The IB Middle Years Program is a broad framework for middle school education which encompasses many of the attributes of highly effective middle schools, outlined by the National Middle Schools Association. It is creative and flexible and allows us to develop the program within the culture and philosophies of our school. We are excited about this opportunity to broaden our students’ educational experiences and advance the mission and reputation of St. Michael’s!
International Baccalaureate
Middle Years Program
For the past 18 months or so, we have been studying the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP). Most of the Middle School faculty has attended IB training sessions in their discipline. We have met with IB coordinators at Lucille Brown MS and Moody MS and we have spent a day observing the IB program in action at Moody MS. We have discussed the merits of the program in many faculty meetings and we have decided to pursue designation as an IB MYP school.
St. Michael’s school philosophies state: We believe that students should acquire knowledge and understanding by participating in a challenging and carefully planned academic program, and that we should remain committed to constantly improving the curriculum through study and evaluation.
The National Middle Schools Association (NMSA) has published a book called This We Believe. It is a position paper, based on research into adolescent growth and development, that outlines characteristics of highly successful middle schools. It states that “students thrive when engaging in genuine activities that make a difference in their communities; that curriculum must be relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory. Curriculum is relevant when it helps students see the many connections that link various subjects. Curriculum is challenging when it stretches students and emphasizes important ideas and skills. Curriculum is integrative when it helps students make sense of their world and focuses on ideas that cross subject boundaries.”
Perhaps because of Tom Freidman’s book. The World is Flat, virtually every professional educational journal and/or association is stressing the need to develop students who are prepared for the global marketplace.
Within this context, we have decided that implementation of the IB MYP is desirable. It is a program that supports our school philosophies and the necessity to prepare our students for the global economy.
The International Baccalaureate Organization is recognized worldwide. Their approval will differentiate us from other middle schools in our area, by providing another respected, independent review of our program. Designation as the first private IB Middle Years Program in our area will further enhance St. Michael’s reputation in our community.
A few misconceptions must be dispelled. Unlike the IB Diploma Program at the high school level, the Middle Years Program is not intended to be a ‘school within a school’. With the opening of the Singleton Campus in the fall, we will implement the program in steps, by grade level, for all of our students.
We are not going to sacrifice our students’ strong academic foundation in reading, writing, math and science. We are not going to change what we teach. The IB MYP emphasizes three fundamental concepts.
Holistic Learning stresses the links between disciplines without sacrificing learning within each discipline.
Intercultural Awareness is concerned with developing students’ attitudes, knowledge and skills as they learn about their own and other cultures with the goal of fostering tolerance, respect and empathy.
Communication supports inquiry, understanding and allows student reflection and expression.
Every subject, including music, art, physical education and technology, is taught using five organizing elements or big ideas known as the Areas of Interaction. They are:
Approaches to Learning – Students develop discipline, strategies, skills, and attitudes for critical, coherent, and independent thought and the capacity for problem solving and decision making. It answers the questions: How do I learn best? How do I know? How do I communicate my understanding?
Homo Faber focuses on students’ learning to appreciate and practice the human capacity to influence, transform, enjoy and improve the quality of life. It answers the questions: Why and how do we create? What are the consequences?
Health & Social Education prepares students for a physically and mentally healthy life style, aware of potential hazards and able to make informed choices. It answers the questions: How do I think and act? How am I changing? How can I look after myself and others?
Environment makes students aware of their interdependence with the environment so they accept a stewardship role in protecting its health and sustainability. It answers the questions: Where do we live? What resources do we have or need? What are my responsibilities?
Community and Service challenges students to develop community awareness and concern, a sense of responsibility and the skills and attitudes needed to make effective contributions to society. It answers the questions: How do we live in relation to each other? How can I contribute to the community? How can I help others?
Each of the Fundamental Concepts and Areas of Interaction support one or more of our school philosophies.
The IB Middle Years Program is a broad framework for middle school education which encompasses many of the attributes of highly effective middle schools, outlined by the National Middle Schools Association. It is creative and flexible and allows us to develop the program within the culture and philosophies of our school. We are excited about this opportunity to broaden our students’ educational experiences and advance the mission and reputation of St. Michael’s!