The Middle Years Programme
The Middle Years Programme (MYP), offered in Grades 6 to 10, is a student-centered program which encourages each of our girls to draw connections between eight subject groups and the world in which she lives.
Comprising eight subject groups (Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, The Arts, Design and Physical Education), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a broad, balanced and challenging framework for learning that encourages students to develop deep conceptual understanding, to master a suite of skills and attributes, and to make practical and meaningful connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world they live in.
Underpinned by the desire to develop active, self-regulated learners and internationally minded young people who can empathise with others and pursue lives with purpose and meaning, the MYP curriculum at Marymount London empowers students to inquire into a range of issues and ideas and encourages them to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. Through their studies in the MYP, Marymount girls find their voice, build confidence in themselves and the way they manage their own learning and connect this learning to the world through the six Global Contexts (Identities & Relationships, Orientation in Space & Time, Personal & Cultural Expression, Scientific & Technical Innovation, Globalisation & Sustainability, and Fairness & development) and in so doing they develop an understanding of global challenges and the abilities to face them.
“I have established a balance between my religious and busy everyday life. As a result of my IB subject groups and friendship groups, I am always open to differing perspectives and even encourage them so that I can continue learning and exploring various cultures and ideas”.
Ayse
The IB Diploma
The IB Diploma is offered to students in Grades 11-12 and builds on the foundations of the MYP, preparing each of our girls for university and for later life.
Critical thinking and international-mindedness are qualities Marymount girls live out on a daily basis. Students are prepared for May IB exams with internal assessments, class presentations, collaborative projects, and extensive independent research. Diploma candidates at Marymount study one course from each of six subject groups, three at standard level and three at higher level. Additionally, they complete a 4,000-word Extended Essay, pursue a course in the Theory of Knowledge, and document an individual Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) programme of voluntary activities. The IB Diploma is highly respected by the world’s leading universities and our results have been outstanding for many years, with a school average of 36 points (29 points is the international pass average).
Extended Essay
The 4,000-word Extended Essay offers each Grade 12 student the opportunity to pursue independent research on a topic of her choice. Students choose an area of research from one of their six IB subjects and liaise with their supervisor throughout the brainstorming, researching, and writing of their essay. Marymount is unique in that, in alignment with the IB’s ambition for native language education, girls may write their Extended Essay in one of seven languages.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge is a truly interdisciplinary course which encourages students to reflect on types and ways of acquiring knowledge at a level which transcends the specific subject areas. TOK is designed to encourage and stimulate awareness of cultural differences and the impact on knowledge of the information economy. Given our diverse student population, Marymount girls benefit from the richness of our international student body in active class discussion.
Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)
The CAS programme enhances the personal and social development of each student, who throughout Grades 11 and 12 must compile a portfolio demonstrating creative thinking, physical exercise contributing to a healthy lifestyle, and voluntary service work. The CAS program connects to the RSHM Mission of educating the whole person, giving each girl the leadership, artistic, physical, and community opportunities to develop further and share her gifts in service to others.
