Overview
In Years 7 to 9, students engage with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), a challenging framework designed to encourage practical connections between their studies and the real world. The MYP fosters critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and prepares students to navigate complex global challenges, ultimately aiming to develop informed and compassionate global citizens.
Key Rationale and Purpose
The MYP curriculum is grounded in the belief that education should be relevant and meaningful. It emphasizes the importance of developing students’ cognitive, social, and emotional skills, ensuring they are well-equipped to face the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. By promoting inquiry-based learning, the MYP encourages students to become active participants in their education and their communities.
Components of the MYP Curriculum
The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced educational experience for students in Years 7 to 9. At South Island School (SIS), we have integrated a Global Thinking ( GT) curriculum that supports the development of essential skills such as communication, social interaction, self-management, research, and critical thinking.
A vital component of the GT curriculum is the Community Project, which enables Year 9 students to undertake an independent, sustained inquiry into a community need. This project empowers students to investigate, plan, and take action to make a difference within their communities. They collaborate with various school staff, families, and experts to complete their projects, resulting in a wide array of student-driven actions ranging from advocacy to direct service. For more details about each community project, please visit our Google site here.
Additionally, the MYP mandates Interdisciplinary Units that encourage students to make connections between different subjects, further enriching their learning experience, which is also housed in the GT curriculum.
Transition Support and Community Engagement
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Transition Support
Students in Years 7 to 9 are vibrant and essential members of our school community, bringing energy and a diverse range of skills and abilities as they establish themselves. While most students transition from our primary feeder schools, Bradbury School and Quarry Bay School, we also welcome entrants from other ESF schools, non-ESF schools, and newcomers to Hong Kong.
We prioritize a smooth transition from primary to secondary school through a comprehensive liaison program, inviting all students to participate. By collaborating closely with primary teachers, we aim to ensure continuity and progression in each student’s learning, well-being, and confidence. We have also created a Family Bauhinia with 3 Heads of Year that are devoted to making their transition into SIS smooth, with access to a bespoke social area called the Space to give them a safe and enjoyable hub within the school.
Students are placed into tutor groups of 16-20, allowing for personalized guidance and support. Information transferred from primary schools is utilized to enhance each student's learning experience in Year 7. To facilitate their transition to South Island School, we provide a robust support program during their first three years, and this support continues through the House System as they enter Year 10.
Through the MYP framework, we empower our students to engage with their community, embrace differences, and contribute positively to a culture of inclusivity and compassion, ultimately preparing them to be thoughtful, responsible global citizens.
