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A Holistic Approach to Education
Learning by doing, leading and reflecting
At Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro, we believe that learning is most effective when it is hands-on, engaging, and connected to real-world experiences. Through programs like MusēOn exhibitions, field trips, Week Without Walls, and Via Sapientia, students have the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of the world. These experiences foster critical thinking, curiosity, and essential life skills by encouraging cultural immersion, environmental awareness, and academic exploration. By participating in interactive exhibits, exploring museums and natural sites, and engaging in team-building activities, students develop a well-rounded education that prepares them to face the challenges of the future with creativity, confidence, and responsibility.
The MusēOn: A Space for Curiosity and Learning
A key part of our immersive learning environment is the MusēOn. This exhibition and active learning space serves as a hub for creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. Through interactive exhibits, visual content, and thought-provoking themes, the MusēOn allows students to explore a wide range of topics that extend beyond traditional classroom learning.
The MusēOn fosters an approach known as design thinking, encouraging students to observe, create, and present ideas in innovative ways. Students engage with curated content that changes every quarter, participating in activities that promote collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and creative confidence. By learning to think like designers, students gain essential skills for both academic and personal growth.
Field Trips: Learning Beyond the Classroom
At EARJ, field trips are an essential part of our educational philosophy, offering students the chance to explore museums, cultural centers, and natural environments, all of which enrich their classroom learning. These trips provide opportunities for students to connect with subjects in real-world contexts, sparking curiosity and critical thinking.
Our field trips extend beyond cultural and historical sites, offering students unique experiences that also support their studies in science, biology, and environmental studies. Many trips focus on ecological and sustainability themes, providing students with direct exposure to natural environments. For example, trips to environmental reserves, botanical gardens, and other natural settings enable students to deepen their understanding of ecosystems, conservation, and the importance of sustainability. These excursions provide a hands-on complement to classroom learning, helping students connect scientific concepts with real-world examples.
Field trips also foster teamwork, problem-solving, and independence, as students work together to navigate new environments, gather information, and reflect on their experiences. Whether learning about history, art, or the environment, students develop a deeper understanding of the world and its interconnected systems.
Via Sapientia: Experiential Learning in Action
Via Sapientia is our school’s signature experiential learning program, offering students in grades 6 through 8 the opportunity to explore, grow, and connect with Brazil’s rich history and natural beauty. Each grade embarks on a unique journey designed to combine hands-on learning, team-building activities, and cultural exploration.
- 6th Grade: Itatiaia – Students immerse themselves in Brazil’s oldest national park, exploring its breathtaking landscapes and engaging in activities that foster environmental awareness and teamwork.
-7th Grade: Tiradentes – This trip takes students back in time as they uncover the colonial history of Tiradentes, learning about the people, events, and culture that shaped the nation.
-8th Grade: Cachoeira de Macacu – In this lush setting, students deepen their understanding of sustainability and cooperation while connecting with the vibrant ecosystems of the region.
Through Via Sapientia, students not only gain valuable knowledge but also develop life skills, build meaningful connections with peers, and create lasting memories.
Week Without Walls: Expanding Horizons and Building Life Skills
For students in Grades 4 and 5, Week Without Walls offers a unique and transformative opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom setting. This program includes a variety of activities designed to foster cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, service learning, and skill-building. The goal is to broaden students' horizons by offering experiences that promote teamwork, responsibility, and adaptability.
Throughout Week Without Walls, students engage in activities that challenge them to step out of their comfort zones and develop essential life skills such as leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving. Whether participating in service projects, exploring new cultural contexts, or taking part in outdoor challenges, students gain valuable insights into themselves and the world around them.
Guest Speakers and Career Exposure
In addition to hands-on learning experiences, EARJ enriches the academic experience by inviting guest speakers from a wide range of fields to share their expertise with students. These speakers offer insights into their professional experiences, reinforcing the concepts being taught in the classroom. The opportunity to engage with experts across various disciplines helps students connect academic subjects with real-world applications, expanding their horizons and deepening their understanding.
One of the highlights of the guest speaker program is the NHS Career Week, where Upper School students participate in a series of talks by professionals from various fields. During this week, alumni and other guest speakers share their career journeys, providing students with a deeper understanding of different professions and the skills required to succeed in the workforce. This event allows students to gain firsthand insights into the day-to-day realities of various careers, helping them make informed decisions about their future paths.
By interacting with professionals, students learn not only about specific industries but also about the value of perseverance, problem-solving, and lifelong learning—skills that are essential in today’s fast-changing world.
Book Fairs: Promoting Reading and Lifelong Learning
At EARJ, we believe that fostering a love of reading is essential to a well-rounded education. To support this goal, we organize periodic Book Fairs for both Lower and Upper School students. Carefully curated by our Librarians, these events provide a wide selection of books that encourage students to explore new topics and deepen their understanding of the world.
The Book Fairs are also designed to enhance the learning acquired in the classroom. By offering a diverse range of books, from fiction to nonfiction, the fairs help students make connections between literature and the subjects they study, reinforcing critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. Through these events, we aim to create an environment where reading is a joyful and enriching experience, fostering a lifelong love of books and learning.
