At Verbum Dei Academy and Verbum Dei International College, academic excellence alone is not enough. True education goes beyond grades to shape students into honest, trustworthy, and morally upright individuals. This is why integrity and honesty form a central pillar of the Verbum Dei school culture.

Why Integrity Matters in Education

Integrity is the alignment between values and actions. It is about doing the right thing even when no one is watching. In schools, integrity is crucial because:

1. It Builds Trust – Students, teachers, and parents can rely on one another when honesty is valued.
2. It Promotes Fairness – Academic assessments are meaningful only when students work honestly.
3. It Shapes Character – Integrity develops consistency and credibility, qualities essential for leadership.
4. It Prepares Students for the Real World – In careers and relationships, integrity often determines long-term success.

At Verbum Dei, these truths are lived daily, making honesty not just a lesson, but a way of life.

Teaching Honesty at Verbum Dei

Honesty is taught in both little things and big things:

• In Academics – Students are discouraged from cheating, plagiarism, or shortcuts. They are guided to understand that true success comes from effort and diligence.
• In Relationships – Pupils are trained to speak the truth, even when it is difficult, and to resolve conflicts with sincerity.
• In Leadership – Student leaders are expected to model transparency, accountability, and fairness in their roles.
• In Everyday Life – Small actions, like returning lost items or admitting mistakes, are celebrated as victories of integrity.

How Verbum Dei Nurtures Integrity

1. Role Modeling – Teachers and staff lead by example, showing that integrity is not optional but necessary.
2. Classroom Lessons – Moral and civic education highlight the importance of honesty in society.
3. Faith Formation – Christian values reinforce the idea that honesty is not just a social value but a spiritual duty.
4. Recognition of Honest Acts – Students who display honesty are acknowledged, reinforcing its importance.

The Ripple Effect of Integrity

Students at Verbum Dei carry their training in honesty beyond the classroom:

• They become trustworthy friends and classmates.
• They are reliable in group projects and school duties.
• They grow into adults who can be trusted in workplaces, families, and leadership positions.

This ripple effect ensures that Verbum Dei is not just shaping learners but building dependable citizens for the future.

Conclusion

At Verbum Dei Academy and International College, integrity and honesty are non-negotiable values. They are the invisible glue that holds the school community together and the compass that directs students toward lives of honor and responsibility.

By embracing these virtues, Verbum Dei continues its mission of raising young men and women who are not only intelligent but also trustworthy, principled, and ready to lead with truth.

At Verbum Dei Academy and Verbum Dei International College, respect and responsibility are not just rules but core values that guide the daily life of every pupil and student. These two virtues are essential in shaping children into disciplined, confident, and well-rounded individuals who can thrive in society.

Why Respect Matters

Respect forms the foundation of healthy relationships and a peaceful school environment. At Verbum Dei, respect is taught in many dimensions:

1. Respect for Self – Students are encouraged to value their dignity, make good choices, and maintain self-control.
2. Respect for Others – Courtesy, kindness, and empathy are emphasized in every interaction with classmates, teachers, and staff.
3. Respect for Authority – Students learn the importance of listening to instructions and honoring school rules.
4. Respect for the Environment – Pupils and students are trained to care for school property, classrooms, and nature.

By practicing respect, students build character and strengthen their ability to live harmoniously in any community.

Responsibility in Action

At Verbum Dei, responsibility means being accountable for one’s actions, decisions, and commitments. This value is cultivated in various ways:

• Personal Responsibility – Students are encouraged to manage their time, complete assignments, and keep their promises.
• Shared Responsibility – Teamwork in group projects and extracurricular activities fosters a sense of belonging and accountability.
• Moral Responsibility – Upholding honesty, integrity, and discipline in all situations.
• Leadership Responsibility – Student leaders are trained to lead by example and inspire others.

These lessons help students transition smoothly from school into adult life, where responsibility becomes a defining trait of maturity.

How Respect and Responsibility Are Nurtured

1. Role Modeling – Teachers and staff embody these values daily, showing students what they look like in practice.
2. Classroom Routines – Pupils and students are given clear expectations that encourage order and discipline.
3. Service Opportunities – Responsibility is reinforced through school roles, such as prefect duties or club leadership.
4. Faith and Values Education – Christian teachings provide a moral compass that strengthens both respect and responsibility.

The Verbum Dei Way

The combination of respect and responsibility ensures that students are not only academically excellent but also morally grounded. They graduate with the capacity to:

• Treat others with dignity.
• Stand firm in their values.
• Take initiative in solving problems.
• Contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Conclusion

Respect and responsibility are more than school rules at Verbum Dei Academy and International College—they are life principles. By instilling these values, Verbum Dei raises future leaders who will live with integrity, honor others, and carry themselves with dignity in every stage of life.

This is the Verbum Dei difference: shaping the mind, nurturing the heart, and building strong character for a brighter future.

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.

Introduction

Books are more than pages filled with words—they are gateways to knowledge, imagination, and lifelong learning. In a world where technology and fast media often dominate children’s attention, nurturing a strong reading culture has become more important than ever.

At Verbum Dei Academy, we believe that developing a love for reading early in life not only boosts academic performance but also shapes character, creativity, and confidence. That’s why we place reading at the heart of our educational journey for young learners.

Why Reading Culture Matters for Children

1. Boosts Academic Achievement
   Children who read regularly develop stronger vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, which reflect positively across all subjects.
2. Builds Imagination and Creativity
   Reading stories introduces children to new worlds, characters, and possibilities, sparking creativity and innovation.
3. Develops Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
   Through books, children learn to understand and relate to the emotions and experiences of others.
4. Strengthens Concentration and Focus
   Unlike digital distractions, reading requires sustained attention, helping children develop patience and focus.
5. Promotes Lifelong Learning
   A reading habit lays the foundation for continuous growth, curiosity, and adaptability in life.

How Verbum Dei Academy Promotes a Reading Culture

1. Classroom Libraries

Each classroom is equipped with age-appropriate books that encourage daily reading habits.

2. Reading Time in the Daily Schedule

Dedicated reading periods allow children to develop a habit of exploring books beyond textbooks.

3. Storytelling Sessions

Teachers engage pupils in interactive storytelling, bringing books to life and making reading exciting.

4. Reading Competitions and Challenges

From spelling bees to book reviews, friendly competitions motivate children to improve their reading skills.

5. Access to a Rich Library

Our central school library offers a wide range of storybooks, reference materials, and educational resources.

6. Digital Literacy Resources

We integrate technology by providing e-books and audio books, ensuring children adapt to modern reading tools.

Examples of Reading Initiatives at Verbum Dei Academy

• Book Review Presentations – Pupils summarize and share insights from books they’ve read.
• Buddy Reading – Older pupils read alongside younger ones, promoting mentorship and collaboration.
• Themed Reading Weeks – Events where pupils dress as favorite book characters or engage in reading marathons.
• Author Spotlights – Introducing children to inspiring authors who broaden their understanding of literature.

How Parents Can Support Reading Culture at Home

1. Create a Reading Corner – A quiet space with books encourages children to read regularly.
2. Be a Reading Role Model – Children copy what they see. When parents read, children are inspired to do the same.
3. Limit Screen Time – Replacing excessive TV or phone use with reading helps reinforce good habits.
4. Read Aloud Together – Family reading sessions build bonds and improve comprehension.
5. Celebrate Reading Milestones – Reward children for finishing books to keep them motivated.

Success Stories from Parents and Teachers

At Verbum Dei Academy, many parents report that their children who once resisted reading now ask for books as gifts. Teachers also observe noticeable improvements in language fluency, storytelling ability, and classroom participation among pupils who actively engage in reading programs.

Long-Term Impact of a Strong Reading Culture

Children who grow up loving books often become:

• Independent learners who thrive academically.
• Innovative thinkers with creative problem-solving skills.
• Compassionate individuals with high emotional intelligence.
• Adults who pursue lifelong learning and personal growth.

At Verbum Dei Academy, we see reading not only as a skill but as a gift that transforms lives.

Conclusion

In a rapidly changing world, a strong reading culture gives children the tools to succeed, adapt, and flourish. At Verbum Dei Academy, we are committed to nurturing lifelong readers who will grow into knowledgeable, imaginative, and empathetic adults.

At Verbum Dei Academy, reading is not just taught—it’s celebrated as a way of life.

Introduction

Education is more than textbooks and exams. While academic knowledge is important, children also need opportunities to discover their talents, build confidence, and learn life skills that cannot be taught within the four walls of a classroom. This is where extracurricular activities come in.

At Verbum Dei Academy, we believe every child has unique gifts waiting to be discovered. Our extracurricular programs are designed to nurture these talents, balance academics with creativity and physical activity, and help pupils grow into well-rounded individuals.

What Are Extracurricular Activities?

Extracurricular activities are structured programs outside the standard curriculum. They include sports, arts, music, clubs, and other activities that allow children to explore their interests and develop new skills. At Verbum Dei Academy, these activities are not “extras” but an integral part of our educational philosophy.

Why Extracurricular Activities Are Important for Children

1. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem

When children succeed in activities outside the classroom—whether winning a race, performing in a play, or creating artwork—they gain confidence that carries into academics and life.

2. Encourages Social Skills and Teamwork

Group activities such as football, drama, or choir teach pupils how to cooperate, share responsibilities, and value teamwork. These skills are crucial in school, family life, and future careers.

3. Promotes Physical and Mental Health

Sports and physical activities keep children active and healthy, reducing risks of obesity while improving focus and mental alertness.

4. Helps Discover and Nurture Talents

Extracurricular programs expose children to new experiences, helping them identify passions they may not discover in the classroom. A shy child may shine in drama, while another may find joy in painting or athletics.

5. Improves Time Management

Balancing schoolwork with extracurriculars teaches children discipline, organization, and the ability to prioritize.

Extracurricular Activities at Verbum Dei Academy

At Verbum Dei Academy, we carefully design our extracurricular activities to suit the developmental needs of nursery and primary pupils.

1. Sports and Physical Development

From football and athletics to dance and aerobics, we encourage children to stay active, build stamina, and learn sportsmanship. Physical activities also help channel energy positively.

2. Music and Arts

Through choir, music lessons, and art classes, pupils express creativity, develop fine motor skills, and appreciate culture. Our school performances give children the chance to showcase their talents proudly.

3. Drama and Storytelling

Drama clubs encourage expression, confidence, and public speaking. Storytelling helps with imagination and communication skills.

4. Clubs and Special Interests

We run clubs such as:

• Science Club – Encouraging curiosity and discovery.
• Literary Club – Promoting reading and creative writing.
• Cultural Club – Teaching appreciation for heritage and diversity.

5. Leadership Opportunities

Even at a young age, pupils are given opportunities to lead—whether as class monitors or club assistants—helping them practice responsibility and decision-making.

The Role of Teachers in Extracurricular Programs

At Verbum Dei Academy, our teachers act as facilitators and mentors. They encourage participation, guide pupils in building skills, and ensure that every child, not just the most talented, benefits from extracurricular activities. This inclusive approach ensures no child is left behind.

How Parents Can Support Extracurricular Activities

Parents play an important role in making extracurricular activities meaningful. Here’s how:

1. Encourage Participation – Motivate children to try different activities until they discover what they love.
2. Attend Events – Showing up for performances or sports games boosts children’s confidence.
3. Balance Expectations – Support extracurriculars without putting too much pressure on performance.
4. Reinforce Skills at Home – Encourage practice, whether it’s reading, playing an instrument, or physical exercise.

Long-Term Benefits of Extracurricular Engagement

Children who participate actively in extracurricular programs often:

• Excel academically due to improved focus and discipline.
• Develop leadership qualities early.
• Learn resilience by handling both wins and losses gracefully.
• Build networks and friendships that last a lifetime.
• Grow into confident, creative, and adaptable adults.

At Verbum Dei Academy, we see extracurriculars not as “extra,” but as essential to holistic education.

Conclusion

True education balances the mind, body, and spirit. At Verbum Dei Academy, extracurricular activities help children discover their strengths, nurture creativity, and build character—complementing the academic knowledge they gain in class.

Every child has a hidden talent waiting to shine. At Verbum Dei Academy, extracurricular activities provide the stage where those talents can flourish.