Other Secondary School Programmes

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, bringing together practical experiences and skills to equip young people for life. Since it was founded in 1956 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, in conjunction with Kurt Hahn, the German educationalist, over eight million young people have participated in over 140 countries and territories. 

“The Award MYP SA and DP CAS concept is one of individual challenge. It presents to young people a balanced, non- competitive programme of voluntary activities which encourages personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to themselves and service to their community.” It is a programme of cultural, practical and adventurous activities that require effort over time. The Award and IB CAS components are complementary and can be done in conjunction with each other.

There are three attainment levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold, each presenting greater challenge and requiring more commitment. Young people design their own programme, set their own goals and record their own progress. They choose a Service, a Physical Recreation and a Skills activity, go on an Adventurous Journey and, to achieve the Gold Award, take part in a Residential Project. The only person they compete against is themselves, by challenging their own beliefs about what they can achieve. 

We are happy to announce that VIS offers all three Award Levels.

More information on The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award can be found at www.intaward.org. You can also connect with the Award on Facebook, Twitter and on YouTube.

For information about the Award at VIS, please visit our website.

VIS MYP Prose Writing Competition

This competition challenges students to submit creative works of fiction. Every year we are impressed with the high level of language used to express their thoughts, as well as the fantastic organisation used to structure their ideas. Each winner recevies a certificate acknowledging their achievement as well as a voucher for a local book store to congratulate them.

Latin Language Course

Latin classes are taught in English, based on the international course program of the Cambridge Latin Course. The curriculum of the 4-year Latin program at VIS usually starts in grade 7. The Diploma at the end of Grade 10 is officially recognized as Austrian Matura Equivalence in the subject Latin. Latin is also a prerequisite for the study of certain subjects at university, especially in Austria (law, medicine, languages, history etc.)

Model United Nations

A Model United Nations (MUN) is a meeting where students authentically simulate negotiations of specific committees and organs of the United Nations. Participants choose a country and research their chosen country's position regarding a specific topic. After preparation, they step into the shoes of diplomats and represent this country in a committee. They debate, convince, bring forward new solutions and solve a world conflict with their own resolution.