IB Middle Years Programme
About the MYP
The MYP is a framework that uses a variety of teaching strategies and styles to help students understand the connections between their studies and the real world and become lifelong learners. The principles of the MYP encourage students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers and are integrated into the daily curriculum. These principles are fully aligned with LCC’s mission and vision.
At LCC, the MYP has been implemented for grades 7 through 10. According to best practice research, as conducted by the renowned International Baccalaureate Organization, the MYP teachers help to develop students who are independent learners and responsible members of their local and global communities. The programme provides a student-centred education and allows students to build valuable skills and learn how to learn.
The MYP also provides excellent preparation for grades 11 and 12 and for the IB Diploma Programme, should the student elect to pursue it.
LCC is the only English high school in Quebec to offer both the MYP and Diploma Programme.
For more information about the IB MYP:
Why the MYP?
Students in the MYP:
- are exposed to internationalism
- study a range of subjects including some interdisciplinary work
- develop skills for lifelong learning (thinking, social, communication, self-management and research skills)
- have opportunities for individual and collaborative planning and self-reflection
- are encouraged to be productive and caring members of their community
To a large extent, we are already doing this at LCC. However, with the MYP, objectives for the different subject areas as well as assessment criteria are standardized, so that teachers, students and parents are all using the same language across grades and subject matters for both academics and co-curricular programming. It provides a cohesive and consistent structure that formalizes what is already in place at the school.
Plus, IB professional development provides faculty with rich experiences, which they can then create for their students. They are supported globally and have access to educational resources and research-based models on innovative classroom ideas and best practices.
Framework
The MYP framework, which coincides with the LCC curriculum, includes eight subject groups:
- Language and Literature (equivalent to LCC’s English Language Arts)
- Language Acquisition (equivalent to LCC’s Modern Languages)
- Individuals and Societies (equivalent to LCC’s Social Sciences)
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts (remains an option in grades 9 and 10)
- Physical and Health Education
- Design
The MYP culminates in the Personal Project in grade 10. Students pick an area of interest to them and work independently but with the guidance of a supervisor. They determine the format and the end product.
Examples of Personal Projects
- How online identities impact offline relationships: A research essay
- Keeping culinary traditions: A video series following family recipes with historical relevance
- Culture and self-expression through dance at the local community arts centre; a performance
- Can stem cells replace organ transplants? An investigative report
- Asylum seekers and their right to live like us: A painting
Q & A
- How will the curriculum be different?
- Have studies been done on the impact of MYP?
- How will my child be evaluated? Are there external assessments in the MYP?
- What are the advantages of an IB education?
- What grades does the MYP encompass?
- Is there a lot of extra work with the MYP?
- Do all students participate in the MYP or can they opt out?
- What will be the impact on my child if he/she is receiving learning support (i.e., LEAD)?
- Will my child be properly prepared for the ministry-required courses (e.g., Quebec history, grade 10 math, grade 10 science)?
- What if a child enters the school midway through the MYP (e.g., grade 8, 9, 10)?
- What are the differences between the MYP and the Diploma Programme (DP)?
- What are some of the differentiators between a regular high school program and the MYP?
How will the curriculum be different?
Have studies been done on the impact of MYP?
Yes. The IB Global Research department has conducted in-depth studies on the impact and outcomes of the IB’s four programmes. Findings include:
- The MYP helps teachers hone their skills and incorporate new and innovative techniques into their practice.
- MYP students generally rate higher in certain non-academic attributes, such as international and civic-mindedness as well as global awareness.
- Students, teachers and administrators report that the MYP supports a range of positive outcomes in their schools, including the development of student competencies such as research and critical thinking skills, and encouraging school-wide improvements to teaching and learning.
The MYP provides excellent preparation for grades 11 and 12 and for the IB Diploma Programme should the student elect to pursue it.
Source: www.ibo.org/research
How will my child be evaluated? Are there external assessments in the MYP?
Students will be evaluated using the MYP assessment criteria, which are similar to the competencies that teachers are already currently using to guide assessments.
While the MYP does provide external e-assessments, LCC will not be implementing them. However, upon full implementation of the MYP, the grade 10 Personal Project will be externally moderated by the IBO.
We will continue to adhere to the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec (MEQ) requirements, including the ministry exams.
What are the advantages of an IB education?
- Develops balanced, well-rounded individuals who learn to respond to challenges with optimism and open-mindedness
- Promotes open communication based on understanding and respect
- Helps students become confident in their own identity
- Enables students to make ethical decisions in real-world, complex and unpredictable situations by applying what they learn in the classroom
- Holistically addresses students’ intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being
- Provides students opportunities to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need in order to manage complexity, and take responsible action for the future
- Ensures breadth and depth of understanding through study in eight subject groups
- Requires the study of at least two languages to support students in understanding their own cultures and those of others
- Empowers students to participate in service with the community
Helps to prepare students for further education, the workplace and a lifetime of learning.
Source: What is an IB Education?
What grades does the MYP encompass?
Is there a lot of extra work with the MYP?
Do all students participate in the MYP or can they opt out?
What will be the impact on my child if he/she is receiving learning support (i.e., LEAD)?
Will my child be properly prepared for the ministry-required courses (e.g., Quebec history, grade 10 math, grade 10 science)?
What if a child enters the school midway through the MYP (e.g., grade 8, 9, 10)?
What are the differences between the MYP and the Diploma Programme (DP)?
- The MYP is designed for students in grades 7-10, while the DP is for students in grades 11-12.
- The DP is a prescribed curriculum with external examinations and the IB core of Theory of Knowledge, Creativity Action, Service (CAS) and extended essay.
- The MYP is not a prescribed curriculum and, at LCC, will not include external assessments.
What are some of the differentiators between a regular high school program and the MYP?
- The MYP has a culminating event for all students: the Personal Project.
- The MYP includes the explicit teaching of approaches to learning (thinking, social, communication, self-management, and research skills).
- Teachers of the same subject area will all use the same assessment criteria.
- The MYP requires teachers to plan using common key concepts and global contexts.
