Welcome from the High School Principal

LaTosha Parker Jackson

I want to welcome you to Verdala International High School where we strive to ensure that all of our students become knowledgeable, inquisitive and ethical contributors to our world. In the 21 st century, young people can easily acquire knowledge from a variety of places. Helping students broaden their understanding of the world in which they live in, facilitating in-depth discussions on topics of study, guiding and training on how to research unknown topics, and teaching youth how to become inquirers all stands at the core of teaching and learning on our High School Campus.

As the final step in the journey our young people take before venturing into further study at universities or gaining employment in a career they are passionate about, we educators in the High School know it is our responsibility to help shape and mould the future leaders of our global and interconnecting society. When so much information is available at our finger tips, it is vital for schools to raise awareness in this digital age by teaching critical thinking skills, goal setting and planning for long term projects, appropriate and meaningful collaboration with counterparts, and distinguishing between fact and fiction. Through activities ranging from traditional academic learning to personally challenging community service projects which engage with local and global issues, we enable students to become knowledgeable, inquisitive and ethical contributors to school life and to the wider community.

At VIS, we are proud of our diverse community of learners and staff; representing 40+ nationalities and a range of unique cultures. As per our Diversity and Anti-Discrimination Policy, we “celebrate diversity by ensuring that all members of the school community regardless of ancestry, culture, ethnicity, sex, physical or intellectual ability, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or other factors – are welcomed, included, treated fairly, and respected.” This allows us to appreciate our differences while at the same time working to understanding our similarities.

English is our medium of communication and instruction but we value the presence of a very wide range of languages amongst our school community and strongly encourage all families to invest time and energy in maintaining their home languages. Wherever possible we support students in developing these language(s) to a high level.

Students who graduate from VIS are awarded an accredited US High School Diploma. In addition, our curriculum includes the following renowned international exam boards: Cambridge Assessment International Examinations and Pearson Edexcel for Grades 9 to 10; and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and International Baccalaureate Careers Related Program for Grades 11 to 12. Each year, students sit for rigorous and demanding external examinations, and we are so proud of each cohort’s consistently high results in their respective programs. As a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers and parents; VIS graduates enrol in many top universities around the globe.

Please refer to the website for more information about what VIS has to offer. If you want to learn more, we look forward to the opportunity to meet you.