Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-curricular activities
At the beginning of the school day, during lunch break or after school, pupils may, depending on their age: participate in a variety of activities including English, drama, newspaper club, preparation for MEP (Model European Parliament) and MUN (Model United Nations), Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award) football tournaments, self-defence, etc., use the computer facilities as well as both reference and fiction libraries.
To take part in an activity, please contact the organiser directly or send an e-mail to secondaire@eiverseau.be
Model European Parliament (MEP) & Model United Nations (MUN)
available through the VSAL Enhanced English Programme
Government simulations provide an incredible learning experience for the students, enhancing a large range of skills including research, negotiation, public speaking, and knowledge of European and international politics and the decision-making process. The time spent in preparation and at the conferences also provides the accompanying teachers the unique opportunity to work closely with students on a project that engages them intellectually and emotionally, allowing us to get to know and appreciate them outside the classroom.
Participation in MEP and MUN is open to all students in years 5 and 6 enrolled in V+ enhanced English Program. We meet every Friday after school starting from mid-September to the end of January to prepare for the conferences. During these sessions, we discuss the topics and coach the students in their research, but a lot of time is also spent on learning how to debate, how to write clauses and how to make amendments.
Nearly every year at least one “oldie” joins us every Friday to act as mentor to the students and help guide them through the research and debating process. They provide invaluable assistance and are truly great role models for all participants.
Model European Parliament (MEP)
Organised by Afnorth International School in The Netherlands, this is a relatively small conference which involves approximately 300-350 students from various European countries. The conference takes place over a 3-day weekend at the beginning of November (usually corresponding with the All Saints’ Holiday).
Delegates represent a country and one of the 5 main political parties in the EU; each delegate belongs to one of four committees and debates on the topic chosen for that committee.
Once a student has acted as delegate at MEP, they are eligible to apply for a leadership role as student officer; several of our students have been selected for these roles – either to Chair a committee or to act as Faction leader of one of the political parties. This extra responsibility of course requires extra time and work, but it is a lot of fun AND it looks great on your CV!
Le Verseau has earned a very positive reputation at MEP, and each year some of our delegates are given the ‘Best Speaker’ award. For over five years we have been proud to win the ‘Best Delegation’ award.
Model United Nations (MUN)
Le Verseau has been participating in The Hague International Model United Nations since 2006. Recognised as the first, largest and most prestigious MUN conference for high school students in the world, we are just one of a few hundred delegations which take part in an organisation in which nearly 3500 students from around the world participate each year. Le Verseau is proud to be one of the few delegations selected to take part each year.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programme
This internationally recognised and highly prestigious programme is available for Secondary students in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th years. Students can apply and participate in the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards schemes which includes a variety of activities ranging from social contribution to specific skills and competencies. The school is accredited to provide this programme. Parents pay the enrolment fee and certain other expenses including expedition costs. Those enrolled in the VSAL programme do not have to pay the additional fees the school incurs for running the programme.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is an important value at Ecole Internationale le Verseau.
The Secondary school organises the Mini-Enterprise Programme for 5th and 6th years which is coordinated by staff funded by Les Amis du Verseau. The programme includes extensive coaching and facilitation for participating groups culminating in a national schools’ competition in which Le Verseau has regularly won awards.