The Senior School at St. John’s offers a high-performance academic programme designed to meet the demands of both international university systems and the Brazilian higher education pathway. From Year 10 to Year 13, students follow two fully integrated curricula:
The Cambridge International Programme (IGCSE and A-Levels), globally recognized by top universities
The Brazilian National Curriculum, delivered through the Poliedro Preparatory System, preparing students for the ENEM and vestibulares
This dual-path approach enables students to graduate with both national and international qualifications, ensuring comprehensive preparation for higher education in Brazil and abroad. While the Poliedro System provides a solid foundation for success in the ENEM and Brazilian university entrance exams, the Cambridge A-Levels and IELTS certification open doors to top universities around the world.
The curriculum is organized around three core pillars:
The academic foundation merges the BNCC requirements with the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level frameworks. Subjects are taught predominantly in English, while key Brazilian components—including Portuguese Language, Brazilian History, and Geography—are offered in Portuguese.
The curriculum is complemented by the Poliedro System, one of the most respected academic programs in Brazil, which supports students in preparing for the ENEM and traditional vestibulares, offering strategic content, advanced materials, and mock exams aligned with national standards.
English Language and Literature (Cambridge IGCSE & A-Levels)
Mathematics (Cambridge & Poliedro)
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (Cambridge IGCSE & A-Levels)
Global Perspectives and Social Studies (Cambridge IGCSE & A-Levels)
Portuguese Language and Literature (BNCC Poliedro)
Brazilian History and Geography (BNCC Poliedro)
Applied Physics, Citizenship, and Comparative Religions (Electives)
Strategic preparation for ENEM and Brazilian university entrance exams (via Poliedro)
Students participate in thematic academic pathways that foster critical thinking, leadership, and global citizenship. These include preparation for Cambridge English exams (FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS), debate programs, Model United Nations, volunteering, and entrepreneurial projects.
Cambridge English Certification (FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS)
Leadership, Public Speaking, and Debate
Model UN and Global Awareness Initiatives
Service Learning and Community Engagement
Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Design Thinking
Elective modules allow students to personalize their learning experience by exploring areas of interest and potential career paths, including the arts, business, technology, and additional languages.
Spanish Language
Drama and Performing Arts
Visual Arts or Music
Economics or Business Studies
Computer Science and Digital Technologies
In Year 12, students are fully immersed in the final stages of both the Poliedro program—with a strong focus on the ENEM and Brazilian university entrance exams—and the first stage of their Cambridge A-Level courses. Students also take the IELTS exam, preparing for global admissions.
Those aiming for international universities proceed to Year 13, a dedicated transition semester from February to June, focused on the completion of the Cambridge A-Levels, which are essential for entry into top institutions around the world.
Y13 is structured as a half-day program, offering the flexibility for students who have already been accepted into Brazilian universities to begin their undergraduate courses, attend preparatory programs, or pursue academic internships while finalizing their international certification.