IB MYP Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is a globally recognized leader in the field of international education. IB programs encourage students, ages 3 to 19 years, to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged world citizens. Founded in 1968, IB programs are offered by more than 3,000 schools in 139 countries to approximately 845,000 students. GB West is one of 13 Wisconsin schools that offer an IB curriculum. GB West focuses on ensuring that all students reach an ever-increasing standard of academic excellence despite the socioeconomic, interpersonal, and familial challenges.
How is IB Different at West compared to traditional course work?
Your child will engage in rigorous inquiry lessons that teach them how to think and problem solve. Your child will learn how to use the IB rubrics (grading descriptors) and continue to study a world language.
Is my child required to learn a world language?
MYP uses five core ideas or approaches to learning (e.g. Thinking, self-management, Research, Social skills, Communication). Communication is critical to expressing your knowledge and sharing what you have learned with others. Your child already speaks multiple languages, they speak and write with their friends differently than with you as their parents and again differently with their grandparents or teachers. They speak body language to communicate. Language is so critical to learning that it has historically been the first aspect removed from a culture as a means of control. Language is power and the MYP gives students additional languages to communicate and continue to grow as learners. We think in words, the more words we have the deeper our thoughts. All MYP students take a world language, which gives them access to a world of knowledge.
My child is not in the gifted program. Will the MYP be too hard?
The MYP stresses academic rigor. At West we believe that all students can rise to set expectations, so we expect a lot. Teachers will continue to differentiate their instruction so that every child can succeed and have equal access to the content. IB at West stresses the process of learning and student growth
How can I support my child (or children) in the MYP?
Your interest in your child’s school work is always a great motivator for their success. Continue to help them to grow academically and socially. Encourage academic integrity. Talk about our environment, international affairs, international understanding, and cultural awareness, as you continue to build your child’s knowledge and pride in our home culture. Listen to how your children are changing as thinkers. The middle years are very exciting. Ask questions that start with "Tell me about...", "Suppose you could...", "Can you elaborate on...?", or perhaps "What do you think about....?" Show interest in your child’s higher level thinking skills. Your child will be awaken to new levels of reality when we as teachers and, you as parents value their intellectual capacity and sense of personal integrity.
Will my child have to apply to be part of the program?
West is an IB World School. Your child is automatically enrolled in MYP.
How does the MYP work?
As teachers, the first thing we do is organize your child's sequence of lessons. We also plan using the same guidelines from sixth to tenth grades. We want to create an intelligent flow of instruction. Next, we design concept based units to deliver instruction in meaningful chunks. Each unit includes an emphasis on one of our three big concepts, holistic education, communication skills and internationalism.
Is IB a set of classes that my child will take?
The MYP is a philosophy, or approach to the organization of curriculum, and guiding concepts that extend across all courses. West MYP teachers use the five lenses (Thinking, self-management, Research, Social skills, Communication skills) to view our subjects. We expect quality work and thoughtful reflection, and we help the students archive their achievements in portfolios. We hope that the IB experience will help kids acquire the needed skills to function well in the world and make it a better place.
What else do I need to know about the MYP?
We often talk about the "student profile." This refers to a list of the characteristics we help you to foster in your students. The qualities include being principled, open-minded, caring, balanced, inquiring, and knowledgeable. We try to encourage kids to be thinkers, communicators and risk-takers. We want to set them up to be lifelong learners.