After completing the International Baccalaureate at St. Julian's School, Maria Pena Ermida continued her academic journey at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, where she completed her bachelor’s degree and then at NOVA School of Law, where she earned a Master's degree in International and European Law. Her thesis explored the application of the Precautionary Principle to deep-sea mining. She completed a Postgraduate Sea Science and Business Administration degree at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Since then, Maria has been pursuing an Academic Career in the field of Law of the Sea at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, where she is a Researcher and an Assistant Professor. She is also currently in the last year of her PhD.

What was it like attending St. Julian’s?

It was a fantastic experience. I know it sounds cliché, but St. Julian’s truly holds a special place in my heart and not just because of the memories or the friends. What makes St. Julian’s so exceptional is the freedom to be yourself. During the IB Diploma Programme, I explored a wide range of subjects while studying music at a higher level. I was deeply involved in the Music Department and all its extracurricular activities. I was always connected to the arts at the school and had the opportunity to perform in many concerts and drama shows.

Is there a memory you hold dear from St. Julian's?

One of my fondest memories is singing Fauré’s 'Requiem: Pie Jesu' as a soloist alongside professional musicians. It was an incredible experience, and I treasure having a recording of that performance. I believe St. Julian's offers opportunities like no other school, especially at that time.

How was it attending the Bilingual Curriculum?

Attending the Bilingual Curriculum was one of the best opportunities I've ever had. I lead a very international life, and although I’m currently pursuing my PhD here in Portugal at Universidade Católica, I always take the chance to engage with English whenever possible. In my field of International Public Law, English is essential. You’re only relevant if you publish in English, so my PhD is being written in English.

The Bilingual Curriculum prepared me exceptionally well in Portuguese and English, ensuring I could write fluently in both languages. When I got to university, I quickly realised that my level of English was far superior to that of students from other schools. As a researcher at the Católica Research Centre for the Future of Law, I often find that anything written in English comes my way—it’s become second nature.

Did you have any favourite teachers?

That’s not a fair question! (Laughter). But I must give an honourable mention to Professora Sofia Varge, who patiently endured my tantrums throughout the entire 1º Ciclo. I truly appreciated all my Bilingual Curriculum teachers, but Professores Sérgio Almeida, Joana de Sousa and Manuela Mello hold a special place in my heart. It’s difficult to choose, as there were so many wonderful teachers, and I always felt like I received individual attention. I also fondly remember the Bilingual Curriculum staff - Sr. Ângelo and Sra. Maria Fernanda in the office, who made our lives so much easier, and the principal, Professora Maria de Lurdes.

During the IB Diploma, Mrs Bastos de Sousa, who always kept us in check, as did Miss Simões, were of course, a reference for us all. Also, other teachers, Mrs Correia, Miss Pinto, and of course, Miss Pinho, who was always a great supporter of my artistic side and even gave me the opportunity, with Mr Connolly, to perform magnificent roles such as Amélia in 'Falar Verdade a Mentir' and Maria Josefa in 'A Casa de Bernarda Alba' when the school started doing Portuguese plays.
Mrs Correia, however, played a particularly significant role in my life - she was the one who discovered I had dyslexia. That moment was very important for me. After the test results confirmed it, I wasn’t quite sure how to process the news. But when I walked into the music department, Mrs Correia had compiled a list of celebrities, musicians, and important figures with dyslexia. She said to me, “You have no excuse. All of these people made it, and so can you.” That memory has stayed with me because it reflects the individual attention and support St. Julian’s provides for every student.

In what way did St. Julian’s influence your area of university studies?

Keeping several options open. Pursuing music alongside other interests shaped my decision to attend the National Conservatory. In my third year of University, I began studying singing there. As for my legal career, today, my focus is primarily on the Law of the Sea, which is largely international law. From early on in my law studies here in Portugal, I knew international law was where I was headed. Growing up in such an international community, you naturally develop a global perspective, even while living in your home country.

I believe that kind of environment not only creates open-minded individuals but also fosters a deep sense of curiosity and desire to make an impact on the world. That’s one of the most remarkable aspects of St. Julian’s—the feeling of being part of such a diverse and engaged community. I was always involved, whether as a monitor through Primary or later as a Prefect and Senior Prefect, roles that gave me a sense of responsibility. The CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) programme also significantly encouraged community service and participation. These experiences encouraged a strong commitment to serving others and being part of something bigger, which continues to influence my outlook today.

Did the IB programme help shape your thinking and approach to learning?

Absolutely, without a doubt. CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is one of the most vital aspects of the IB programme. Alongside CAS, the Extended Essay and the extensive coursework are equally significant, but what stands out for me is the emphasis on community service. With CAS, you’re required to complete 50 hours of creativity and, importantly, 50 hours of community service, some of which you can do within the school, but you’re also encouraged to step outside the school environment. I volunteered at an Alzheimer’s care institution in Parede, and that experience changed me forever. It made me question what I take for granted every day, leaving a lasting impact.

As for the rest of the IB, it’s all about subtle yet profound elements. Take TOK (Theory of Knowledge), for example - it encourages you to think outside the box. That’s what the IB is about pushing you to think beyond yourself and approach everything with great detail.

Now, as I teach at university, I realise how lacking this critical thinking can be elsewhere. I believe the ability to gather, filter, and dissect information critically is being lost in today’s world. In many schools, you’re simply handed a book and told everything you need to know is there - memorise it for the exam. But in the IB, you’re given a question and then directed to a library, where you immediately have to shape your thoughts, build your worldview, and process the information critically.

At St. Julian’s, I was encouraged to develop that capacity, to filter information, make it coherent, and approach it with a critical spirit. That’s what I believe St. Julian’s fosters: a critical spirit, the courage to ask Why is it this way? and Why can’t we do it differently? It’s all about thinking outside the box and viewing the world through that expanded perspective.

Why are your studies and work so much focused on the sea?

It was love at first sight. As a Portuguese person, I think we all share an unexplainable connection to the sea, something that has always been there. I live just five minutes from the ocean, and there’s something indescribable about standing by the shore, gazing at the waves, and simply being present. It’s invaluable.

As I mentioned, I was convinced that music was my true passion, but I knew that if I pursued law, it would have to be International Law. I even considered whether I should have studied International Relations instead. When I was in my final year at university, I  needed a subject to complete my credits, and the module International Law of the Sea was worth six credits—exactly what I required. So, I enrolled. A very pregnant Italian professor came to give the lesson, and I found everything she taught absolutely fascinating. This was my fourth year of law, and that’s when I knew I had found my path. I started getting involved in NGO work and decided to focus my Master's studies on the ocean, particularly deep-sea mining. At that point, deep-sea mining was a relatively unknown field, so my choice to write my Master’s thesis on it was quite innovative at the time. I received a very high grade, ultimately leading me to pursue my PhD.

Looking back, what advice would you give current students wanting to study for a law degree?

The great thing about studying law is that it’s an incredibly versatile degree, which can be useful in many aspects of life - even if you don’t end up practising law. Since graduating, I’ve worked as a wedding planner, become the coordinator of a research centre, served as an advisor for NGOs, and been involved with international platforms— but I’ve never actually been a lawyer. Law is an excellent course if you have the drive for it. However, if you don’t have a clear desire to practise law, it can become challenging to push through without purpose, which is why I believe there’s such a high dropout rate in the first year.

If you’re thinking of dropping out in your first year, and it’s because you realise that law isn’t what you want to do, then that’s perfectly okay. Go and pursue what you’re passionate about. However, if you’re considering quitting simply because it’s difficult, I would encourage you to persevere. Push through to your third and fourth years. I promise it gets better because that’s when you start studying the more interesting subjects and begin to frame what you truly want to do mentally. If you’re attending a Portuguese university, don’t underestimate the language barrier, and don’t hesitate to ask your professors for help.