The middle years programme
Our learning
At Hawthorn Small School we offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. We believe this offers the best opportunity to students.
The International Baccalaureate(IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) emphasises intellectual challenge. It encourages students aged 11 to 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life. It aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathise with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning.
Research shows that students participating in the MYP build confidence in managing their own learning. They learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world. The programme ensures that students are able to thrive within a learning culture that engages and motivates them to excel whilst also developing their understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens.
The MYP organises teaching and learning through eight subject groups. The programme promotes interdisciplinary study that helps students make important connections between them. Integrated teaching and learning helps students analyse complex issues and develop the habits of mind they need to participate in our increasingly interconnected world.
The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers.
The mission statement from the IB states:
“The international baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”
The Hawthorn Small School intends to become a Candidate School* for the MYP in 2024 and pursue authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that we believe is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
