We asked a group of soon-to-be Middle School students two simple questions. What are you most nervous about? And what are you most excited for? Their answers offer a real glimpse into the transition from Primary to Middle School, the mix of anticipation, uncertainty, confidence, and curiosity that comes with stepping into something new. Bigger spaces, new subjects, more independence, and the challenge of finding your footing along the way. Sometimes, the most powerful way to support students through moments like this is not by rushing to reassure or solve, but by listening. By giving them space to share what they’re feeling and taking those feelings seriously. When students feel heard, they feel understood. And that sense of understanding builds the confidence they need to step forward, even when the next stage feels a little intimidating.

Year 3 explored different parts of the world through a series of learning stations, each offering a new way to connect with geography. Using maps, art, architecture, and hands-on tasks, students examined how places are shaped, how people respond to their environment, and how culture and creativity reflect geography in action. These experiences are designed to spark interest first. When students are curious, learning sticks. By following the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), lessons are built to be cross-disciplinary, practical, and meaningful, allowing children to make connections across subjects rather than learning in isolation. Geography becomes more than locations on a map. It becomes a story told through structure, design, colour, and context, encouraging students to ask questions, think critically, and stay genuinely engaged in the world around them

Leo had a word. A small one. A tricky one too. He met it all week and kept trying it through. One letter at a time, a pause, then a try. With patience and practice, the sounds started to fly. The word finally clicked. Hip hip hooray. One last big smile… and it was time to play! Our Early Years’ smallest learners regularly practise early reading by gently sounding out each letter in short three-letter words, then blending the sounds together to read the full word, building confidence through repetition, patience, and encouragement along the way.

Some big changes are difficult to plan for. This one isn’t one of them. Middle Years Transition at Verita is designed to take the uncertainty out of what comes next. Last week’s parent workshop focused on preparing students and families for the shift from Primary to Secondary in a way that feels steady, supportive, and intentional, not rushed or reactive. With many of our Verita parents present, alongside dedicated staff and school leadership, the conversation was guided by our founder, Michael Wolper, our Primary Principal, Anna, and one of the educational leaders behind Verita 2.0, Chris Gruelich. With over 30 years of experience in education and more than 15 years in leadership, including building and leading international boarding schools in Central Europe, Chris helped frame the transition through a long-term, student-centred lens. Together with our wider teaching team, the discussion centred on what these years really look like. Students in Years 7 to 9 are in an in-between stage, no longer children, not yet teenagers, navigating excitement, nerves, confidence, and uncertainty all at once. It is a time that requires patience, structure, and understanding from everyone involved. That’s why this transition is approached as a process, not an event. Over time, students become familiar with the Secondary environment, expectations, and routines, building confidence before independence is fully expected. They are supported academically, emotionally, and socially, so the move forward feels manageable rather than overwhelming. And just as importantly, this process supports parents too. It offers clarity, reassurance, and a shared understanding of what lies ahead, making it a resource for the whole community. Change is inevitable. Feeling prepared for it is a choice.

Maths, but make it interactive! Through years of experience, Mrs Maggie has seen how hands-on visuals help turn abstract numbers into something concrete, building stronger understanding and confidence. Add a touch of healthy competition, and students stay engaged, motivated, and ready to think quickly and work together. The extra fun part is that once the connection clicks, the symbols can change. Forks, books, LEGO… anything can become a number when creativity leads the way!

Meet part of our Early Years team, one viral sound at a time!

The middle school transition is a bigger deal than it often looks. This carousel breaks down what research tells us about Years 7–9, and how Verita designs the Middle Years to support confidence, belonging, and growing independence during this stage. If you want the full picture, the complete blog is live on the Verita website, link in bio! Written by our Founder and Director of Happiness, Michael Wolper, it dives deeper into the data, thinking, and design behind our Middle Years approach.