International School
Parent
Information
Food Service
Snacks and lunch are available for purchase each day. This service includes vegetarian options.
The menu is sent out on a Wednesday and pre-ordering for the following week is needed by the Friday evening in order to prepare accordingly.
Safety First
Vale Verde International School believes that student safety and a healthy environment is imperative for any academic program. Providing a safe and orderly environment with the close family feeling while developing skills, attitudes and personal responsibility, is embedded within the ethos of the school.
At Vale Verde International School we are committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and welfare of all students, both on and off the school premises. We recognise that safeguarding children and young people is an integral part of creating a nurturing and supportive environment. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and provides clear guidance on how we will protect students from harm, abuse, and neglect, as well as promoting their emotional and physical wellbeing.
VVIS House System
The house system at VVIS aims to foster a sense of community and belonging, sportsmanship and acceptance.
All students and staff at VVIS are assigned to one of four houses, Apollo, Poseidan, Vulcan, Zeus. Students from the same house are encouraged to work togethr across year groups in different activities throughout the school year.
Staff House Leaders, Student Council and Student House Captains from the Sixth Form (Year 12 and Year 13) coordinate and support house events and initiatives in the school.
Uniform
All students are expected to be clean, tidy and in appropriate uniform as outlined below:
-Short sleeve blue polo shirt with School badge.
-White or black plain socks.
-Black shorts or trousers (no sweatpants or leggings on its own): or knee length skirt (girls).
-Shoes: all black sensible, protective shoes, which allow for the growth and healthy development of feet are required. This does not include high heels, flip-flops and shoes without backs or back-straps.
-During inclement weather, a vest under or a black/dark coat may be worn over the school uniform.
School Educational Field Trips
At Vale Verde International School (VVIS), we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Educational field trips provide students with valuable opportunities to explore new environments, apply their learning in real-world contexts, develop independence and strengthen their social skills.
Our field trips form part of our wider educational programme and are planned to complement the curriculum, support learning objectives and enrich the student experience.
1. Why does the school organise field trips?
Field trips are an important extension of classroom learning. They allow students to engage directly with subjects, places, people and experiences that may not be accessible within the school environment.
These experiences can support academic development, cultural awareness, teamwork, independence and personal growth.
2. Are field trips part of the school curriculum?
Yes. Educational field trips are organised to support the school's educational objectives and form part of the planned curriculum and annual school programme.
Learning outside the classroom is considered an extension of the educational experience rather than simply a recreational activity.
3. Are all students expected to participate?
As field trips form part of the school's planned educational programme, participation is expected unless an individual arrangement has been agreed with the school.
Field trips are organised for the relevant class or year group, and the educational experience is designed around the participation of the students concerned.
Parents who have questions or concerns about their child's participation should contact the school in advance so that these can be discussed.
4. What happens if my child does not attend a field trip?
Parents should inform the school as early as possible if their child will not attend.
Where a student does not participate, the school will determine how the absence is recorded in accordance with its attendance policy and applicable requirements. Parents should not assume that choosing not to attend an educational activity automatically makes the absence authorised.
The school will communicate any arrangements for students who remain at home or are otherwise unable to participate.
5. Will lessons continue at school for students who do not attend?
Field trips are planned as educational activities for the participating class or year group. Normal classroom teaching does not continue for students who do not attend.
Parents should not assume that an equivalent programme of lessons or alternative supervision will be available at school.
6. How are parents informed about upcoming field trips?
The school will provide information in advance, including, as appropriate:
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The educational purpose and destination.
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The date and expected timings.
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Transport arrangements.
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The cost and payment deadline, where applicable.
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What students should bring or wear.
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Food, drink and other practical arrangements.
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Permission requirements and relevant deadlines.
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Any specific health, safety or accessibility considerations.
Parents are encouraged to read all communications carefully and contact the school if clarification is needed.
7. Do parents need to provide permission?
Where written parental consent is required, the school will communicate the necessary arrangements and deadlines.
Parents should return the required documentation promptly to ensure that the school can finalise planning and safety arrangements.
8. How are field trips supervised?
The school plans supervision according to the nature of the activity, the age and needs of the students, the destination and the associated risks.
Staff will communicate relevant expectations to students and take appropriate measures to support their safety and wellbeing throughout the activity.
9. What if my child has medical, dietary or additional support needs?
Parents should inform the school of any relevant medical, dietary, mobility, accessibility or additional support needs before the trip.
This information enables the school to assess what arrangements may be necessary and whether the planned activity can be undertaken safely and appropriately.
Parents should not assume that all facilities, dietary options or individual support arrangements will be available at every destination. Specific concerns should be raised with the school as early as possible.
10. What happens if a student behaves inappropriately during a field trip?
The school's behaviour expectations apply during field trips, just as they do on school premises.
Students are expected to follow staff instructions, respect others, remain with their group and behave responsibly in public spaces. Serious or repeated breaches of expectations will be addressed in accordance with the school's behaviour policy.
11. What happens if the weather or other circumstances affect the trip?
The school will assess relevant circumstances and make decisions based on student safety, the educational value of the activity and practical considerations.
A trip may be modified, postponed or cancelled where necessary. Parents will be informed of significant changes and any revised arrangements.
12. Are field trips refundable if a student does not attend?
Refunds depend on the nature of the booking, payments already committed to external providers and the school's applicable payment and cancellation terms.
Where costs have already been incurred and cannot be recovered, a refund may not be possible.
13. What should parents do if they have concerns about a field trip?
Parents should contact the school office as early as possible. This allows the school to clarify arrangements, discuss individual circumstances and address concerns before the activity takes place.
The school welcomes constructive communication and aims to ensure that educational activities are planned with appropriate consideration for students' learning, safety and wellbeing.
14. Who can I contact for further information?
For questions about a specific field trip, please contact the school office.
