Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP)?

The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) is one of three programs offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (www. Ibo.org).

• The Primary Years Program (PYP) for pupils aged 3 to 12 focuses on the development of the whole child in the classroom and in the world outside.
• The Middle Years Program (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16  helps students develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to participate actively and responsibly in a changing and increasingly interrelated world.
• The Diploma Program for students aged 16 to 19 is a demanding two-year curriculum that meets the needs of highly motivated students, and leads to a qualification that is recognized by leading universities around the world.

The MYP is an approach to teaching and learning based on the standards of international education.  At Springbrook High School, teachers follow the MCPS curriculum and infuse the MYP philosophy to deliver a comprehensive, in-depth course of study.  The MYP is designed to allow students to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need to participate effectively in life in the 21st century.
 
The IBMYP is guided by three fundamental concepts:

• Intercultural Awareness
  Students are given increased opportunities to learn about their own culture and the cultures of people from around the globe. By viewing issues from multiple points of view, students learn the values of tolerance and empathy.

• Holistic Learning
  Learning is made more meaningful for students
  by focusing on how new learning connects to students’ own experiences, topics in other disciplines, and situations in the real world. Instruction and assessment become more authentic as students realize how the knowledge from each class relates to their total understanding of the world. 

• Communications
  In order to be successful in the modern world, students must be able to communicate their ideas in multiple forms. This focus helps students to develop competency in reading, writing, speaking, listening, design, and technology. All students also have the opportunity to learn another language. 

Five broad themes provide the basis for interdisciplinary and real world connections.  They are called Areas of Interaction.  The Areas of Interaction provide the conceptual lens for delivery of the curriculum.  The five Areas of Interaction are:

• Approaches to Learning – Learning how to learn
• Environments - Natural, social and virtual (internet)
• Human Ingenuity – The creative genius of people and their impact on society and the human mind
• Health and Social Education – Preparing students to lead physically and mentally a healthy life
• Community and Service – Extending learning beyond the classroom and providing service to the community

2. How is the curriculum different in an IBMYP school?

MYP classes at Springbrook High School implement the same curriculum as other MCPS high schools.  Teachers teach the curriculum using the MYP philosophy of clear communication, global awareness, and intercultural sensitivity.  

Students are expected to develop a broad and balanced base of knowledge through the study of eight subjects.  The eight subjects are:

• Arts- Performing and Visual
• Humanities – Social Studies
• Language A – English
• Language B – Arabic, French, German, Italian, Latin, or Spanish
• Mathematics
• Physical Education/Health
• Science
• Technology          

In grade 10, students participate in the Personal Project, an independent research endeavor of the student’s choosing.

As the program model above shows, the MYP places the learner at its center.  This underscores the IB’s belief in educating the whole person.  Beyond academics, IBMYP students are encouraged to lead balanced lives, to engage in service projects, and to pursue varied extracurricular interests.  

3. How can my student apply to the IB Middle Years Program at Springbrook High School?

There is no application process.  Springbrook High School administration and faculty are currently preparing the ground work to offer an inclusive Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the incoming ninth grade students. Students registering to attend Springbrook High School’s ninth grade in August 2009 are automatically MYP students.  The MYP will be implemented in grade ten the following year.

4. When my student completes the IB Middle Years Program at Springbrook HS, will he/she enroll in the IB Diploma Program for Grades 11 and 12?

The MYP prepares the students for the rigor of the Diploma Program.  Since Springbrook High School also offers the Diploma Program, juniors may choose to continue their IB education by enrolling in this challenging course of study.  All other students will continue their course of study and take advantage of all other academic opportunities such as honors and advanced placement courses.

5. What is the relationship between the Middle Years Program and the Diploma Program at Springbrook High School?

Springbrook High School has offered the IB Diploma Program since 1997.  Although separate entities,  the two programs share the same philosophy and goals.  The program coordinators work closely to ensure the successful delivery of the programs and to serve the Springbrook learning community.

6. Are there any fees associated with the IBMYP?

Students are not required to pay any fees to participate in the IBMYP.

7. What is the personal project?

The personal project is a very important part of the MYP experience for all students.  It is a cumulative MYP required activity that students undertake with a help of a mentor and the support of the MYP coordinator.  Details about this project will be presented to the freshman class in late spring.  At that point, students are encouraged to select a topic of personal interest and to begin work on the project during the summer.  Students present their exploration in a creative format in the spring of their sophomore year.  Projects may take the form of an original work of art or writing, an original science experiment, the presentation of a business plan, the undertaking of a service project, etc. 

The personal project provides an excellent opportunity for students to produce a truly personal piece of their choice and to demonstrate the skills they have developed.

8. What does a student earn when they complete the program?

Upon completion of the program, students may opt for an MYP Certificate or an MYP Record of Achievement.

To be eligible to receive the MYP Certificate, students must complete:

1. Coursework in all eight subjects
2. The Personal Project

The MYP Record of Achievement is available to students who have not met the required standards listed above, but who have met the objectives and aims in one or more content areas.

9. What assessments are involved?

Springbrook High School teachers prepare original formative and summative assessments for each subject area that follow the MYP guidelines and grading criteria.  The teachers adhere to the grading and reporting policy of MCPS.  There are no externally set formal assessments in the IBMYP.  

10. What are the advantages of enrolling my student at Springbrook High School and participating in the IBMYP?

At Springbrook High School’s motto is:

 “We Expect. We Believe. We Achieve.” 

Just as the IBO mission statement states, Springbrook HS faculty and administration aim

“…to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect”

and to

“…encourage students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”

Furthermore, according to the school’s mission statement , the school strives to develop students who are

“…technologically adept and prepared to contribute to and thrive in an interdependent world.”

To reach these goals, Springbrook High School offers

• IBMYP to all students in grades nine and ten
• The DP in grades 11 and 12
• AP and honors classes
• Rigorous and broad-based curricula and assessments
• A signature program that permeates all courses
• A school family that values and nurtures students to reach their goals
• A school family that believes in the IB Learner Profile
• A culture that fosters a lifelong interest in learning
• A culture that encourages students to become informed and responsible citizens
• Numerous opportunities for athletic, artistic, cultural, and academic extracurricular endeavors
• An educational environment that supports students in the development of their individual talents
• A student body that represents over 60 nations
• A school that fosters international understanding and  respect for all cultures
• Dedicated administration, faculty and staff who embrace these goals and lead by example.

MYP students at Springbrook High School will

• boost their academic competence and skills
• boost their resume in preparation for college and other post high school endeavors
• develop a sense of personal and cultural identity and a respect for themselves and others
• acquire insights into local and global concerns affecting health, the community and the environment
• develop a sense of individual and collective responsibility and citizenship.