IB Middle Years Programme (all students in grades 6-10)
A rigorous integrated curriculum, the internationally recognized programme uses student-driven inquiry lessons to stimulate project-based learning.
Blair's Middle Years Programme (MYP)
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a rigorous framework for academic scholarship and life skills that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. This five-year programme employs an educational approach that embraces, yet transcends traditional school subjects.
Although the MYP curriculum is challenging, it is meant for ALL students. Our educators focus on each student as a whole person. Thus, the programme addresses not only cognitive development but social, emotional and physical well-being. The aim is to develop inquiring, knowledgable and caring young people with adaptable skills to tackle society's complex challenges and who will help to make a better, more peaceful world.
The Lesson Cycle:
Lessons are student-centered and student-driven; they begin with Inquiry (asking questions), lead to Action(doing), and result in Reflection (thinking about what has been discovered).
Three Fundamental Concepts Drive Teaching and Learning:
Holistic Learning - the curriculum meets the needs of the whole person and emphasizes links between academic subjects and real-world issues so that students view knowledge as an interrelated whole.
Intercultural Awareness - the curriculum and school community encourage and promote international-mindedness by having students engage with and explore other cultures, consider issues from multiple perspectives, and build understanding and respect.
Communication - students engage in open and effective communication across subject areas, as it contributes to understanding, allows for unique expression and reflection, and is an important 21st century skill.
Academic Subject Groups:
Students complete (at least) 50 hours of study in each subject group during each year of the programme.
Language and Literature
Sciences
Language Acquisition (Spanish and Armenian)
Mathematics
Individuals and Societies (Humanities)
Arts
Physical and Health Education
Design
The Learner Profile:
The aim of all IB Programmes is to develop internationally minded people, who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. The IB Learner Profile represents 10 attributes that can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communitites. These attributes are developed inside and outside of the classroom.
Inquirers
Open-Minded
Knowledgable
Caring
Thinkers
Risk-Takers
Communicators
Balanced
Principled
Reflective
Community Service:
Service as action is an integral part of the programme. Students take action when they apply what they are learning in the classroom and beyond. IB learners strive to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a commitment to service--making a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment.
Community Service Requirements vary by grade level:
Grade 6 --
20 Hours
Grade 7 --
20 Hours
Grade 8 --
25 Hours
Grade 9 --
30 Hours
Grade 10 --
35 Hours
10th Grade Personal Project:
The Personal Project is an individual, self-directed project completed in grade 10. It is the culmination of the Middle Years Programme; it gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the academic, social and and emotional skills learned throughout the programme. The Personal Project enables students to engage in practical explorations through a cycle of inquiry, action and reflection. It encourages students to reflect on their learning and the outcomes of their work--key skills that prepare them for success in further study, the workplace and the community.
