team supports the development of the social emotional learning curriculum that is woven into the programme. We also make referrals to external services if deemed appropriate.

Yes, as a means to map students strengths and weaknesses, and English levels, but not to select them.

A language and mathematics assessment is employed as diagnostic tools to determine readiness and/or placement.

Yes, in some year levels.

Admissions is ongoing, supporting the mobility of the international community, but the majority would join us either in August (the beginning of our academic year) or January (the beginning of the Brazilian system academic year)

Yes.

7:45am

3:45pm

Yes, through the provision of a range of extracurricular activities until 4:30pm.

Yes. Parents are able to contract the service with an external provider.

Yes, paid by families

Yes

Yes

We offer more than 50 extracurricular activities, a wide range of sports and arts, such as: Chess, Yoga, Skating, Basketball, Volleyball, Board and card games, Gardening, Community Services, Calligraphy, Violin, Dance, Crafts, Fashion Studio, Biscuit, Newspaper, Podcast, Design, MUN (Model United Nations), Band, Modeling in 3D, Extreme Sports (Parkour, skateboarding, climbing), Math Club, Fencing, and much more.

A broad and balanced sports curriculum for students of all ages, like: volleyball, football, basketball, gymnastics, archery and much more. The campus has a FIFA-approved sports field and a running track, plus provision for athletics.

Yes. From Grade 1 onwards, children participate in a ceremony revealing the Houses, school teams, where each child will receive their own; Cambridge, London or Oxford. Various contests and competitions are promoted between the houses. Also students actively participate in tournaments in and around the city.

2 libraries, 3 chemistry and biology laboratories, 1 media center studio, 2 design technology labs, 1 amphitheater, 1 auditorium, an Early Years center built specifically for the needs of our youngest learners, with a sensory playground and stimuli that develops balance and motor coordination in an open area, various flexible spaces, outdoor learning spaces.

1 track and field facility that meets FIFA and World Athletics specifications, 2 multi-purpose courts and plenty of green open areas to play.

We are an inclusive and friendly school, with an emphasis on the community. We believe in partnership with the families, and provide a range of community events and information sessions. We are an IB Continuum School, offering three programmes of the International Baccalaureate. The school values of respect, integrity, commitment, belonging, and international-mindedness guide our mission and our vision for our school community.
Another defining characteristic of St. Nicholas School is our House system, a vibrant tradition that strengthens school spirit, inspires joyful and healthy competition, and nurtures a deep sense of belonging. Each year, students from Grade 2 onward travel to the Sao Paulo countryside together for a four-day experience of inter-House challenges and competitions, one of the most anticipated and cherished moments of the school year.

Learning at St Nicholas School is inquiry-based and concept-driven. Learners are active in shaping the learning experience and are always challenged to exercise their creative and critical thinking skills. As an IB World School, communication, collaboration, and reflection are highly valued. As an inclusive school, all members of the St Nicholas community are valued and provided with opportunities to access the learning experience - we meet students where they are and grow from their point of readiness. St. Nicholas prepares each child for their own success.