Students are encouraged to hold important values, such as respect and cooperation, in all experiences, projects and activities, and in classrooms, courts and halls. On a structured and targeted basis, they are encouraged to act consciously and empathetically towards each other and the environment.
Vértice is part of UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) along with approximately 11,000 educational institutions present in more than 180 countries around the world. The schools part of the network engage in and share pedagogical practices and projects that strengthen the role of education in promoting a culture of peace, international cooperation, and democratic values in all member countries of the United Nations (UN).
Students coordinate awareness and fundraising campaigns that benefit several institutions and causes. They are responsible for setting the campaign’s motto and engaging the entire school community with actions.
Organized by Sophomore High School students, the Auction of Ideas combines creativity, orality, expressiveness and solidarity. By giving new meanings to objects that have lost their value, students write narratives and the best ones are presented in the form of music or plays. At the end of each presentation, the original object covered in the story and a copy of the story are auctioned off to the audience. The funds raised are donated to TUCCA – an institution that offers free treatment to underserved children and adolescents with cancer.
Expressiveness is also an important tool in the Empathy project. In this project, 9th-grade students perform sketches that were written and staged by them to “shed some light” on and raise the awareness of the audience – and their own awareness – about topics such as bullying, abusive relationships, drugs, teenage pregnancy, and discrimination. Drama and music help students reflect on more empathetic and healthy attitudes and relationships.
Vértice also addresses students’ relationship with the environment. Fostering environmental education and citizenship, the Composting project targets younger children and is held annually. In the project, the organic waste produced in Early Childhood Education – after snack time and during cooking classes – is transformed in fertilizers that are later used in the School’s green areas. Children also carry out planting activities and explore the vegetables grown with the help of our gardening team.
