Profile: Primary Program
Midland Elementary School
The Primary Years Program - The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) is an international curriculum, a philosophy and a way of teaching, developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The IB PYP is designed for all students in the primary grades. At Midland, the IB PYP is offered in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.
The IB PYP is unique in that its focus is on the development of the whole child, affecting hearts as well as minds, while addressing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academics. The IB PYP schools ultimately promote creating citizens who are well-balanced individuals.
The Academic Philosophy of the IBO
The academic philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Organization is identified in its mission statement, which was adopted in 1996:
Through comprehensive and balanced curriculum, coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate Organization aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together, while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life.
What are the expectations of an IB student? What are the goals of the IB PYP? What is the IB PYP curriculum like? What are the teaching methods used in IB PYP? How are the content areas connected to the IB PYP? How is the IB PYP connected to the arts? How can I support my child's learning in the PYP?
The Process of Inquiry
The IB PYP curriculum is formulated around five essential elements in education: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action. Through using a standard framework referred to as, "A Program of Inquiry", each IB PYP school designs units of inquiry that are relevant and meaningful to a child’s education. The framework consists of six organizing themes. These organizing themes address a body of knowledge which the International Baccalaureate Organization considers necessary for all students around the world to acquire.
The IB PYP places an emphasis on transdisciplinary, inquiry based learning. This means that, each year at Midland International, your child studies a range of topics that are designed as "units of inquiry". Through these units, the teacher teaches science, social studies, personal and social education, as well as some of our mathematics and language curricula. The teacher endeavors to integrate as many subjects as possible into each of the units of inquiry, ensuring that the children are able to identify the connections between subjects and the relevance of each subject to their lives. Children’s interests and questions are incorporated into each of the units so that the children learn how to ask constructive questions, plan investigations, solve problems and find the answers to their questions.
Through the process of inquiry, or asking questions, IB students are able to construct meaning from their learning experiences. The eight fundamental concepts, which are expressed as key concept questions, drive the process of inquiry. They are wide-ranging in scope and are designed to categorize ideas. These ideas guide the units of inquiry, which are the basis of our school’s Program of Inquiry. These units, also referred to as "planners", are written/revised, taught and reflected on periodically by the teachers at Midland International.
The key concept questions are:
- Form- What is it like?
- Function- How does it work?
- Causation- Why is it like it is?
- Change- How is it changing?
- Connection- How is it connected to other things?
- Perspective- What are the points of view?
- Responsibility- What is our responsibility?
- Reflection- How do we know?
Learner Profile
The aims of the IB PYP are expressed as a series of desired attributes and dispositions that characterize successful, globally minded young people. At Midland International, we are striving to become:
Inquirers - They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. Knowledgeable - They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad range of disciplines. Thinkers - They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions. Communicators - They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. Principled - They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. Open-minded - They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience. Caring - They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Risk-takers - They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. Balanced - They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. Reflective - They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
Attitudes
In the IB PYP schools, all primary aged children enrolled in an IB PYP school are considered IB students. While IB students are expected to take an active role in their learning of necessary concepts, knowledge and skills, the IB PYP also focuses on the importance of instilling positive attitudes within its students. Through encouraging the development and application of the following positive attitudes, the IB PYP helps to create successful citizens of the world.
We expect our students to develop and apply the following attitudes:
Appreciation: appreciating the wonder and beauty of the world and its people Commitment: being committed to their learning, preserving and showing self-discipline and responsibility Confidence: feeling confident in their ability as learners, having the courage to take risks, applying what they have learned and making appropriate decisions Cooperation: cooperating, collaborating and leading or following as the situation demands Creativity: being creative and imaginative in their thinking and in their approach to problems and dilemmas Curiosity: being curious about the nature of learning and the world, its people and cultures Empathy: imaginatively projecting themselves into another’s situation, in order to understand his/her thoughts, reasoning and emotions Enthusiasm: enjoying learning Independence: thinking and acting independently, making their own judgments based on reasoned principles and being able to defend their judgments Integrity: having integrity and a firm sense of fairness and honesty Respect: respecting themselves, others and the world around them Tolerance: feeling sensitivity towards differences and diversity in the world and being responsive to the needs of others
Adopted: Guide to the Primary Years Program, September 1998, IBO
Standards: IB PYP and the Content Areas
The basis of the curriculum at Midland International is derived from the
Colorado State Standards. The state standards identify the knowledge, concepts
and skills that Colorado has deemed essential for all students to acquire. At
Midland, we ensure that all instruction, including our Program of Inquiry, is
designed around the Colorado State Standards.
While the IB PYP usually requires approximately sixty percent of instruction
time, the content areas that are addressed within that time, vary according to
the focus of each unit of inquiry. For example, the organizing theme, "How We
Express Ourselves" greatly lends itself to incorporating the language arts
content area, while the organizing theme, "How the World Works" has a much
stronger scientific focus. Although it is our goal at Midland to integrate the
appropriate content areas with each unit of inquiry, we ultimately endeavor to
focus on using the IB PYP inquiry based method for instruction in all of the
content areas.
Language Arts
Language learning is a lifelong process and students must develop the skills
they need to participate confidently in the wider community. While recognizing
that reading, writing, speaking and listening are four separate strands, at
Midland International, we seek to integrate these strands, so that our students
recognize the connection between them. Above all, we aim to educate our students
to become proficient and advanced language learners who have an appreciation for
the richness of language, as well as a love for quality literature.
Mathematics
Our mathematics program encourages students to look upon mathematics as a way of
thinking rather than a fixed body of knowledge. To ensure that mathematics is
taught in a meaningful way, the state standards are set in contexts with which
the students can identify. Inquiry based methodology is used in both our Math
Lab and in regular classroom instruction.
Science
A strong foundation of scientific skills, concepts and knowledge enable our
students to learn and think critically and logically throughout their lifetimes.
Through hands-on experiences, our students discover that inquiry is a necessary
step in the scientific process.
Social Studies
The main purpose of social studies is to encourage our students to make informed
decisions for the good of society. Our students are a part of a rapidly
changing, increasingly interdependent society. In order to function
successfully, our students must be provided with the opportunity to gain
understanding about history, geography, civics and economics. Our social studies
program is designed for students and teachers to explore, investigate and search
for answers to their questions, that are crucial to the understanding of, and
functioning in, today’s social world.
Technology
Information technology is an integrated part of the classroom curriculum. All
classrooms are equipped with at least four computers. Midland also has a
computer lab that is available for all classes to use. Technology is used as a
vehicle to discover, practice and present essential knowledge, concepts and
skills. Understanding the relationship between technology and its impact on
today’s society is critical in the success of our students as citizens of
tomorrow’s world.
The Art of French
Early exposure to and the development of a second language help students to
establish a lifelong interest and disposition to learn new languages and acquire
knowledge of cultures of other countries. The French language is considered the
international language of our world. Through an exploration of the French
language, our students learn sentence structure, pronunciation and style, which
are different from their own mother tongue. This second language study
ultimately leads to developing an understanding and respect for the French
language and its related cultures.
The Art of Music
Music is its own universal language. Through music, people around the world are
able to express themselves through singing, dancing and playing instruments. In
our music program, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for music
and exercise their own creativity in its interpretation.
The Art of Physical Education
Physical Education is an integral part in providing a well-balanced education.
Students need an opportunity to discover their physical limitations and social
skills outside of the classroom. Our physical education is designed for our
students to have fun, while learning about their physical capabilities.
The Visual Arts
The goal of art education is to provide our children with artistic experiences
that allow students to become creative and expressive. Art is incorporated
within the classroom and integrated into our units of inquiry.
Parent Involvement
PYP views learning as a partnership between the student, parent and school. At
Midland International, we believe that you can support your child’s learning by:
- maintaining regular contact with the school;
- sharing books with your child, reading to them and with them;
- supporting your child’s first language;
- providing an appropriate setting and structured routine for doing
homework, while encouraging independence;
- assisting your child with research projects, and encouraging them to
develop their interests;
- encouraging your child to ask questions, and helping them to seek the
answers;
- encouraging your child to attain the attributes of the student profile
and praising his/her attempts to do so;
- attending information sessions and parent/conferences at school;
- and modeling IB PYP
attitudes and the
student
profile
characteristics.
Midland International Elementary School is the first school in District 11
authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and is
one of only 252 International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programs in the entire
world. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program at Midland
International provides our students, grades kindergarten through fifth grade,
with a rigorous, inquiry-based education that prepares them for tomorrow’s
world.
This rigorous and comprehensive program, which includes the acquisition of
concepts, knowledge, skills, positive attitudes and actions, sets high
expectations and provides all students (K-5) with an academically challenging
education, which is in accordance with International Baccalaureate Organization
requirements as well as Colorado State Standards.
Midland International has a core group of very active and involved parents who
play a key role in our partnership of educating students. School uniforms are a
requirement for our students. Our standard uniform consists of a solid color
polo or button-front shirt with khaki or navy-blue pants or skirts. Our program
includes two full-day, grant-funded kindergarten programs. In addition to art,
music and P.E., all Midland International K-5 students receive French language
instruction three days a week. We offer extended-day instruction after school
that includes: Midland Scholars, drama, 4-H, garden club, sports, music, guitar,
chess, nature studies and much more.
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Profile: Middle School Program
North Middle School
At North Middle School we are proud to simultaneously offer our students two
excellent education programs: the International Baccalaureate Middle Years
Program and a traditional middle school program. No matter which educational
program a student pursues, that student is part of the larger community that
makes up North Middle School.
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at North naturally follows
the Primary Years Program at Midland International Elementary School and serves
as an excellent preparation for the Diploma Program at Palmer High School. The
Middle Years Program is a five-year program that spans two District 11 campuses.
It is offered in sixth, seventh and eighth grades at North and continues through
a student’s sophomore year at Palmer High School. Students who are successful
throughout the Middle Years Program are prime candidates for the IB Diploma
Program at Palmer.
The Middle Years Program at North provides a thorough study of various
disciplines through a framework that consists of five perspectives known as the
Areas of Interaction. These broad themes include approaches to learning,
community and service, health and social education, environment, and homo faber,
which leads students to examine, experience and reflect on the creative process
and to consider the impact on society and the mind.
In addition, the Middle Years Program helps students become engaged in their
local and global communities through a community service component that is
embedded throughout. This component helps students develop skills that will
allow them to make positive contributions to their community throughout their
lives.
Entrance to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at North is by
successful completion of a formal application process. Information about this
process is available through the IB Office and on the North Web site listed
below. North offers all of its students the opportunity to round out their
academic experience by participating in nearly 30 different before-and
after-school activities.
Palmer High School
Located in downtown Colorado Springs, William J. Palmer High School is
affiliated with the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer two
programs for highly motivated, academically oriented students. The first of
these is the Middle Years Program (MYP). Designed for students in grades 6-10,
the MYP is jointly delivered by Palmer High School and North Middle School. The
Diploma Program for high school juniors and seniors offers a rigorous,
pre-university curriculum that gives students a competitive advantage in college
admissions. Palmer IB students combine the best of two worlds: the challenge of
international academic standards and the wide range of extracurricular
activities and electives available at a comprehensive public high school.
Between 350 and 400 students are enrolled in the two International
Baccalaureate programs at Palmer, which has a student body of about 1,850. A
magnet program for all of El Paso County, Palmer IB welcomes students from all
neighboring school districts as well as independent, private and parochial
schools. The two IB programs at Palmer are delivered by over 40 staff and
faculty in nine content areas, offering as many as 40 separate courses. An
active Parent Advisory Board also supports the efforts of our students and
staff.
The Middle Years Program (MYP)
Designed for students in grades 6-10, Palmer High School delivers the final two
years (ninth and 10th grades) of the MYP. Eight subjects are required:
- Language A (English)
- Language B (foreign language – Spanish, French or German)
- Humanities (social studies)
- Science (biology and chemistry)
- Math
- Physical Education
- Arts (visual arts or theater arts)
- Technology
Admission to the MYP at Palmer High School is by application during the
eighth grade year for entry into grade 9. Palmer sponsors an information night
for prospective applicants during the fall.
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