San Silvestre School

In Forms III and IV students take Cambridge IGCSE courses, usually seven to nine subjects including English, Spanish, literature, French, Mandarin or Italian, international mathematics, humanities, coordinated science, computing, music, drama and physical education. In Form V and VI students can complete the two-year IB Diploma Programme, with Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS, or follow the one-year San Silvestre Diploma, which combines core subjects with three Cambridge AS Level or IB courses. French students can also prepare the DELF B1 certificate.

San Silvestre is divided into three sections. Early Years covers Nursery, Pre-School, Reception and Grade 1 (ages 3 to 7). The Primary section runs from Grade 2 to Grade 5 (ages 7 to 11). The Secondary section goes from Grade 6 through Forms I to VI (ages 11 to 18), equivalent to UK Years 7 to 13, with IGCSE in Forms III-IV and the IB or San Silvestre Diploma in the final years.

The school's vision is to empower girls through a holistic education to become compassionate and proactive citizens. Its mission stresses lifelong learning, confidence, responsibility and an inquiry-based multilingual curriculum. Guiding principles include academic excellence, sustainability, care for each girl's development, respect for self, others and the environment, and innovation rooted in tradition. The motto 'I am, I can, I ought, I will' sums up its focus on self-esteem and responsibility.

Facilities are organised by section. The Early Years building has its own auditorium, gymnasium, music room, library, IT lab, art, science and psychomotor areas, plus a dining room and kitchen serving lunches for the whole school. The Primary section has IT labs, a music room, a science laboratory and a Learning Resource Centre. The Secondary building includes four IT labs, six science laboratories, a soundproof music room, a library and an auditorium. An Art Centre has three studios, a pottery and sculpture room and an exhibition hall, and the Topy Conroy Sports Complex offers an 800-seat sports hall, aerobics rooms, a gym and a 25-metre heated pool, with outdoor courts and a playing field.

A Learning Support Department of specialists, teachers and psychologists works with families and outside professionals to support girls with specific learning needs, and small classes allow individual attention. A student care programme and careers counselling guide pupils through school and university choices. School lunches are prepared in the school's own kitchen, the monthly fee includes textbooks, trips and most extracurricular activities, and an active parents' association supports school life.

San Silvestre belongs to the ADCA association of schools in Lima and competes in athletics, basketball, gymnastics, swimming and volleyball in age groups from under-10 to under-17. Teams in softball, hockey and football also take part in festivals and federation competitions, and trained coaches lead more than ten sports, including surfing, table tennis and Peruvian folklore dance. Squads take part in national tournaments, exchanges within Peru and championships abroad. Beyond sport, girls take part in service learning, Round Square activities, outdoor pursuit trips and cultural and arts events.