At The British College of Brazil, we believe that the earliest years in school are not just a warm-up for later learning — they’re critically foundational. That’s why we’ve embraced the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), a globally respected pedagogical framework designed for ages 2 to 5, to turn play into powerful learning.


Why “just play” is actually much more




Children in Early Years programs often look like they’re simply playing — blocks piled up, role-play stations buzzing, colourful chaos in the outdoor area. But research tells us that when this kind of activity is guided, children develop essential skills: communication, confidence, critical thinking, social awareness. At BCB, our approach ensures every playful moment has intention behind it.


What IEYC brings to BCB


  • Holistic growth: Beyond academics, IEYC nurtures emotional intelligence, resilience, social skills, and adaptability.

  • Learning with structure: Activities are planned to build language, numeracy, and curiosity using creative, hands-on learning.

  • Global outlook: Themes are infused with international perspectives so children grow up curious about the wider world.

  • Well-being as foundation: We create environments where young learners feel safe, supported, and excited to explore.


Real world examples in our classrooms




  • Block building isn’t just about towers — it’s about spatial reasoning and persistence.

  • Pretend play (shops, kitchens, etc.) helps children experiment with language, collaboration, empathy.

  • Exploring outdoors — investigating natural phenomena — sparks scientific thinking.

  • Storytelling and songs build memory, vocabulary, and imagination.


Why these early years matter


By age five, a child’s brain has already done most of its initial growth. The habits, confidence, and love of learning developed in these early years set the stage for everything that follows. With IEYC in place, BCB ensures that this important stage is full of joy, purpose, and opportunity.