The Early Years Exchange
is an initiative from St. Nicholas IB World School with the purpose of engaging and inspiring EY educators to reflect on the power of play and inquiry for learning, and for sharing innovative practices with the educational community.
Join us for this event on March 5 – 7, 2026, where St. Nicholas Early Years educators will share their play-based learning practices and how they document learning.
The designers of the EY Exchange
Caroline Vaz:
Early Years Curriculum Coordinator
Alphaville Campus
Jenny Fletcher
Head of Early Years
Alphaville Campus
Marta Donato
Early Years Pedagogical Leader & PYP Coordinator
Pinheiros Campus
Penelope Cardoso
Early Years Coordinator
Pinheiros Campus
Fernanda Silva
Class Teacher
Alphaville Campus
Jenny Fletcher
Head of Early Years
Alphaville Campus
Juliana Pelluzzi
EY Pedagogical Leader and PYP Coordinator
Pinheiros Campus
Penelope Cardoso
Head of Early Years
Pinheiros Campus
All participants will join a day of inspirational speeches and multiple workshops that will unpack different aspects of play-based learning.
Special Guest
at the Event Opening
Bruna Ribeiro
PhD in Education from the University of São Paulo (USP), with additional training in Spain and Portugal, and a Master’s degree from PUC-SP. A specialist in early childhood education, she has worked in the field for over 20 years, providing consultancy services for the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC), UNESCO, and UNICEF Brazil. She also contributed to the development of the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) for Early Childhood Education and to the Curriculum of the City of São Paulo. Author of books and several publications, she is part of the MEC group responsible for revising the National Indicators of Early Childhood Education (2025). She coordinates the postgraduate program Pedagogy of Small Things and teaches in USP’s postgraduate program.
We will offer visits to our St. Nicholas campuses during the two mornings prior to the event as a special opportunity for participants to have a sense of our Early Years day-to-day learning experience.
Event Programme
We will exchange experiences and discuss how to lead change in Education through play and inquiry based learning.
1st OPTION
3 days package (2 mornings and 1 full day):
In addition to the Saturday event, we will open our doors and welcome you to both campuses, Alphaville and Pinheiros, so that you have a taste of what our experience is like.
Schedule:
- 5th March | Thursday: first-day visit to one of our campuses – 9.00-11.30am*
- 6th March | Friday : second-day visit to one of our campuses – 9.00-11.30am*
- 7th March | Saturday : Lecture by Bruna Ribeiro and Workshops – 8h00-5h30 pm
*more information about the visits will be shared with participants closer to the event.
Prices:
- Early bird fee (until January 20th): R$348
- Standard fee: R$383
2nd OPTION
1 day Package:
A very inspiring day debating how our learners develop their understanding in a play-based environment starting with the opening speech by Bruna Ribeiro and followed by multiple workshops* for you to choose your topic of interest.
Schedule:
- 7h March | Saturday : Palestra de Bruna Ribeiro e Oficinas – 8h00-5h30 pm
Prices:
- Early bird fee (Until January 20th): R$263
- Standard fee: R$289
Join us in this movement of leading change in Education through play and inquiry based learning!
The event will be bilingual, with simultaneous translation in plenary sessions and workshop options in English and Portuguese to welcome everyone.
Questions about the event?! Please write to exchange@stnicholas.com.br.
By registering for the event, you declare that you are aware of and agree with:
* St. Nicholas School Visitor’s Terms of Conduct.
* Authorisation to use the image and voice rights.
Testimonials from our partners
In the Early Years, curiosity, exploration and collaboration are encouraged. Each space is designed as an extension of the curriculum, and provides rich opportunities for children's cognitive, emotional and social development.The leaders focus on structuring educational leadership strategies, capable of consolidating a professional learning path for educators. This professional development is essential for educators to develop learner-centred practices.
It is through play that children experience the world and test physical and cognitive skills. The "Play Lab" project, which has been developed since July 2023 in partnership with St. Nicholas, aims to explore the power of play as a tool for human development. The environments are planned with inviting proposals to spark children's curiosity. We believe that planning developed with intentionality brings refinement to the teacher's perspective when interacting with children, observing and recording. By working with loose parts such as scrap wood, stones and fabrics, we give children the freedom to explore different play possibilities, stimulating their imagination and creativity. It is a privilege to partner with a school like St Nicholas that respects, values and encourages early childhood play.
The continuous reflective journey with this group of educators revealed to us a determination to build practices that were even closer to the IB guidelines for the PYP in early childhood education, and at the same time, were coherent with an image of a capable child, a child who builds their thinking through experience while playing. Over time, we got to know educators who are competent in partnership with children, following the pedagogical project with them, alongside them, observing and monitoring children's experiences in intentionally-planned contexts. A group that seeks to take responsibility for studying the pedagogical documentation, and benefits from the many voices and perspectives of the learning community.
When we met the group of early years educators at St Nicholas School in 2021, we also learned about the group's aim to achieve proximity to a truly emergent curriculum from the children’s experience. We began our partnership by proposing reflections and deepening important concepts for the pedagogical practice that they wanted to transform. Over the years, we have experienced very important movements of studies that have revealed an enormous capacity to relate the principles and values that have supported the educational project of St. Nicholas since its foundation. We feel privileged to collaborate with this group of professionals who search for high quality education effortlessly, fully responding to the IB PYP guidelines.
“Corpo Brinquedo” is honoured to take part in many events held by St. Nicholas School. We participated in the “PE FUN DAY”, and in the “MATH ADVENTURE: exploring Math in a different way”, and the “WORLD PLAY WEEK”. These experiences provided invaluable learning opportunities. At St. Nicholas School, each event serves as a platform to delve deeper into pedagogical research and foster knowledge-sharing in a meticulously structured environment, embraced by teachers, educators, and children eager for exchange.
When we arrived at St. Nicholas in 2019, we found a culture designed and created collectively to privilege the experience, agency and reflection of learners in a process of building knowledge based on interest, curiosity and real connection between people. As they say: a real ‘unique adventure’.We believe that the engagements developed in the Early Years are treasures that need to be rescued for the transformation of education in and outside schools.
Cheers to the power of play in the development of the world that we desire and need!
We, at LES Fotografia Escolar, closely follow the tireless work of the St. Nicholas team in developing and implementing the most renowned educational practices. We believe that education is built with love and great dedication.
Events like this are always extremely enlightening for all participants and, I dare say, transformative. We are immensely proud to be part of this group of education supporters and to be present at such an innovative and comprehensive event.
For us at SchoolAdvisor, listening to families' opinions is what makes us believe in the potential and work being done by each school. And that's why we feel safe and motivated to support the Early Years Exchange. St. Nicholas is a school recognized and praised by families for its excellent pedagogical project, multicultural environment and care for its students.
As the Development and Recognition Manager for the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Brazil, I have had the pleasure of working closely with St. Nicholas School and witnessing the school's commitment to fostering a learning environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a deep sense of community among students.
The IB empowers students to take charge of their own learning journey and contribute to a better world. It enables teachers to become the architects of learning excellence. I encourage both IB and non-IB schools to attend the Early Years Exchange, as it offers a unique opportunity to learn from and hear about the best practices of a school that has been successfully implementing the PYP Programme for 22 years. This event is a testament to the innovative spirit that defines St. Nicholas and its dedication to the holistic development of every child.
Recognition Manager, Brazil
Our main objective is to support schools in creating learning environments that interact with participatory curricula and that value childhood.
Participating in these reflections and offering materials and devices for St. Nicholas is a partnership that makes visible the importance of combining architecture and pedagogy.
With this union, it has been possible to realize and create powerful and beautiful environments like these that we will have the opportunity to visit at the EY exchange event!
Ateliê Quero Quero
In the Early Years, curiosity, exploration and collaboration are encouraged. Each space is designed as an extension of the curriculum, and provides rich opportunities for children's cognitive, emotional and social development.The leaders focus on structuring educational leadership strategies, capable of consolidating a professional learning path for educators. This professional development is essential for educators to develop learner-centred practices.
AmorelliAmorelli
Educação
It is through play that children experience the world and test physical and cognitive skills. The "Play Lab" project, which has been developed since July 2023 in partnership with St. Nicholas, aims to explore the power of play as a tool for human development. The environments are planned with inviting proposals to spark children's curiosity. We believe that planning developed with intentionality brings refinement to the teacher's perspective when interacting with children, observing and recording. By working with loose parts such as scrap wood, stones and fabrics, we give children the freedom to explore different play possibilities, stimulating their imagination and creativity. It is a privilege to partner with a school like St Nicholas that respects, values and encourages early childhood play.
SanniniCarmela
Tagarela
The continuous reflective journey with this group of educators revealed to us a determination to build practices that were even closer to the IB guidelines for the PYP in early childhood education, and at the same time, were coherent with an image of a capable child, a child who builds their thinking through experience while playing. Over time, we got to know educators who are competent in partnership with children, following the pedagogical project with them, alongside them, observing and monitoring children's experiences in intentionally-planned contexts. A group that seeks to take responsibility for studying the pedagogical documentation, and benefits from the many voices and perspectives of the learning community.
ChecchinatoCEDUC |
Espaços de vida
cuidada
When we met the group of early years educators at St Nicholas School in 2021, we also learned about the group's aim to achieve proximity to a truly emergent curriculum from the children’s experience. We began our partnership by proposing reflections and deepening important concepts for the pedagogical practice that they wanted to transform. Over the years, we have experienced very important movements of studies that have revealed an enormous capacity to relate the principles and values that have supported the educational project of St. Nicholas since its foundation. We feel privileged to collaborate with this group of professionals who search for high quality education effortlessly, fully responding to the IB PYP guidelines.
WolffCEDUC |
Espaços de vida
cuidada
“Corpo Brinquedo” is honoured to take part in many events held by St. Nicholas School. We participated in the “PE FUN DAY”, and in the “MATH ADVENTURE: exploring Math in a different way”, and the “WORLD PLAY WEEK”. These experiences provided invaluable learning opportunities. At St. Nicholas School, each event serves as a platform to delve deeper into pedagogical research and foster knowledge-sharing in a meticulously structured environment, embraced by teachers, educators, and children eager for exchange.
FreitasCorpo
Brinquedo
When we arrived at St. Nicholas in 2019, we found a culture designed and created collectively to privilege the experience, agency and reflection of learners in a process of building knowledge based on interest, curiosity and real connection between people. As they say: a real ‘unique adventure’.We believe that the engagements developed in the Early Years are treasures that need to be rescued for the transformation of education in and outside schools.
Cheers to the power of play in the development of the world that we desire and need!
EliaELECTI |
Cocria, Facilita
e Transforma
We, at LES Fotografia Escolar, closely follow the tireless work of the St. Nicholas team in developing and implementing the most renowned educational practices. We believe that education is built with love and great dedication.
Events like this are always extremely enlightening for all participants and, I dare say, transformative. We are immensely proud to be part of this group of education supporters and to be present at such an innovative and comprehensive event.
ZysmanLES
Fotografia
Escolar
For us at SchoolAdvisor, listening to families' opinions is what makes us believe in the potential and work being done by each school. And that's why we feel safe and motivated to support the Early Years Exchange. St. Nicholas is a school recognized and praised by families for its excellent pedagogical project, multicultural environment and care for its students.
MassainiSchool
Advisor
As the Development and Recognition Manager for the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Brazil, I have had the pleasure of working closely with St. Nicholas School and witnessing the school's commitment to fostering a learning environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a deep sense of community among students.
The IB empowers students to take charge of their own learning journey and contribute to a better world. It enables teachers to become the architects of learning excellence. I encourage both IB and non-IB schools to attend the Early Years Exchange, as it offers a unique opportunity to learn from and hear about the best practices of a school that has been successfully implementing the PYP Programme for 22 years. This event is a testament to the innovative spirit that defines St. Nicholas and its dedication to the holistic development of every child.
WeberIB Development
and Recognition
Manager, Brazil
Our main objective is to support schools in creating learning environments that interact with participatory curricula and that value childhood.
Participating in these reflections and offering materials and devices for St. Nicholas is a partnership that makes visible the importance of combining architecture and pedagogy.
With this union, it has been possible to realize and create powerful and beautiful environments like these that we will have the opportunity to visit at the EY exchange event!
RamosFounding
Partner of
Ateliê
Quero Quero
St. Nicholas IB World School started in 1980 in the garage of Mrs Kirsten’s house, which overlooked a beautiful garden. Her values of “love for what we do and care for whom we do it” is what moves us in the day-to-day. This was the beginning of what would become one of the most welcoming international schools in São Paulo. Our first campus is located in the neighbourhood of Pinheiros.St. Nicholas School became an IB World School in 2000, with the implementation of the Diploma Programme (DP). In 2002, we were authorised for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which made us the first school in the state of São Paulo and the second one in Brazil to offer this programme. In 2016, our second campus was opened in Alphaville, purposely built in the middle of nature. In 2021, we were authorised to offer the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and since then we are proud to offer the three programmes, PYP, MYP and DP, who support us in preparing each child for their own success.
About St. Nicholas School
St. Nicholas IB World School started in 1980 in the garage of Mrs Kirsten’s house, which overlooked a beautiful garden. Her values of “love for what we do and care for whom we do it” is what moves us in the day-to-day. This was the beginning of what would become one of the most welcoming international schools in São Paulo. Our first campus is located in the neighbourhood of Pinheiros.St. Nicholas School became an IB World School in 2000, with the implementation of the Diploma Programme (DP). In 2002, we were authorised for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which made us the first school in the state of São Paulo and the second one in Brazil to offer this programme. In 2016, our second campus was opened in Alphaville, purposely built in the middle of nature. In 2021, we were authorised to offer the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and since then we are proud to offer the three programmes, PYP, MYP and DP, who support us in preparing each child for their own success.
Pinheiros Campus
Rua Marte, 333
05423-090
Pinheiros, São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Alphaville Campus
Av. Honório Álvares Penteado, 5463
06543-320
Tamboré, Santana de Parnaíba (SP), Brazil
