Departments → Middle Years Programme
Middle Years Programme
Mrs. Laura Marion, Middle Years Programme Coordinator
MYP Introduction
Newport Mill Middle School is proud to be an IB World Schools authorized to offer the Middle Years Programme to our 6th-8th students. As an IB World School, we will be joining an international community committed to providing challenging academic standards and promoting global understanding. For those of you new to our community, below is a general description of the IB Middle Years Programme.
Program Description
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is one of three programs developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. It is was developed as a five-year program designed for students in grades 6-10. However, it allows for two-year or three-year models to address the needs of two- and three-year middle schools (Newport Mill Middle School follows the three-year model). While the MYP shares common educational principles with the IB Primary Years Programme (K-5) and the IB Diploma Programme (11-12), each program is separate and distinct. The overall goal of the MYP is to encourage students to become life long learners, critical thinkers and responsible global citizens. The fundamental concepts of the program include:
- Connections among subjects and relating in-school learning to the outside world
- Appreciation of world cultures, including one’s own culture
- Effective communication skills, including the study of foreign language.
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MYP Curriculum Framework
MYP classes at NMMS implement the same curriculum as other MCPS middle schools. Teachers present this curriculum focused through the MYP philosophy and framework which includes:
- An awareness of international and cultural influences related to the topic of study
- An emphasis on inter-disciplinary instruction
- An emphasis on the process of learning
- An emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills
- An emphasis on independent work habits and research skills
- An emphasis on student reflection
At the core of the MYP are the five Areas of Interaction, which are the “lenses” through which the curriculum is taught:
Approaches to Learning- “learning how to learn” and developing intellectual discipline, attitudes, strategies and skills which will result in critical and independent thought.
Community and Service- developing community awareness and concern, a sense of responsibility, and the skills and attitudes needed to make an effective contribution to society.
Health & Social Education-preparing students for a physically and mentally healthy life by teaching them to make informed choices.
Environments-making students award of their interdependence with and responsibility to the environment, both local and global.
Human Ingenuity-teaching students to reflect upon our human capacity for creativity and to be aware of its potential for both positive and negative outcomes.
Students are expected to develop a broad and balanced base of knowledge through the study of eight subjects in each year of the program (Arts, Humanities, Language A, Language B, Math, Physical Education, Science and Technology).
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Capstone Project
The Capstone Project is an individual project completed in grade 8. It basically consists of three main components: a process journal, the project itself, and a personal statement. It is an important part of the MYP programme, providing students opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have learned during their MYP years, especially those regarding the Areas of Interaction. As it is an individualized project, students have the opportunity to choose their topic, and enjoy learning about it as they research and develop their chosen product. The skills they develop will be helpful as they move on to high school and pursue more challenging courses.
The aims of the Capstone Project are to:
- demonstrate the personal abilities and skills required to produce and present an extended piece of work
- engage in personal inquiry, action and reflection on specific topics and issues
- focus on, and demonstrate an understanding of, the areas of interaction
- reflect on learning and share knowledge, views and opinions.
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Program Implementation and Future Plans
In accordance with IB procedures, implementation of the Middle Years Programme occurs in grades 6-8. Newport Mill Middle School is authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the Middle Years Programme to grades 6-8 students. This year’s 8th grade students will complete a Capstone Project to demonstrate their understanding of the MYP over their three years of middle school.
Further information regarding the Middle Years Programme will continue to be made available through parent meetings, the PTSA Newsletter, and the Newport Mill website. You may also wish to visit the International Baccalaureate Organization website at www.ibo.org.
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