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Myrtle Beach Middle School

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International Baccalaureate

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The IB is an organization focused on developing inquiring, knowledgable, caring young people who create a better world through understanding and respect. IB allows students to develop holistically into principled critical thinkers by connecting academic experiences across subject areas to real-world contexts through interdisciplinary learning.

 

Interdisciplinary Learning

Students enrolled in the Middle Years Programme (grades 6-8) of the IB complete at least 50 hours of study annually across eight main subject areas (see box right for scheduling). The subject areas are:

  • Language Acquisition
  • Language and Literature
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Arts
  • Design
  • Physical and Health Education
  • Individuals and Societies

These subject areas are embedded into academic classes that deliver South Carolina content standards.

 

Curriculum

6th Grade

  • Accelerated ELA 6
  • Science 6
  • Social Studies 6
  • Accelerated Math 6
  • Middle School Spanish
  • PE
  • Elective

7th Grade

  • Accelerated ELA 7
  • Science 7
  • Social Studies 7
  • Geometry
  • Spanish 1- part A
  • PE
  • Elective

8th Grade

  • English 1
  • Honors Science 8
  • Honors Social Studies 8
  • Algebra
  • Spanish 1- part B
  • PE
  • Elective

 

Teaching and Learning in Context

Students learn best when their learning experiences have context and are connected to their lives and the world as they have experienced it. MYP students develop an understanding of their commonalities through developmentally appropriate explorations of six major themes:

  • Identities and Relationships
  • Orientation in Space and Time
  • Personal and Cultural Expression
  • Scientific and Technical Innovation
  • Globalization and Sustainability
  • Fairness and Development     

Excerpted from IB

 

Why IB?

The IB prepares students to engaged with intellectually challenging learning opportunities to prepare them for further study and life. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the IB aims to develop students who:

  • Are Active Learners
  • Are Able to Empathize with Others
  • Have the intellect and skills to pursue lives of purpose and meaning
  • Develop their Potential
  • Explore their Own Learning Preferences
  • Take Appropriate Risks
  • Reflect on, and Develop, a Strong Personal Identity

The program helps students to achieve success in school and in life beyond the classroom.

How it Works

MYP learning in the classroom includes:

  • Approaches to learning (ATL), which helps students learn how to learn (see right)
  • Key and related concepts to explore big ideas that matter
  • Global contexts to help students understand the relevance and importance of their study

 

IB Learner Profile

IBLearnerProfile (PDF)

 

Community Service in Action

Part of being global citizens involves community involvement. Students learn how to serve others by serving in their community. 8th grade students will complete a Community Project in which they work in small groups or independently to complete a 15+ hr project that supports their community (it’s not just service hours, it’s time planning, preparing, and implenting to be a force for the good).

 

 

Resources for families from International Baccalaureate