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8
THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MIDDLE YEARS
PROGRAMME AT SOMERSET COLLEGE
The model is unique in that it encourages disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning in context. This
allows students to explore multiple dimensions of global challenges and encourages them to develop
creative solutions. Subjects may use the
broad contexts
below as a common entry point into unit
inquiries. Through such contexts students examine perspective, address bias, examine international
understanding, develop critical and conceptual thinking and explore concepts of our common humanity
and shared guardianship of the planet.
The Common Broad Interdisciplinary Contexts are:
1.
Identities and Relationships -
Who am I? Who are we?
2.
Fairness and Development –
What are the consequences of our common humanity?
3.
Globalisation and Sustainability –
How is everything connected?
4.
Orientation in Space and Time –
What is the meaning of “where and “when”?
5.
Personal and Cultural Expression –
What is the nature and purpose of creative expression?
6.
Scientific and Technical Innovation -
How do we understand the world in which we live in?
Students in their final year of the MYP (Year 10) complete a major self-directed project called the
‘Personal Project’ which is researched and developed in conjunction with a staff member acting as a
mentor.
PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
This guide is primarily designed to act as a
point of reference for students and parents
in Years 7 to
10 at Somerset College in understanding both subject outlines and the assessment principles and
practices associated with the
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Teaching methodologies and assessment employed at Somerset College have evolved to reflect both
IBO requirements and excellence in the middle years of schooling. These courses also meet the
requirements of the Queensland Government and the Australian Curriculum.
The course outlines provided in the booklet give an overview of all subjects, detailing information about
the course, units to be studied and assessment to be completed throughout the year. Staff are happy to
discuss any aspects of the course with both students and parents, if you would like any further
information.
The emphasis on assessment in the Middle Years is on utilising assessment as a tool to objectively and
constructively give students information on their performance against a set of criteria prescribed to the
task/subject. The levels of achievement in each criterion provide students with a scaffold on which to
further develop their skills.