The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Middle Years Program is designed for students between the ages of 11-16. This period is a particularly critical stage of personal and intellectual development. MYP helps students develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need to participate actively and responsibly in a changing and increasingly interrelated world. Learning how to learn and to evaluate information critically is as important as the content of the disciplines themselves.
"Tell me, and I forget.
Teach me, and I may remember.
Involve me, and I learn."
—Benjamin Franklin
Holistic Learning
While insisting upon thorough study of the various disciplines, the MYP accentuates their interrelatedness and so advances a holistic view of learning. This perspective asks the student to consider issues and problems in their widest scope and to realize that good solutions often draw upon insights one has acquired from many sources.
Intercultural Awareness
As an international organization, the IBO is unapologetically idealistic in believing that education can foster understanding among young people around the world, enabling future generations to live more peacefully and productively than we do today. In addition to an international emphasis in many of our lessons, each year when possible CVA hosts an exchange teacher to help our students develop intercultural awareness.
Communication
Along with holistic education and intercultural awareness, the MYP considers communication fundamental to learning, as it supports inquiry and understanding, and allows student reflection and expression. Good command of one’s own language enables clear expression of ideas, attitudes, and feelings. Learning other languages extends that competence and teaches appreciation of different cultures and ways of thinking.