Middle Years Programme
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is offered to our students in Grades 6 – 10. The overall framework provides students with a holistic learning experience through a balanced curriculum and academic challenge. It fosters student autonomy, voice and choice while developing conceptual understandings and the connection between learning in the classroom and the real world through authentic contexts for learning.
The MYP encourages students to be curious and empowers them to be critical, creative and reflective thinkers who are empathetic, caring and open-minded, ready to take on the global challenges of tomorrow. We want our students to have a positive attitude towards learning and have strong communication skills.
MYP Curriculum Framework
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a curriculum framework designed to offer inclusive and challenging curriculum to students aged 11 to 16.
MYP students at ISBerne learn through inquiry, action and reflection across subject groups that are connected through key concepts and global contexts. They develop learning skills that empower them to manage their learning, meet the objectives of the different subjects, and build a strong foundation for the IB DP.
Click on the arrow below to learn more about the MYP at ISBerne…
MYP in Action at ISBerne
Languages
ISBerne believes that language is at the heart of learning and it is has been proven that learning additional languages enhances cognitive development and promotes international understanding and opportunities. Therefore, ISBerne offers study in German and French.
Service as Action
Service as Action is an integral part of the MYP and of life at ISBerne. It starts in the classroom and extends beyond it. Students are encouraged to make connections between what they learn at school and what they see in their surroundings, questioning what they can contribute to their community.
The Arts
ISBerne appreciates and values the Arts and embraces creativity through a number of avenues of expression through both the MYP Visual and Performing Arts. Additionally, students have opportunities to express and develop their artistic talents via the ISBerne After School Activities such as performing in theatrical productions, participating in band, improvised music sessions or by contributing to Yearbook design and production. We believe that students should nurture their artistic passions and interests and we take every opportunity to exhibit student work.
Outdoor Education
At the beginning of the academic year, ISBerne students in grades 6 – 10 go on an Outdoor Education trip to learn more about their classmates, Switzerland and themselves over a week-long educational bonding experience. We start every school year with nearly 25% new students. These camps facilitate the quick forging of friendships to get the year off to a successful start.
Ski & Skate Fridays
During the winter season, the whole school participates in our Ski & Skate Friday programme. Grades 6 – 10 go skiing or snowboarding. All students are taught by professional instructors and are supervised by ISBerne staff. Parents, teachers and students hop on to our own chartered train to the mountains, affectionately termed our own ‘Hogwarts Express’! This programme augments not only our outstanding sports programme, but our balanced approach to education and learning outside of the classroom. Ski Fridays are, not surprisingly, the school days our alumni remember the most. Read more about the Ski & Skate Programme.
Video:
Grade 10 Personal Project
MYP English teacher, Sandra Müller, has been guiding ISBerne Grade 10 students through the Personal Project for many years. Listen as she, and a few students, share what the Personal Project, the culminating work of the MYP, is about.
Video:
MYP River Investigation
Take a little trek with Grade 7 as they venture into the Alps for a River Investigation exercise. Watch as the measure river velocity using apples. One beloved teacher, after this fun excursion, was quoted, with a laugh, ‘I never imagined my teaching credentials would have me up in the alps fetching apples from a river!’.
Testimonials
From Middle Years To the Diploma Programme
The MYP curriculum framework provides an excellent foundation for the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP). The DP requires critical thinking, independent learning, student inquiry, perseverance and resilience. The MYP prepares students for this rigorous programme. Read more about the Diploma Programme…