International Baccalaureate
Redford Union Schools is seeking to become an International Baccalaureate MYP (Middle Years Program) school.
This guide is design to help parents gain a better understanding of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) being implemented for students from grades 6-10 at Hilbert Middle School and Redford Union High School.
What is IB?
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) helps schools in their desire to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experiences of the classroom to the realities of the outside world. In 2018, Redford Union Schools made the decision to pursue becoming an IB World School because the IB programs strengthened and enhanced our goals for curriculum and learning experiences with students. Essentially the IB program provides an approach rather than a curriculum.
IB strives to develop students to become critical and compassionate thinkers, life-long learners, conscious of the shared experiences that binds all people together while respecting the cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life. The IB programs, while demanding, draws from research and best practices from around the world to create a relevant, engaging, and challenging framework that can enhance the ability to learn for all students.
Middle Years Program
The MYP addresses the unique needs of students in grades 6 - 10. Learning how to learn and how to evaluate information critically is as important as learning facts. The MYP helps students develop learning attitudes and skills that will enable them to participate actively and responsibly in a changing and increasingly interrelated world. Fully implemented, the students' experience with the MYP culminates in their sophomore year with a yearlong Personal Project. This project provides students with a wonderful opportunity to shine: to choose and explore a topic that showcases their unique interests and talents.
MYP Curriculum Framework
The MYP curriculum at Redford Union Schools emphasizes a broad and balanced education in each of eight subject areas: Language and Literature (English), Individuals and Societies (Social Studies), Sciences, Mathematics, Language Acquisition (Spanish), Physical Education, Technology (Design), and the Arts.
The IB Middle Years Program
- addresses holistically students' intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being
- provides students opportunities to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need in order to manage complexity and take responsible action for the future
- ensures breadth and depth of understanding through study in eight subject groups
- requires the study of a language (Spanish) to support students in understanding their own cultures and those of others
- empowers students to participate in service within the community which helps to prepare students for further education, the workplace and society
What Makes IB Different?
An IB classroom differs greatly in both appearance and function when compared to what we remember from our school days. Students work cooperatively in collaborative groups. Collaborative learning is common, as it is in our own lives. Important decisions are usually made after consulting someone. IB fosters this collaboration, creation and innovation. IB teachers strive to foster skills such as reasoning deeply and with complexity while still keeping content and pre-existing curriculum as important factors. IB emphasizes learning concepts rather than topics.
Questions?
Contact Beth Beattie IB Coordinator
