Academics

Middle Years Program (Grades 6 - 10)

Our rigorous IB Middle Years Program (MYP) fosters creative, critical and reflective thinkers. Service-minded doers and internationally-minded leaders poised to solve the global problems our world faces today and in the future.

The bridge between the IB Primary Years Program and the IB Diploma Program, the MYP is a student-centered, concept-driven curriculum for students in grades 6 through 10 that’s based on three core principles.

Core Principles

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  • Communication

    In a sense, every MYP teacher, whether he or she teaches math, science, arts or another subject, is a language teacher. Across all disciplines, we’re teaching students to communicate effectively no matter the medium, purpose or audience.

  • Holistic Learning

    Whereas traditional curriculums tend to emphasize some subjects over others (e.g., math and science over the arts), the MYP treats all subjects equally so as to develop the whole child. Providing a balanced curriculum, we create multidimensional, well-rounded children who approach issues from a depth and breadth of angles.

  • Intercultural Awareness

    Through students’ study of language(s) and learning that’s centered around global issues, students better understand and appreciate different cultures. They develop the cultural sensitivity critical for navigating an increasingly global, interconnected world. Ultimately, they develop empathy.

The MYP helps students develop both subject-specific and interdisciplinary understanding in the following subjects

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Similar to the PYP and DP, the MYP is inquiry-driven (with students driving this inquiry) and encourages students to reflect and take action on issues of global significance—ideally in the service of others.

The MYP Curriculum Framework Revolves Around

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  • Approaches to learning (ATL)

    A unifying thread throughout all MYP subject groups, Approaches to learning (ATL) provide the foundation for independent learning and encourage the application of students’ knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Developing and applying these skills help students learn how to learn. There are five ATL skill categories, including communication, social, self management, research and thinking.

  • Key and Related Concepts

    Concepts are big ideas that have relevance within specific disciplines and across subject areas. MYP students use concepts as a vehicle to inquire into issues and ideas of personal, local and global significance and examine knowledge holistically.

  • Global Contexts

    The MYP focuses on six global contexts that expand on the transdisciplinary themes from the PYP and continue on to the DP. These global contexts make what students learn in the classroom more meaningful and relevant; they create that real-world connection.
At the end of the Middle Years Program (year five), students demonstrate what they’ve learned in the MYP through the “personal project." Over the course of this one-year project, students select a topic of global importance that excites them. They then investigate, plan, develop and present this topic (in the format of their choice) at an exhibition that parents, fellow students, teachers and staff attend.

Past projects have included a mobile app that enables restaurants to donate leftover food to homeless shelters; a medieval trebuchet; learning to fly and more!

For additional information on the Middle Years Program, please contact Carmen Samanes, MYP Coordinator, at csamanes@aischool.org.

IB Coordinator

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IB Learner Profile

  • Inquirers

    We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

  • Knowledgeable

    We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

  • Thinkers

    We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

  • Communicators

    We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

  • Principled

    We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

  • Open-Minded

    We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

  • Caring

    We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

  • Risk-Takers

    We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

  • Balanced

    We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives— intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

  • Reflective

    We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
To learn more about the International Baccalaureate key features of each subject group, click below.

Atlanta International School

A private, non-profit, international, IB World School for grades 3K-12, featuring full and dual-immersion language programs.

2890 North Fulton Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30305, USA
404.841.3840
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