At Verbum Dei Academy (Nursery & Primary) and Verbum Dei International College (Secondary), the vision of education extends far beyond test scores and textbooks. The school is deeply committed to producing well-rounded students who excel academically while also thriving in sports, arts, leadership, and social development. One of the most important lessons students learn here is how to strike a balance between their academic responsibilities and extracurricular pursuits.
In a world where students are often pressured to focus exclusively on academics, Verbum Dei stands out as a school that teaches its pupils and students that success is multidimensional. Whether it is mastering a new science concept, playing football, acting in a school drama, or taking part in a cultural dance, every student is encouraged to develop both intellect and talent.
Why Balance Matters
Balancing academics with extracurricular activities is not just a “nice-to-have”—it is essential for overall growth. Academics provide the foundation of knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, extracurricular activities build creativity, teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
For instance, a student who plays football at Verbum Dei International College learns not just how to score goals but also how to manage time effectively, train with consistency, and support teammates. Similarly, a pupil at Verbum Dei Academy who participates in the arts learns how to express emotions, collaborate with peers, and build confidence to stand before an audience.
Verbum Dei recognizes that students who combine academics with extracurricular life are more likely to become innovative, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent adults.
How Verbum Dei Structures Balance
The school has designed its academic timetable in such a way that extracurricular activities are integrated into the learning process rather than treated as distractions. At Verbum Dei Academy, afternoons may include music practice, arts and crafts, or supervised play. This helps young children learn through exploration while still keeping academics as the core focus of their mornings.
At Verbum Dei International College, the system is more structured. Students typically engage in extracurricular activities after school hours, during weekends, or within specially designated “club days.” Sports, drama, music, debate clubs, and science societies all run in harmony with the academic calendar. Teachers and administrators ensure that no activity overwhelms students but instead complements their learning.
The Role of Time Management
One of the greatest benefits of this balance is that it teaches students time management. A student preparing for a mathematics test may also be part of the debate team or a drama rehearsal. Learning to juggle these responsibilities instills self-discipline and prioritization skills.
Teachers at Verbum Dei guide students on how to create study schedules, break large tasks into manageable portions, and use extracurricular activities as a way to recharge mentally after rigorous study sessions. Instead of being a distraction, these activities often refresh students and help them return to academics with renewed focus.
Stories of Success
Many Verbum Dei alumni testify that their success in higher institutions and professional life stems from this culture of balance. For example, a graduate who once led the school’s cultural dance troupe later pursued a career in law, crediting her performance experiences with building the confidence to speak publicly in courtrooms.
Another former student who excelled in the science club while captaining the football team later studied engineering at university, where his teamwork skills and ability to manage academic projects set him apart. These stories show that Verbum Dei’s holistic model of balance yields lasting results.
Parental Support and Involvement
Verbum Dei does not leave students to figure out balance alone. Parents are active partners in guiding their children’s participation in extracurricular activities. Teachers frequently communicate with parents about their child’s academic progress and extracurricular involvement, ensuring that no child is overwhelmed or left behind.
For pupils at the Academy, parents are often invited to watch performances, sports days, and exhibitions, reinforcing the value of both academics and talents. At the International College, parents play a key role in encouraging their children to pursue activities that complement their strengths while still prioritizing their studies.
Challenges and How They Are Managed
Balancing academics with extracurriculars is not always easy. There are times when exam preparation coincides with inter-house sports or drama rehearsals. To address this, Verbum Dei ensures that academic responsibilities are never compromised. Teachers help students adjust schedules, sometimes providing extra tutoring for those who may need it after missing a lesson for an extracurricular activity.
Furthermore, the school emphasizes that extracurricular activities are meant to support—not overshadow—academic excellence. Clear rules and structured timetables help maintain this balance.
Preparing Students for the Future
One of the most powerful outcomes of Verbum Dei’s approach is the preparation it offers for life beyond school. Universities and employers increasingly look for individuals who are not just academically capable but also versatile, creative, and socially skilled.
By teaching students to balance schoolwork with sports, arts, and leadership roles, Verbum Dei is equipping them with real-world skills like resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. These qualities often make the difference between ordinary and outstanding success in adulthood.
Conclusion
At Verbum Dei Academy and Verbum Dei International College, balance is not just a philosophy—it is a way of life. Pupils and students are taught that while academics form the bedrock of education, extracurricular activities enrich character and broaden horizons.
Through structured schedules, parental involvement, and supportive teachers, students learn how to balance these two vital aspects of life. This balance does not only create excellent students; it nurtures confident, creative, and resilient individuals ready to thrive in any environment.
In celebrating both academics and extracurricular achievements, Verbum Dei stands as a model of holistic education—where students are not forced to choose between books and talents, but are instead encouraged to embrace both.
