The Middle Years Programme

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students between the ages of 11 and 16. This period of adolescence is a time of uncertainty and questioning, requiring an education programme, such as the IB MYP, that will provide discipline, challenging standards, skills, creativity and flexibility to aid the individual’s growth towards self reliance and responsible participation in society.

About the Middle Years Programme

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides students with educational experiences that will help them develop the knowledge, attitudes, creativity and skills required to effectively participate in their changing world.

The MYP fosters a genuine love of learning and disciplined habits of mind and body that will guide pupils through their young adulthood and be a source of strength and enjoyment throughout the whole of their lives.

Underpinning the above philosophy, are three unique characteristics which guide this programme.

They are:

Holistic Learning which provides students with recognisable relationships between school subjects and the world outside;
Intercultural Awareness which fosters tolerance and respect of cultures and groups; and
Communication which is an essential component enabling students to interact in every way with other members of the world community.

These unique characteristics are incorporated in a programme of academic rigour based around eight subject groups.

The core curriculum is supported by the five Areas of Interaction. These broad areas give the MYP curriculum its distinctive core and reflect this programme’s focus on students’ intellectual and social development. More importantly they provide a framework of learning, allowing important connections which are either embedded within or visible among the subjects themselves.

1. Approaches to Learning

Develop skills which encourage independent thought, problem solving, decision making and effective study skills.

2. Community and Service

Starts in the classroom and extends beyond it, encouraging responsible, caring participation in the local environment and wider community. Through first-hand experience, the emphasis is on developing community awareness and a sense of responsibility while contributing something of benefit to the society.

3. Health and Social Education

Prepares students for a physically and mentally healthy life, equipping them with the ability to make informed choices based on respect for body and mind.

4. Environment

Develops students’ awareness of their interdependence with the environment so they accept their responsibility for maintaining an environment fit for the future. Students are confronted with global issues that require balanced understanding in the context of sustainable development.

5. Human Ingenuity

Is concerned with the products of creative and inventive genius of people. It enables students to appreciate and experience the human capacity and drive to transform, enjoy and improve the quality of life over time.

The Personal Project: All Year 10 students undertake a comprehensive independent piece of work which reflects their understanding of the Five Areas of Interaction. Their personal project is mentored by a member of staff, yet the project topic is selected by the student.

Assessment and Reporting

Students are measured in each subject against specific IB MYP criteria.
Grades may be moderated at Year 10 by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, in which case students who meet all the requirements of the MYP will be eligible for internationally recognised Year 10 qualification.
Parents and students are provided with a comprehensive report from all subject areas, at set intervals throughout the School year.

All MYP students assemble a record of their accomplishments throughout the programme in a portfolio. This portfolio will include documents from the IBO as well as self evaluation by the students, samples of assessment, information about community service, and certificates which reflect the nature and content of the Somerset College Middle Years Programme.