Internacional News
April 2025 edition
March Highlight
The Power of Learning Beyond the Classroom
In March, TEENS 8 and TEENS 9 students embarked on two journeys: one to the Museu do Ipiranga, an emblematic site of Brazil’s independence, and the other to the Museu da Imigração, which reveals the rich tapestry of migratory histories that have shaped the country. These visits were not merely excursions, but immersive educational experiences, reinforcing classroom learning in a way that only exposure to the real world can provide.
Getting out of the school environment and exploring a new space stimulates curiosity, self-confidence and adaptability. Educational excursions require students to interact with the environment, ask meaningful questions and talk to guides and experts, fostering confidence in their ability to learn beyond the classroom.
In both museums, the students were not just passive observers; they actively participated in practical activities and investigative challenges created in an interdisciplinary way by the teachers. Whether decoding historical documents at the Museu da Imigração or analyzing works of art and antiquities at the Museu do Ipiranga, these experiences empowered the students to take an active role in their own learning, a skill that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional journeys.
At the Museu do Ipiranga, Teens 8 students toured the hallways of a historic building that stands as a monument to Brazil’s independence. Seeing up close the place where Dom Pedro I made his iconic proclamation in 1822 creates a deep connection with national history. The exhibitions, filled with artifacts from the period, paintings and narratives, transform history from something distant into a living, vibrant story. In an integrated way, the subjects of Visual Arts and History complemented each other in this project, creating a tangle of knowledge and skills that took shape and came to life. By inviting the students to interpret works of art, such as the painting “Independência ou morte!” by Pedro Américo de Figueiredo e Melo (1888), and make connections with the characters, the choice of scenario, features and the historical moment portrayed, the students exercise observation, comparison and synthesis skills, allied to the content.
Similarly, at the Museu da Imigração, Teens 9 students engaged with the realities of migration, a topic that is not only historically significant, but also highly relevant today. By exploring the challenges and achievements of those who arrived in Brazil in search of a better future, the students developed a greater sense of empathy, cultural awareness and critical thinking-essential skills in an increasingly globalized world. The project, developed by the Geography, Portuguese and English subjects, provided an opportunity to discuss numerous issues involving migration, contributing to the formation of a critical awareness on the part of the students and to building citizenship, tolerance and diversity. Migratory movements take place all the time; whether it’s the action of the migrant who leaves his country of origin, about to become an “immigrant” in the eyes of national citizens; or the action of the worker and student who leave their city every morning in order to work and study. The theme of migration emerges in our lives through news headlines featuring the countless Syrian, Palestinian and Jewish refugees who struggle to cross the borders of different countries; it also emerges in our daily social, economic and cultural lives.
While traditional classroom learning is fundamental, educational excursions offer unique benefits that enrich students’ academic and personal development by immersing them in real-life contexts. Recent visits to the Museu da Imigração and Museu do Ipiranga are examples of how these experiences provide a deeper and more meaningful connection with history, society and culture.
There’s nothing like seeing, touching and interacting with historical artifacts to understand the past. At the Museu da Imigração, students explored preserved records of people who arrived in Brazil through the Hospedaria de Imigrantes do Brás. These primary sources, combined with the interactive exhibits, helped students visualize and emotionally connect with migration stories in a way that a book could not replicate.
Similarly, the visit to the Museu do Ipiranga allowed the students to be in a place of great historical importance. Walking through the museum’s corridors, observing paintings and artifacts from the period, and experiencing its narrative approach, the students reinforced their retention of historical events, making them more than just distant facts. By interacting with these subjects directly, students learned to evaluate historical sources and consider multiple perspectives-analytical skills essential for both academic studies and real-world problem-solving.
Pedagogical excursions like these remind us that learning is not limited to four walls. They provide a holistic approach to education, where history is not just studied, but experienced. Whether it’s standing in front of immigration records or contemplating a monument that has shaped a nation, these moments awaken a passion for discovery that lasts a lifetime.
Kids 5 take part in ILOS Artists – Live Workshop
Our Kids 5 students took part in a fun Live Workshop led via Zoom by British art therapist Harriet Sandilands. The activity is part of the 2nd edition of ILOS Artists, a programme offered by ISP schools around the world. With the theme “Love for Nature,” our talented young artists enthusiastically dedicated themselves to creating beautiful works of art.
Symbolic game
The Kids 2 students took advantage of the warm weather to engage in various activities with water. With great enthusiasm and dedication, they engaged in the symbolic game of washing and drying clothes. This simple activity, also known as a life skill, contributes to the development of motor, social and self-regulation skills that are so important for the healthy growth of our little ones.
J1 experiences community learning on a visit to Solar Ville Garaude
Last month, our J1 students had the opportunity to turn learning into action during a visit to Solar Ville Garaude, a care home for the elderly located next to Escola Internacional de Alphaville. The activity, aligned with the Unit of Inquiry “How We Organise Ourselves”, enabled the children to explore how communities are structured to meet different needs and to promote intergenerational living.
The visit began with a warm welcome from the residents and staff of Solar Ville Garaude, who introduced the children to the institution’s daily routine and the adapted spaces designed to ensure accessibility and comfort. As they walked through the facility, the students observed details such as handrails, wheelchairs, and architectural modifications, reflecting on the importance of making community spaces inclusive for all ages.
Beyond their investigative lens, the experience was also marked by affectionate interactions and the sharing of stories. The students spoke with the elderly residents, listened to accounts of their lives, and shared a bit about their own experiences, creating a truly meaningful moment of connection between generations. This encounter encouraged reflections on respect, empathy, and the role of community in supporting the well-being of its members.
During the activity, the children were encouraged to raise questions and form hypotheses about how different public and private spaces are organised, and how rules and habits vary depending on the environment and social group. These discussions were later explored further in the classroom, allowing the students to link their observations to the unit of study.
By the end of the visit, it was clear that learning through experience makes knowledge more meaningful and transformative. This experience not only consolidated the concepts explored in class, but also sparked a new perspective in the students on the role of community in social life.
Furthermore, moments like this strengthen one of the key attributes of the IB learner profile: open-mindedness. By engaging with people from different backgrounds and perspectives, our students demonstrated respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from others, developing empathy and broadening their understanding of the world around them.
💙🌍 Being a student at Escola Internacional de Alphaville means opening your mind and heart to new perspectives!
Exploring the Universe in Juniors 5: How the World Works
As part of the transdisciplinary theme How the World Works, the Juniors 5 students delved into the scientific principles that govern the Universe and its interconnections. To enrich this inquiry, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Urânia Planetarium to our school, offering students an immersive and meaningful experience. During the sessions, pupils engaged with an astronomer who sparked their curiosity with thought-provoking questions and provided insightful answers, deepening their understanding of the Universe.
This experience, fully aligned with the goals of the Unit of Inquiry, explored topics such as the Universe, constellations, Earth’s movements, the phases of the Moon, and the scientific tools that make space exploration possible. It was a unique learning opportunity that encouraged critical thinking and investigative curiosity among our students.
Participation of students from J3 to J5 in the “Olimpíada Canguru” (Kangaroo Olympics)
We are pleased to share that our students from J3 to J5 recently took part in the Olimpíada Canguru (Kangaroo Olympics), a math competition that stimulates students’ logical thinking, problem solving and creativity.
The Olimpíada Canguru is an excellent opportunity for students to test their skills in a challenging and fun environment. As well as promoting critical and analytical thinking, taking part in competitions like this strengthens self-confidence, helps develop teamwork and encourages a love of mathematics in a fun and engaging way.
We are very proud of the commitment and dedication of our students and know that this experience will contribute to their academic and personal growth.
Congratulations to all the participants and there will certainly be more challenges to come!
Unforgettable Reflections and Learnings: The Future Pathways iSP Conference in Bogotá
What an extraordinary experience we had in the vibrant city of Bogotá! We had the honor of holding the first iSP Future Pathways leaders’ conference, bringing together representatives from 11 countries. Colegio La Colina was the ideal setting for this inspiring meeting, which will surely remain in the memory of all the participants. And this was only possible thanks to the dedication, commitment and contagious energy of everyone involved.
The iSP Future Pathways Conference for school counselors was not just another event – it was a milestone. A space for collaborative learning, the exchange of real experiences and a deep connection with the common purpose of supporting our students. The 13 workshops held provided a true immersion in the best practices in education, uniting theory and practice in a unique and transformative way.
iSP Future Pathways is our commitment to student success, now and in the future. Through personalized initiatives, we offer support for students and their families to make well-informed decisions about their paths after school. The aim is to keep them up to date with trends in the world of work and careers, taking advantage of iSP’s global network of experts to open up a range of possibilities.
The conference has been carefully designed to equip school counselors with strategies, knowledge and tools capable of empowering students at every stage of their academic journey. By combining Future Pathways actions with the learning from our Ethical Coexistence program, we offer young people the opportunity to develop more self-confidence and clarity about their career choices and interests.
It is impossible not to highlight the impact of this meeting on leaders, Marilda Bardal and Peter Rifaat, whose active participation reflected the spirit of the conference. For them, Bogotá represented more than a learning opportunity – it was a moment of real transformation. They came back with fresh ideas, a broader outlook and an even greater commitment to their teams and, above all, to our students. Inspired by the methodologies and innovations shared, they feel even better prepared to offer more opportunities and meaningful guidance to families.
What’s more, the conference has given rise to a global network of practice, which transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Each participant is now an active part of an international community connected by the purpose of growing, innovating and sharing knowledge. This continuous movement of collaboration is the true legacy of Bogotá.
We are extremely grateful to everyone who dedicated their time and energy to making this moment possible. Marilda and Peter are just two examples of the collective impact we built together. Now, each of us carries the responsibility – and the privilege – of keeping this transformative spirit alive and continuing to spread the lessons learned.
We’ll be back soon, even more inspired, to continue strengthening this journey, with new resources and materials to support the continuity of Future Pathways. With gratitude and renewed enthusiasm, we continue together – stronger, more connected and better prepared for the future.
🎓 Luiz Fernando Geraldeli
With exemplary dedication, he achieved admission to Engineering at the renowned Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia. His effort and commitment reflect a promising journey toward great achievements.