(P) Verita International School - Empowering students to become responsible, educated and Independent
Established in 2013, Verita International School proposes a curriculum which allows every student to become self-directed, knowledgeable, self-aware and self-confident, in a collaborative, fun and friendly setting.
Established in 2013, Verita International School proposes a curriculum which allows every student to become self-directed, knowledgeable, self-aware and self-confident, in a collaborative, fun and friendly setting.
At Verita International School (Verita), the multinational teachers with diverse backgrounds focus not only on rigorous and internationally-recognized curricula, but also pay attention to the individual needs of each child. Moreover, the school engages students in various extra-curricular activities and events.
“Verita International School embraces people who share our mission and vision. The admission process does not discriminate on any basis. Our school encourages diversity and multiculturalism,” explains Verita School Director Damian Ward.
What truly sets Verita apart as a school, however, are the two main pillars on which it bases its approach to teaching: inquiry-based learning and social-emotional learning.
To Learn Means to Not Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Children are naturally inquisitive and encouraging curiosity is the foundation for one of the main pillars taught at Verita: inquiry-based learning (IBL). This concept starts with the idea that any student, at any age, understands and assimilates knowledge by asking questions. This is a proven form of active learning that is based on formulating questions and scenarios, rather than simply having teachers presenting facts.
“In year four, they study chocolate using this theme to explore all areas of learning. In geography, they look at the Equator and where the cocoas beans plants grow. They look at how the first hot chocolate was made in South America; they explore how the cocoa bean was a currency in Mexico. When they look at the global issues, they look at sustainability and fair-trade farming for different products,” explains the Principal of Primary, Mason McCormick.
The IBL approach continues in Secondary using the theme of the ‘Big Idea’ which links together the subject areas, which are taught by specialist teachers, This ‘Big Idea’ grounds the students learning and focuses their minds on a core theme of, for example, “Collaboration”.
Children Need to Understand Their Emotions
The second approach that anchors and solidifies the teaching methods of Verita International School is social-emotional learning (SEL). The concept of social-emotional learning has as the end-goal the integration of each student’s own learning process, social skills, strategy for well-being and resilience, in order to constructively understand their emotions and sense of self.
