St. Francis College IB School: A Global Community of Learning and Excellence

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Introduction

As we embark on a journey through the virtual halls of St. Francis College IB School, the vibrancy of our educational community is palpable. Beyond the picturesque setting in São Paulo, Brazil, our school thrives on a rich tapestry of values, mission-driven education, and a commitment to preparing students for a global future. In this exploration, we delve into the unique characteristics that make St. Francis College IB School an educational beacon.

Founding Principles

Since opening our doors in São Paulo in 2003, St. Francis College has been dedicated to providing an exceptional education to both Brazilian and international students. Our commitment is to equip graduating students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the global arena, gaining access to top-tier Brazilian and international universities.

St. Francis stands proudly as the only full International Baccalaureate (IB) school in São Paulo. Since 2008, we have been offering all three IB programs, providing a comprehensive and rigorous educational experience for students at various stages of their academic journey.

Mission

At the heart of St. Francis College IB School lies a mission that transcends conventional educational boundaries. We empower our community to embrace the following principles:

• Be Passionate Life-Long Learners:
• Strive Towards Personal and Academic Excellence:
• Be Courageous and Committed to Positive Impact:
• Pupils have the Potential to Develop in All Areas:
• Everyone in the Community Plays a Role:
• Learning through Inquiry, Experimentation, and Problem-Solving:
• Safe Supportive Community:
• Pupils as Unique and Active Agents in Learning:
• Teachers as Active Leaders and Role Models:
• Respect for Home Culture and Heritage:
• Acquiring Fluency in Languages:

Values

Embedded in our educational philosophy are core values that guide our journey:

We Believe That

• Responsibility and independence are foundational traits in a learner’s journey.
• Critical thinking is the key to navigating an ever-evolving world.
• Striving for excellence is a continuous pursuit that shapes character and achievement.
• Understanding one’s needs and those of the community fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
• The IB learner profile attributes are not just goals but cornerstones of character development.

Vision

At St. Francis College IB School, we envision our pupils as:

• Responsible Independent Learners and Critical Thinkers: Our students evolve into individuals who take responsibility for their own learning, think critically about the world around them, and apply their knowledge to make informed decisions.
• Acquiring and Applying IB Learner Profile Attributes: The International Baccalaureate learner profile attributes are not just academic benchmarks; they are qualities that define our students’ character. We envision graduates who embody attributes such as being open-minded, reflective, and principled.
• Understanding and Taking Action: Beyond academic achievement, we envision students who deeply understand their own needs and the needs of the broader school community. Armed with this understanding, they take appropriate and impactful action, contributing positively to the community and the world.

School Profile

Today, St. Francis College boasts a diverse and dynamic student body, comprising over 898 students hailing from more than 16 nationalities. This multicultural environment serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering an atmosphere of exchange, learning, and continuous growth for both our staff and pupils. With more than 100 full-time teachers representing various nationalities, we celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our community.

Technology Integration

St. Francis College IB School understands the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future. Our commitment to technology integration ensures that students are not only proficient in using digital tools but also understand their ethical implications. With smart classrooms, computer labs, and online resources, we provide a learning environment that reflects the demands of the 21st century.

Community Engagement and Service Learning

Integral to the IB philosophy is the emphasis on community engagement and service learning. St. Francis College IB School actively encourages students to participate in service projects, instilling a sense of responsibility and a commitment to positive social change. These experiences go beyond traditional classroom learning, providing students with a deeper understanding of their role as compassionate and responsible members of society.

Curriculum and Examinations

At St. Francis College IB School, our curriculum is a carefully crafted blend of international frameworks and local requirements. The British National Curriculum forms the basis for our Primary and Secondary education, adapted to meet the standards set by the Ministério de Educação (MEC) in Brazil.

In Primary and Secondary, students engage with a curriculum that not only aligns with global educational standards but also caters to the specific needs of the local context. Pupils undergo SAT tests, IGCSE exams in MYP5 (equivalent to Year 11 in the British System), and the challenging IB Diploma exams in DP 2.

University Preparatory Curriculum Offerings

St. Francis College takes pride in offering a rich and diverse set of curriculum offerings, especially tailored for our pupils in the IB Diploma years. Our ability to customize the curriculum to suit the individual needs and interests of our students is frequently praised by parents.

This flexibility allows us to provide a university preparatory curriculum that not only meets the highest academic standards but also nurtures the unique talents and aspirations of each student. As parents often highlight, this adaptability is a distinctive strength of St. Francis College, setting our institution apart as a leader in preparing students for the challenges of higher education.

Beyond Traditional Curriculum

St. Francis has a large variety of Extra Curricular Activities (ECAs). They are offered to PYP 2 (age 4) pupils and right through to DP 2 (age 18). Sports, performing arts, technology, cooking, business and entrepreneurship, arts & crafts, and music are some examples of the many ECAs offered.

They are all held after hours on campus. Some of the ECAs are held in English and other in Portuguese, as many are conducted by our own staff and others are third party hires. Many of our ECAs are unpaid and several are paid. The ECAs are announced at the beginning of each semester and options and sign-up forms sent to parents via email.

Accreditations and Authorizations

St. Francis College holds a myriad of authorizations and accreditations that validate the exceptional quality of our academic offerings. These include:

1. Ensino Infantil, Ensino Fundamental I e II e Ensino Médio (Brazilian High School Certificate) since 2004: A recognition that underscores our commitment to providing a high standard of education in compliance with Brazilian educational standards.
2. SARESP-Educational Achievement of the State of São Paulo since 2004: An acknowledgment of our dedication to achieving excellence in educational outcomes, contributing to the broader educational landscape of São Paulo.
3. IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) since 2005: A testament to our early commitment to the International Baccalaureate framework, emphasizing inquiry-based learning for our youngest students.
4. IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) since 2008: A recognition of our commitment to delivering a holistic and challenging curriculum for students in their formative adolescent years.
5. IB Diploma Programme (DP) since 2004: An affirmation of our dedication to providing a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum for students in their final years of high school.
6. University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (Cambridge IGCSE) since 2004: An international accreditation that reflects our commitment to delivering a globally recognized curriculum.
7. College Board PSAT 10 since 2007: An acknowledgment of our alignment with global educational standards, preparing students for the challenges of higher education.

HUG (Help Us Grow)

HUG Association is a non-profit organisation which mainly consists of college parents with the support of several staff members, working together as a community, to “Help Us Grow” St. Francis College. The association seeks to unite the parental community including extended alumni, friends and families, it supports college projects outside of the school curriculum; and supports college capital projects.

Several of the projects HUG is currently involved in are the College plays (drama), Sports, College yearbook, Young entrepreneurs, Work shadowing programme and alumni events (e.g socials, workshops).