MYP at SRMS

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a school wide framework that encourages all students aged 11 to 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life. The MYP aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The programme empowers students and celebrates inquirers. The result is young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers.

Learner Profile

As the IB’s mission in action, the learner profile concisely describes the aspirations of a global community that shares the values underlying the IB’s educational philosophy. The IB learner profile describes the attributes and outcomes of education for international-mindedness. As IB learners, we strive to be:

Inquirers

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Knowledgeable

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

Open Minded

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Communicators

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Principled

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility four our actions and their consequences.

Caring

We show empathy, compassion, and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the world around us.

Risk-takers

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

Balanced

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well being for others and ourselves. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Reflective

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

Thinkers

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

What Does a MYP/IB Classroom Look Like?

Posted on walls and Board:

• • Learner profiles

  • IB and school mission statements

  • Unit Statement of Inquiry and Key Concept

  • Student work/Visible thinking

Students Are:

• • Making choices and decisions

  • Using materials in flexible/manageable ways

  • Initiating inquiry and asking questions

  • Working collaboratively

  • Developing an understanding

Teacher is:

• • Facilitating student discussions

  • Encouraging questioning

  • Differentiating

  • Inquiring

  • Allowing time for thinking and reflection

  • Cultivating creativity

  • Using technology

  • Inspiring interest in a wide variety of perspectives

Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills

ATL skills are interconnected skills that focus on the process of learning, helping students to become confident, independent, self-managed learners for life.

Every MYP unit identifies ATL skills that students will develop through their inquiry and demonstrate in the unit's assessments.

Below is a sampling of some of the ATL Skills that our students are learning on a daily basis:

• • Make inferences and draw conclusions

  • Identify strengths and weaknesses of personal learning strategies (self-assessment)

  • Practice “bouncing back” after adversity, mistakes and failures

  • Manage and resolve conflict, and work collaboratively in teams

  • Plan short- and long-term assignments; meet deadlines

  • Combine knowledge, understanding and skills to create products or solutions

  • Give and receive meaningful feedback

  • Use appropriate strategies for organizing complex information

  • Practice focus and concentration

  • Bring necessary equipment and supplies to class

Other MYP attributes we are implementing:

• Schedule requirements- 8 subject areas every student must participate in:

  • • • • Math, Language and Literature, Sciences, Individuals and Societies (Social Studies), Language Acquisition (Foreign Language) Arts (Performing and Visual), Design and Health/PE

• Unit Plans instead of Lesson Plans

• Inquiry Based Learning approach- we still teach the concepts and skills but add inquiry

• Assessments: Formative (before and during), Summative (at the end), GRASPS (Goal, Role, Audience, Situation, Product and Purpose, Criteria for Success)

• Reflection Process- Both students and teachers, before during and after