MYP Subjects 
- English Language A
- Science
- Modern Languages - Portugese A
- Spanish and Pportugese Language B
- The Arts
- Physical Education
- Design and Information Technology
- Humanities
Subject description
At LIS English-Language A is the language of instruction. In accordance with the MYP guidelines, the study of the language A provides students with the basic tools of communication to enable efficient learning and practice of other subjects within the school. It is also important when developing social contacts, and is necessary to encourage self-expression.
The English Language A course is taken by all students and used in all other courses, except for World Languages. Based on diagnostic testing, English language support for students with limited English backgrounds is provided by an EAL specialist teacher.
The English Language A course is aimed at exposing students to a wide range of English Media, enhancing their understanding of different forms of expression, values and ideas as well as encouraging their personal, moral and spiritual development. This is done through the study of novels; short stories, popular culture, published media, classic and contemporary drama, poetry, creative writing, writing for purpose and independent reading tasks.
Through this study students develop an appreciation of the ways in which writers and speakers express themselves, and learn to construct and convey meaning in their own reading, writing, speaking and listening.
As already mentioned students have continual opportunities to take responsibility for their learning, particularly through formative and summative assessment, target setting and personal reflection. Connections are made with other subject areas and also beyond the classroom via interdisciplinary units of work and the MYP areas of interaction.
AIMS
The aims of the teaching and study of Language A are to encourage and enable the student to:
- Use the language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning and self-expression
- Use language as a tool for personal growth, social interaction and for developing relationships within the international community.
- Comprehend more clearly aspects of their own culture and those of other cultures by exploring interdependence of human beings through a variety of works
- Explore the many facets of language through the use of media and information technology
- Develop the skills involved in reading writing, speaking, listening and viewing in a variety of contexts
- Respond appropriately to a variety of texts
- Read widely to promote a lifelong interest in language and literature
- Develop a critical and creative approach to studying and analysing literature.
- Develop language skills through interdisciplinary work
- Consider the role of literature both culturally and historically
- Reflect on the learning process in various ways and at various stages
- Empathize with real people and fictional characters as and when appropriate
Subject description
Science is the study of the natural world, and of the way that humans interact with it. It is traditionally separated into three strands, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The LIS science is a mixture of these three divisions. We place a strong influence on developing practical skills through a hands-on course, and on gaining an understanding of how scientific knowledge is acquired. The impact of scientific developments on the environment, individuals and society is also emphasized.
Integrated Science
Biology, Chemistry and Physics are included in each year level of the curriculum. Each of the units concentrates on one or more of the three sciences but connections are made to the other two other areas of sciences when appropriate. The curriculum is designed to enhance the students’ understanding of the nature of the real world and thus make connections between disciplines. The topics in science were chosen on the basis of their significance, relevance, engagement and challenge to the students.
Aims
MYP sciences aim to provide a worthwhile educational experience for all students whether or not they go on to study science beyond the MYP. Participation in MYP sciences should enable students to:
- develop skills that are relevant and useful to the study and practice of science in everyday situations.
- acquire understanding and knowledge of the concepts, principles and applications of science.
- become confident and responsible citizens in a rapidly changing world, able to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific import.
- recognize the usefulness and limitations of a scientific approach and to appreciate its applicability to other disciplines and to everyday life.
- develop an awareness of the conditions, which threaten or enhance health.
- develop a positive attitude to the need for the conservation of natural resources and the preservation of the environment.
- realize that science does not provide the answers to all problems.
- develop curiosity, interest and enjoyment in science and its methods of enquiry.
- develop an awareness of science as a cooperative activity between individuals.
- develop an awareness of science as an increasingly international activity involving cooperation at all levels.
- develop an awareness of the influences and limitations imposed on science by social, economic, technological, political, ethical and cultural factors.
- develop an awareness of the historical evolution of scientific knowledge and understanding.
- develop and apply their information technology skills in the study of science.
Modern Languages: Portuguese A
Subject description
The Portuguese Language A courses are taken by native and quasi-native Portuguese students. The Portuguese A courses provide students with an awareness of the personal, social and cultural significance of language and literature, equipping students, through expertise in the communicative use of language, with a valuable social and educational tool. Through engaging with texts from a range of cultures, Language A students further their own personal, moral and spiritual development, deepening their understanding of human nature and values, and broadening their intercultural awareness. Students develop an appreciation of the ways in which writers and speakers achieve their effects, and learn to construct and convey meaning in their reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students develop as autonomous learners through an assessment policy based on formative feedback, target setting, and students’ reflections on their portfolios. Holistic learning is developed through Interdisciplinary Units of Work, and attention to the MYP Areas of Interaction.
Aims
The aims of the teaching and study of language A are to encourage and enable the student to:
- use the language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning and self-expression
- use language as a tool for personal growth, social interaction and for developing relationships within the international community
- comprehend more clearly aspects of their own culture and those of other cultures by exploring the interdependence of human beings through a variety of works
- explore the many facets of the language through the use of media and information technology
- develop the skills involved in speaking, listening, reading, writing and viewing in a variety of contexts
- respond appropriately to a variety of texts
- read widely to promote a lifelong interest in language and literature
- develop a critical and creative approach to studying and analysing literature
- develop language skills through interdisciplinary work
- consider the role of literature both culturally and historically
- reflect on the learning process in various ways and at various stages
- empathize with real people and fictional characters as and when appropriate.
Spanish and Portuguese Language B
Subject description
Language B is defined as a modern foreign language learned in school. Learning an additional language expands students’ cognitive and analytical abilities. It fosters communication with other speakers of the language and appreciation of other cultures. It increases the possibilities of communication beyond a student’s own language and culture; as a result it enhances students’ self-knowledge and contributes to their knowledge of the world. This reflects the importance that the MYP places on intercultural awareness and on providing students with opportunities to discover that there are multiple ways of viewing the world.
Aims
The aims of the study of a modern foreign language are to:
- enable the student to use the language effectively as a means of practical communication.
- offer insight into the life and civilization of the communities where the language is spoken, and into the local and standard aspects of language.
- encourage integration with the local community, where relevant.
- encourage positive attitudes towards speakers of other languages and an appreciation of, and empathy for, other cultures.
- provide a sound basis of communicative skills necessary for future study, work and leisure.
- develop an appreciation of literature in the target language and, more particularly, in the language B (advanced) option.
- develop understanding of the nature of language and the process of language learning.
- complement other areas of study by providing access to more varied sources of information.
- begin to develop an understanding of the cultural patterns that affect the thinking, feeling and acting of the societies in which the language is spoken.
- understand that total language learning comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components.
- develop curiosity, interest and enjoyment in the target language.
Subject description
The arts are a universal form of human expression and a unique way of knowing that engage us in affective, imaginative and productive activity. Learning through the arts helps us to explore, shape and communicate our sense of identity and understanding of the world, while providing opportunities to develop self-confidence, resilience and adaptability.
In the MYP, students are guided to create, perform and present art in ways that engage and convey their own feelings, experiences and ideas.
Involvement with the arts can contribute to an inquiring and empathetic world view, stimulate imaginations, challenge perceptions, develop thinking and analytical skills, enrich emotional, cultural and spiritual lives, uplift and entertain: this is the goal of MYP arts.
Aims
The aims of the teaching and study of MYP arts are for students to:
- understand how the arts play a role in developing and expressing personal and cultural identities
- appreciate how the arts innovate and communicate across time and culture
- become informed and reflective practitioners of the arts
- experience the process of making art in a variety of situations
- explore, express and communicate ideas
- become more effective learners, inquirers and thinkers
- develop self-confidence and self-awareness through art experiences
- appreciate lifelong learning in and enjoyment of the arts.
Subject description
Many different lifetime and team sports will be taught covering rules, skills and strategies. The focus in class will always be to learn new skills and have as much participation as possible in order to have students raise their heart rates and be physically active in class
A wide range of activities are studied, such as: fitness testing, ultimate Frisbee, softball, flag football, movement composition, touch rugby, volleyball, basketball, swimming, futsal, soccer, floor hockey, dance, and gymnastics. Assessment tasks include teacher observation, written tests, student compositions, projects, fitness assignments and peer and self-assessments
The course is designed to meet the physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs of students in the middle years. The emphasis is on developing knowledge, skills and attitudes that allow our students to participate actively, responsibly and intelligently in physical activity
Aims
The aims of the teaching and study of physical education are to encourage and enable the student to develop:
- an appreciation and understanding of the value of physical education and its relationship to a healthy,
balanced lifestyle - an interest in the promotion of health and wellness
- the motivation to participate fully in all aspects of physical education
- their optimal level of physical fitness
- effective communication strategies, verbal, non-verbal and written
- the skills and understanding necessary to participate successfully in a variety of physical activities, for example, learning, practising, refining, adapting, thinking, interacting
- the ability to reflect critically on all aspects of physical education, including being a critical performer
- an understanding of international perspectives on physical activity, sport and health education
- a lifelong interest in and enjoyment of physical activities as a participant.
Design and Information Technology
Subject description
Design and Information Technology endeavors to encourage and train students to actively problem solve using realistic tasks; the solutions may utilize any suitable technologies, techniques and materials. The department has two classrooms, the IT room which is well equipped with computers, peripherals and an extensive suit of software and the DT room which is being developed into a workshop with a broad range of tools and machinery. Each project the student undertakes is an open-ended task, that is, there is no expectation of what the final product will look like or how it will achieve the intended aims. To achieve the goals, the students follow at Design Cycle, a series of stages that encourage critical and reflective thinking and promote tactile skills.
Aims
The Aims of this subject are to:
- Develop an appreciation of the broad range of technologies available.
- Become adept at using the Design Cycle to solve problems and create products.
- Integrate diverse technologies.
- Promote cross-curricular projects.
- To teach students both IT skills and teach the safe use of various hand and power tools.
- To develop an appreciation of the enormous impact various technologies have had on human development.
- To develop skills and foster enjoyment of making things.
Subject description
The MYP programme covers all humanities disciplines, but throughout the four year programme, the recurring strands that run through are History and Geography.
In the historical strand, the fundamental concepts of ‘time”, “cause and consequence”, “continuity and change, and “similarity and difference” are developed and facilitated through a thematic or chronological approach.
Students deal with tasks involving the analysis of different types of evidence and the investigation and interpretation of past events.
The geographical strand involves the study of the development and spatial arrangement of various environments. In a world that is constantly changing this discipline helps the student to grasp the dynamic quality of special realities and understand the changes which have taken place in different environments. The course is designed to lead students from an understanding of their immediate and social environment to an appreciation of spatial phenomena on local, regional and global scales. An important dimension of the geography strand is the fostering of an awareness of the challenges to humankind, as well as our individual and collective responsibilities. This is done through the use of and application of a body of geographical concepts.
Aims
The aims of the teaching of humanities are to encourage the student to develop:
- An inquiring mind
- The skills necessary for the effective study of humanities
- A sense of time and place
- A respect for and understanding of others’ perspectives, values and attitudes
- Awareness and understanding of people, cultures and events in a variety of places at different times
- An understanding of the interactions and the interdependence of individuals, societies, and their environments
- An understanding of the causes and consequences of changes through physical and human actions and processes
- An understanding of contemporary humanities issues
- A sense of internationalism and a desire to be proactive as a responsible global citizen
- An awareness of the connections with other subjects
- A lifelong interest in and enjoyment of humanities
IB MYP. . . .IB DP