Introduction to MYP

The IB middle years program (IBMYP) has provided a framework of academic challenge and life skills for students in Grades 6-10 since ISL’s initial authorization in May 1999. The five-year program offers rigorous study in each of the 8 subject areas and strives to make meaningful connections between subjects.

The MYP is designed to help students develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world.

Students at this age- early puberty to mid adolescence- are in a particularly critical phase of personal and intellectual development. For some students, this can be a time of uncertainty, sensitivity resistance and questioning. In order to create a bridge between the Primary years Program and the Diploma Program, the MYP provides students with structure, skills, and challenging standards, but also allows for inquiry, creativity ad flexibility.

Eight subject areas are explored by MYP students at ISL: Language A (English), Language B (French, German, or English as a second language), Mathematics, Design technology, Science, Humanities, the Arts, Physical education.

MYP fundamental concepts

The MYP is designed to provide students with opportunities that will enable them to develop sound judgment. The MYP is guided by three fundamental concepts:

• Holistic learning – representing the notion that all knowledge is interrelated
• Intercultural awareness - engaging with and exploring other cultures
• Communication – encouraging open and effective communication

Assessment

Student progress is evaluated on a continuous basis. Assessment in the MYP is criteria –related, which means the a students work is compared to a set of predetermined standards in each subject area. Teachers create varied assessment tasks which allow students to demonstrate achievement according to the required objectives within each subject group. These assessment tasks include:

• Open- ended problem solving activities and investigations.
• Organized debates
• Hands- on experimentation
• Analysis and reflection
• Group work

IBMYP curriculum model (with image)

At the center of the IBMYP curriculum model are the five areas of interaction. The teaching of each subject through these contexts allows teachers to integrate attitudes, values and skills into the curriculum. The areas of interaction are as follows:

• Approaches to learning
• Community and service
• Health and social education
• Environments
• Human ingenuity