Enquire Now
AGES 11–18

OUR SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM

At The British College of Brazil in São Paulo, we deliver the highest quality secondary school education to prepare students for university life and the world beyond. After following a bespoke programme based on the English National Curriculum in Key Stage 3, our students study for globally renowned IGCSEs and then continue to study the world-renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. They become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and global citizens, who go on to attend the best universities worldwide.

THE BRITISH COLLEGE OF BRAZIL SECONDARY CURRICULUM

At The British College of Brazil in São Paulo, our students study for globally renowned IGCSEs provided by the Cambridge University International Examinations Board, after following a bespoke programme based on the English National Curriculum in Key Stage 3.

We’re also one of the finest IB schools in Brazil and encourage students to study beyond their IGCSEs for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. This is the perfect springboard to the best universities worldwide, as students become critical thinkers and international, independent learners. Students study modules in Languages and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individual and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts, as well as the required components: ‘Theory of Knowledge’, the ‘Extended Essay’, and ‘Creativity, Activity, Service.’

ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND RESULTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOL

The heart of our work is helping our students build and accomplish their aspirations. Our world-class education embraces the very best teaching and learning practices.

We understand that robust academic results are essential to success beyond The British College of Brazil, and our academic programme provides students with every opportunity to excel and reach their university of choice.

Success in life, however, still requires much more than good grades. It requires confidence, independence, presence, the ability to lead, and the discipline to apply oneself. Our commitment to helping students develop these attributes is in our School Charter and relies on our rich and varied educational programme.

A TYPICAL DAY AT THE BRITISH COLLEGE OF BRAZIL

What’s it feel like in our day-to-day at BCB? Our Secondary days are challenging and encouraging, as we increase our independence, follow our passions, and sharpen our talents among peers from around the world.
EXPLORE OUR DAILY SCHEDULE
READY TO SHINE
Our teachers and energetic Head of Secondary greet us as we enter school and feel comfortable telling them how we’re doing, what we’re struggling with, or what we’re excited about. Their tailored recommendations help us feel at ease and boost our overall happiness. We might even have a special breakfast during Mock Exams for IGCSEs or the IBDP.
IB Schools Sao Paulo | British College of Brazil | BCB Brazil - Visual Time Line-dot arch IB Schools Sao Paulo | British College of Brazil | BCB Brazil - Visual Time Line-dot arch
STARTING THE DAY
IGCSE AND IBDP PREP
We’re always exploring what fascinates us and can unlock our passions through a variety of subjects and activities at BCB – like music, drama, and dance through our Juilliard curriculum. Every class presents us with ways to excel on IGCSEs and the IBDP, so we can attend our first-choice university and do or be whatever we want in the future.
EXPLORING OUR INTERESTS
LUNCHTIME PLAY
We pause at midday to come together with friends over a nutritious lunch, catching up with each other and strengthening our bonds. We can make our own choices, like going for a walk outside, relaxing in the IB lounges, spending time in the library, or playing a sport with friends. Taking a break always nourishes our minds and well-being.
MAKING CHOICES
STEAM LAB
In our Maker Lab and STEAM laboratories, we can learn beyond the typical science and math curricula, getting our hands into projects and challenges that encourage us to think outside the box! We apply what we’ve been learning through demonstrations or by building models, while increasing our skills with the newest technology and tools.
BECOMING INNOVATIVE
CREATING OUR FUTURE
We meet one-on-one with our university counsellor, who helps us figure out what we might do with our interests. We’ll consider different options and get ready to apply to university. We also might shadow someone in their job, attend career fairs, or participate in workshops with BCB parents who can share insights into their professions.
BECOMING PREPARED
NURTURING OUR PASSIONS
After classes, we can relax into our favourite activities alongside our classmates – nurturing our own collaborative bonds and friendships. We might get ready for a stage performance in our Juilliard-inspired music rehearsals or to win the championship with our sports team. By following what we enjoy, we feel happy and fulfilled in our BCB community.
CONNECTING WITH EACH OTHER

KEY STAGE 3

At Key Stage 3 of the English National Curriculum, subject specialists teach different series of lessons. Each class tutor has the important pastoral role of coordinating all aspects of students’ academic and social growth. The class tutor also delivers the PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) programme, which includes global citizenship. 

Specialist teachers deliver a balanced programme based on the English National Curriculum. Students study English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Drama, Art, Computing, Music, and Physical Education. They can also study at least one Modern Foreign Language. 

 

KEY STAGE 4: IGCSE

In Years 10 and 11, students choose subjects from a broad range of in-depth options, provided by the UK Cambridge University International Examinations Board (CIE). This two-year programme is globally recognised to be one of the best and most rigorous programmes for this age group of students and encourages students to gain formally recognised IGCSE qualifications, as a result.

KEY STAGE 5: THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

What is the IB Diploma Programme? The British College of Brazil is very proud to belong to the prestigious family of IB schools worldwide. The Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year international education programme that prepares students for further study at university. It also prepares students to become independent learners and problem solvers, who will succeed in a rapidly changing world, beginning from our home base in São Paulo. The DP is a highly respected, reliable, and world-renowned curriculum that offers a holistic approach to teaching and learning, with a focus on developing global citizenship and skills to make a difference in the world.

WHAT IS OUR DIPLOMA PROGRAMME OFFER?

Each DP student can choose six courses (three at Standard Level and three at Higher Level). They may choose from the following subjects:


  • Studies in Languages and Literature: Portuguese Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, and Spanish Language and Literature.
  • Language Acquisition: Portuguese and English.
  • Individual and Societies: Global Politics, History, and Geography.
  • Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations or Analysis and Approaches.
  • The Arts: Music and the Visual Arts. 

Alternatively, students can select another subject from ‘Individual and Societies’ or ‘Sciences’ courses instead of ‘The Arts’, depending on their interests.

Additionally, students take three required components:


  • Theory of Knowledge: an interdisciplinary course designed to help students question and understand how they know what they know.
  • Extended Essay: a 4,000-word essay, based on independent research in an area of the student’s interest.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service: a component based on experiences. Students complete a wide variety of extracurricular activities that include community service and physical activities.

A PERSONALISED JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

Step into our school and have a look at our latest high-tech teaching equipment we have at our disposal.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AT BCB