What is the Middle Years Programme?

The Middle Years Programme was originally developed by the International Schools Association (ISAC) and adopted by the International Baccalaureate Organization in 1994.
Its development was guided by three themes; Global Education, Communication and Intercultural awareness. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) is a course of study for students in the age group 11 – 16 years. It comprises 5 levels to be taught over 4 – 5 years.

It provides a very useful framework for the SA Curriculum Documents (SACSA) and Middle School methodology. The model illustrated places the student at the centre of the curriculum with the 5 areas of interaction around the student. The areas of interaction are taught in a planned interdisciplinary manner using the subjects as outlined in the current curriculum. Our students will study the 8 areas of learning as set out in the Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECS) curriculum documents integrated with the 5 areas of interaction as outlined in the diagram.

IBMYP at Hawthorndene

The IBMYP has eight Areas of Study which match those of the SA Curriculum – SA Curriculum Standards and Accountability Framework (SACSA)

The Five Areas of Interaction

Approaches to Learning
The process by which a child learns and applies knowledge includes:-
• Critical literacy and thinking skills
• Critical information technology skills
• Individual and collective responsibility
• Problem solving and decision making
• Study skills

Community Service
Community Service aims to support and value service to others. It includes students in:-
• Contributing their time and services to the community to meet a need in the community
• Gaining an appreciation of their community
• Increased level of involvement from the home and local community for younger students; to national and international communities for older students

Homer Faber
Focuses on the creative genius of people. Enables students to:-
• Develop an appreciation for the inventive and creative genius of people and their impact on society
• Learn to appreciate human capacity and strive to improve the quality of life over time
• Demonstrate their own creative and inventive capacities

Environment
Through interdisciplinary studies of the environment, students will be asked to accept responsibility for maintaining an environment for present and future generations through:-
• Making best use of resources
• Investigating environmental issues and exploring ways to contribute to possible solutions to environmental problems
• Investigating one’s own lifestyle and looking at the impact that political choices and consumer preferences have at each level in home, school and local community
• Taking action to contribute to the environment

Health and Social Education
Aims to prepare students for a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle through interdisciplinary studies. Students will be encouraged to :-
• Develop a sound knowledge and understanding of health and social issues and hazards
• Accept responsibility for oneself, one’s family, one’s community and the environment
• Gain self esteem and self confidence
• Develop and use effective decision making and problem solving skills

Advantages of the IBMYP for Hawthorndene Students

• Enables a smoother transition to Secondary school
• Provides the choice of a global education for students in the middle years of schooling
• Enhances a curriculum coherence from Years 6 –10
• Focuses on the needs of young adolescents
• Encourages all students to be involved in community services
• Emphasises taking personal responsibility towards our environment
• Provides a framework for cultural understanding
• Promotes international peace, harmony and understanding
• Teaches strategies to help develop efficient and effective learning
• Encourages students to be physically and mentally healthy.

IBO and MYP Overview Presentation for parents

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