Infant School (18mth to 7 years)

The Infant School offers a safe and stimulating environment for children from 18 months to 7 years. The Infant School is your child’s first contact with school and your child’s teacher is dedicated to making this an exciting, nurturing experience that fosters positive feelings toward learning and friendships. At St. Nicholas, we recognise the importance of curiosity and exploration. A child’s desire to discover, explore and inquire is a fundamental attitude developed in the initial school years. Children learn about the world and test their growing sense of independence within a safe, purposeful and well-structured environment.

The Early Years programme is comprised of 3 year groups, Tiny Tots 1, Tiny Tots 2 and Nursery, and offers a dynamic curriculum based on developing social, physical, creative and academic skills. Learning is delivered through integrated units with engaging and culturally relevant themes and investigations. Throughout each unit, children are involved in a wide range of experiences that develop motor, language, perception, emerging literacy and numeracy skills. These skills form a foundation for further academic success. Music and movement are integral parts of the classroom, each one supported by a specialist in the area.

The primary years begins with Kindergarten at four to five years of age and progresses to Years 1 and 2. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme provides a framework for an engaging, inquiry-based programme aimed at preparing children to become passionate, life-long learners in a global society. Learning is structured around six transdisciplinary themes that integrate skill and conceptual learning. Attitudes and qualities needed to be independent learners and compassionate members of the community underpin the curricular aspects. In the areas of Literacy and Numeracy, the curriculum follows the British National Curriculum providing a solid foundation in the core areas of learning. Although all subject areas cover all objectives outlined in the BNC, the PYP programme offers the flexibility to adapt the content and knowledge base to topics relevant to both Brazilian and international children.

The English language is a central component to the curriculum. Children are immersed in English, creating a language environment appropriate for both fluent English speakers as well as those who are beginning to learn. English is learned naturally through the authentic need to learn and play using the language. Teachers carefully support language learning in a variety of ways.

At St. Nicholas each child is unique and valued. Children enter the early years programme from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. All children are celebrated, and we endeavour to help each child reach their full potential, discovering their talents and learning styles. Teachers cater learning to each individual’s needs. Three support programmes also provide further support to those who need help in learning English, academic support and initial reading skills.