The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at Plaza Middle School
Catherine B. Susewind, Coordinator
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) is a program of study that encourages students to pursue an academic and rigorous curriculum while providing a natural progression to the high school IB Diploma Program at Princess Anne High School. The MYP extends over five years with grades 6, 7, and 8 attending Plaza Middle School, and 9th and 10th grade students completing the final two years of the MYP at Princess Anne High School.
Program focus is on interdisciplinary, thematic instruction that promotes international understanding and responsible citizenship. All students who enjoy learning and have a deep and abiding interest in the world around them as well as a desire to explore the many opportunities the specialized IB curricula offer should consider applying to the Middle Years Program. Students must apply to the Middle Years Program and be accepted in order to attend. Applications are due in early February.
The Middle Years Program curriculum is organized around three major concepts: Intercultural Awareness, Holistic Education and Communication. Students take a balanced curriculum for each of the five years of the program. Eight subject areas of equal importance, make up the yearly program of study. The subject areas are as follows: English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education and health, performing arts, and/or visual arts, design, and world language. Students must choose a world language for the duration of the program. Students have the opportunity to leave middle school with numerous high school credits. Students may receive credit for up to three years of a world language, Algebra I, Geometry, and Earth Science upon successful completion of each course. Additional credits can be earned for other elective offerings.
A unique feature of the program is that it extends beyond the traditional curriculum to include immersion into six Global Contexts: identities and relationships, orientation in space and time, personal and cultural expression, scientific and technical innovation, globalization and sustainability, fairness and development. These six themes are embedded in all subject areas creating a spiraling, concept-based curriculum.
Students in the Middle Years Program are considered important and essential members of the Plaza Middle School community. Therefore,
MYP students are encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities that include clubs, intramural sports and interscholastic sports. Plaza Middle School offers a full spectrumof clubs and sports.