At St. John’s, the transition from Year 6 to Year 9 marks the evolution from the inquiry-based IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) to a comprehensive academic journey aligned with the Cambridge International Curriculum, while maintaining the strength of our exclusive IELS – International English Learning System.
Throughout this transition, students continue to develop bilingual and multicultural fluency, while also following the Brazilian national curriculum. From Year 8, the Poliedro Preparatory System is integrated into the routine, supporting students who aim to pursue admission to Brazilian universities via ENEM. The result is a dual academic pathway that prepares students for both international and national academic success.
Year 6 marks the conclusion of the PYP cycle. Students engage in advanced inquiry, interdisciplinary research, and collaborative problem-solving. The year culminates with the PYP Exhibition, a capstone project that showcases their academic maturity and global awareness.
English Language Arts
Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives
Social Studies, Citizenship, History of Religions
Portuguese, Brazilian History
Spanish (third language)
Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music, and Physical Education
Students begin developing familiarity with Cambridge-style academic expectations, setting the foundation for what follows in the next academic stages.
In Year 7, students continue with the full IELS curriculum, which promotes academic rigor through interdisciplinary learning and bilingual instruction across all areas. This structure reinforces their ability to reason, analyze, and express ideas in multiple languages. At the same time, Year 7 serves as a transition year into the Cambridge International framework, with the subject of English Language Arts already aligned to Cambridge standards. Students begin developing the academic habits and linguistic skills that will support their future performance in the Cambridge Checkpoint and IGCSE assessments.
The subject of English Language Arts adopts the Cambridge International framework, preparing students gradually for formal international assessments.
English Language Arts (Cambridge Checkpoint preparation)
Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives (IELS)
Social Studies, Citizenship, History of Religions (IELS)
Portuguese, Brazilian History, and Mathematics (Brazilian curriculum)
Spanish, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music, and Physical Education (IELS)
Year 7 bridges the conceptual inquiry of the PYP with the academic depth of secondary education, fostering responsibility, self-reflection, and study discipline.
Year 8 deepens students’ academic engagement across all disciplines. At this stage, St. John’s integrates the Poliedro System, a leading preparatory platform in Brazil that supports students aiming for high performance on ENEM and Brazilian university entrance exams.
Cambridge-aligned English Language Arts (Cambridge Checkpoint preparation)
Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives (Cambridge Checkpoint preparation)
Social Studies, Citizenship, History of Religions (IELS)
Portuguese, Brazilian History, and Mathematics (Brazilian curriculum + Poliedro System)
Spanish, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Music, and Physical Education (IELS)
Study routines and test-taking strategies
Written communication in three languages
Interdisciplinary thinking and ethical reasoning
Year 9 is a defining year in the academic path at St. John’s. Students begin formal preparation for the Cambridge Checkpoint Exams and initiate the IGCSE Prep Programme, focusing on exam techniques, academic language, and subject-specific content that will lead to future IGCSE and A-Level certifications.
The Poliedro System becomes an integral part of the weekly routine, offering consistent preparation for ENEM and national university entrance requirements.
Cambridge-aligned English Language Arts (Cambridge Checkpoint Exams + IGCSE Prep)
Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives (Cambridge Checkpoint Exams + IGCSE Prep)
Social Studies, Citizenship, and History of Religions (IELS – International English Learning System)
Portuguese, Brazilian History, and Mathematics (Brazilian national curriculum integrated with the Poliedro System, preparing students for the ENEM and Brazilian university entrance exams)
Visual Arts and Physical Education (IELS – International English Learning System)
Spanish, Performing Arts and Music (Elective subjects within the IELS framework)
By the end of Y9, students are equipped with the academic tools, certifications, and mindset necessary to pursue high-level studies in both Brazilian and international institutions, while continuing their development as reflective, principled, and globally minded individuals.
Students from Y6 to Y9 continue their preparation for the official Cambridge Assessments. Depending on their language proficiency and academic history, they may follow the Young Learners pathway (for new or younger learners) or progress to the KET, PET, FCE, CAE, or CPE exams. This flexible structure ensures that each student is guided toward internationally recognized certification at the level that best matches their development.
In addition, students from Y6 ahead begin the preparatory pathway for the DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera)—the official Spanish language certification granted by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. The DELE is recognized internationally and assesses students’ Spanish proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Preparation starts in Year 6 and continues through Years 7 , 8, 9 with students being encouraged to sit for the exam, depending on their individual linguistic performance and readiness. The certification offers an additional global credential, reinforcing our commitment to trilingual education and international recognition.