The Luanda International School was authorized to teach the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the IB Organization at the end of last school year and 2006-7 is, therefore, our first year as an official MYP school. The programme has firm foundations as implementation began last year. We have opted for a four year MYP, encompassing years 8 through 11.

In September 2006 some 508 schools worldwide were authorized to offer the MYP. 95 of these schools are in the Africa/Europe/Middle East region while 288 of them can be found in the North American & Caribbean region. There is increasing interest and growth worldwide in the number of schools deciding to implement IB programmes.  LIS is now authorized for all three IB programmes and is therefore one of 87 schools globally that fall in to this category.

The educational aim of the International Baccalaureate Organization is to awaken the intelligence of students and teach them to relate the content of the classroom to the realities of the world outside of school. By emphasising the dynamic contribution of knowledge, skills, experience and critical thinking, the International Baccalaureate promotes academic achievement coupled with responsible citizenship.

HOMEROOM: Each year has a Homeroom teacher who is responsible for pastoral care, together with the Academic Dean and the Secondary Deputy Principal. This year a Homeroom Programme is being implemented which includes not only pastoral care, but also Community & Service, Health & Social Education, Study Skills and participation in assemblies and forums.

SCHEDULE: Year 8-11 students have a full schedule covering the 8 MYP subject groups: Maths, Language A – English, Language B – Spanish or Portuguese, Humanities, Science, P.E., Arts – Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Technology.

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS:

The MYP is guided by three fundamental concepts.

• Holistic Learning: this emphasizes the links between subject disciplines enabling students to see knowledge as an integrated whole.
• Intercultural Awareness: this is concerned with developing students’ attitudes, knowledge and skills as they learn about national cultures of other students as well as their own.
• Communication: this fundamental concept is vital to learning, allowing students to express themselves and to reflect on their learning. Language acquisition is a key area of the MYP.

AREAS OF INTERACTION:

The whole approach of the MYP is through the lenses of Areas of Interaction. These five organizing elements are: Approaches to Learning, Community and Service, Homo Faber, Environment and Health & Social Education.

• Approaches to Learning: this area of action goes beyond study skills, developing an awareness of thought processes and their strategic use. Students should develop an understanding that true learning is more than the acquisition of knowledge: it involves its thoughtful application, as well as critical thinking and problem solving, both individually and collaboratively.
• Community and Service: the emphasis is on developing community awareness and concern, a sense of responsibility and the skills and attitudes necessary to make an effective contribution to society. In keeping with the LIS philosophy of finding sustainable opportunities to develop community and service projects year groups engage in various activities. Projects that students are currently engaged in or are considering include: visits and activities at local orphanages; landmine awareness and raising funds to help clear landmines; involvement with organizations helping polio victims as well as other service-oriented projects within the school community.
• Homo Faber: this area of interaction allows students to focus on the evolution, processes and products of human creativity. Students learn to appreciate and put into practice the human capacity to influence, transform, enjoy and improve the quality of life – it explores the relationships between science, aesthetics, technology and ethics.
• Environment: students can take positive, responsible action for the future by examining global environmental issues that require balanced understanding in the context of sustainable development.
• Health and Social Education: this develops in students a sense of responsibility for their own well-being and for the physical and social environment, and in helping them to make informed healthy choices.

Information about the different subjects being offered at LIS as part of the MYP can be found by accessing the section: Subject Guides.

MYP Homework Policy

Being updated. Check here soon.