St.John's International School is an IB School

Primary

Primary Years Programme (Y1 to Y5)

Empowering Learners through Inquiry, Bilingualism, and Global Competence

At St. John’s, our Primary programme combines the international framework of the IB PYP (Primary Years Programme) with our exclusive IELS – International English Learning System, developed in England and licensed globally. This dual approach ensures that students develop solid academic foundations, fluency in both English and Portuguese, and essential 21st-century skills.

Our curriculum integrates core academic subjects—such as English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Portuguese, and Spanish—with specialist instruction in Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, and Performing Arts. From Year 1 onward, students also follow Brazilian curricular requirements, including literacy, numeracy, and academic benchmarks.

Year 1 (Ages 6–7)

50% English – 50% Portuguese

As students enter the first year of Primary School, they consolidate their literacy skills in both English and Portuguese, supported by a co-teaching bilingual structure. Year 1 marks the beginning of formal instruction in:

  • Brazilian Mathematics curriculum

  • Reading and writing in both languages

  • Spanish language instruction, beginning in August

  • Inquiry-based learning in Science and Social Studies

  • Specialist classes in Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, and Performing Arts

Key competencies:
  • Phonemic awareness and decoding

  • Sentence construction and early writing

  • Logical reasoning and pattern recognition

  • Creative expression through movement, rhythm, and drama

  • Cooperation, autonomy, and self-regulation

Year 2 (Ages 7–8)

With the foundations of bilingual literacy established, students enhance their fluency, develop structured writing, and deepen their mathematical reasoning. Spanish continues as a third language, reinforcing vocabulary and basic conversation skills. Performing Arts is used to foster communication and expression.

Key competencies:
  • Reading comprehension and narrative writing

  • Problem-solving and early mathematical operations

  • Exploration of the natural and social world

  • Confidence in multilingual communication

  • Collaboration, empathy, and perspective-taking

Year 3 (Ages 8–9)

Students begin to work more independently, applying their knowledge across disciplines. Spanish instruction continues to evolve with contextual communication and cultural understanding. Performing Arts supports identity building, improvisation, and self-expression.

Key competencies:
  • Research skills and independent learning

  • Numerical reasoning and measurement

  • Scientific observation and hypothesis building

  • Creative interpretation through the arts and language

  • Communication, imagination, and initiative

Year 4 (Ages 9–10)

Students refine their critical thinking and expressive abilities across languages and artistic disciplines. Spanish classes expand grammar, reading, and oral skills, while Performing Arts challenges students through collaborative presentations and dramatic techniques.

Key competencies:
  • Reading across genres and expository writing

  • Abstract mathematical reasoning and data analysis

  • Environmental awareness and social responsibility

  • Dramatic expression, rhythm, and teamwork

  • Reflection, planning, and personal growth

Year 5 (Ages 10–11)

A milestone year marked by academic rigor and civic learning. Students begin formal studies in Brazilian History and Citizenship Education. Spanish language classes introduce written expression and thematic projects. Performing Arts is integrated into interdisciplinary exhibitions and public speaking.

Key competencies:
  • Argumentative writing and textual interpretation

  • Fractions, geometry, and problem-solving

  • Historical and cultural identity awareness

  • Civic responsibility and ethical decision-making

  • Public performance, storytelling, and artistic confidence

All Primary students participate in transdisciplinary units aligned with the PYP and present their learning through experiences such as the Art & Music Festival, International Day, Science Fair, and student-led exhibitions.

By the end of Year 5, St. John’s students are bilingual learners and emerging trilingual speakers, equipped with the academic strength, creative fluency, and international mindset to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Cambridge English Preparation at St. John’s

As part of our commitment to academic excellence and international certification, St. John’s integrates a Cambridge English Assessment Preparation Program into the students’ weekly routine. From Year 2 onward, students follow a progressive course structure that builds the linguistic competencies required for success in the official Cambridge English exams.

Beginning with the Young Learners suite (Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, and A2 Flyers) during Years 2 to 5, students are gradually introduced to authentic exam formats and strategies that develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English.

From Year 6, students advance into the Main Suite of Cambridge Exams, including:

  • A2 Key (KET)

  • B1 Preliminary (PET)

  • B2 First (FCE)

  • C1 Advanced (CAE)

  • C2 Proficiency (CPE)

This structured progression ensures that our learners are not only proficient users of English but also internationally certified, opening doors to academic opportunities around the world and enhancing their confidence as global communicators.