Middle Years Programme
A dynamic educational program with a global perspective
An enriching education
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) takes place in Grade 6 – 8 at Leo Baeck and is a dynamic and powerful educational programme with a global perspective. The MYP is a holistic, interdisciplinary educational framework designed to promote critical thinking, international-mindedness and personal growth for students.
Students study eight subjects:
- Language and Literature
- Performing and Visual Arts
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Design
- Individuals & Societies
- French
- Physical & Health Education (includes Health & Family Life Education)
Our Hebrew and Judaic studies follow an internally designed Scope and Sequence, through a uniquely progressive Jewish lens.
What Makes MYP Different From Traditional Learning?
Our MYP program is enriched by community involvement, out-of-school programs, overnight trips, and the celebration of key moments like Kabbalat Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh.
We are proud to devote time to interdisciplinary units (IDU), in which two subject areas collaborate to create a unit where students make deep connections and have learning experiences that mirror real life. For MYP, this is called Global Contexts: where issues are rarely siloed within one discipline.
All of our Middle School subjects are taught in accordance with IB MYP objectives and selected strands from the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. Our graduates feel confident and are prepared for admission to a variety of private and public schools.
Empowering Change: Our IB Community Project
In Grade 8, students undertake the Community Project. Through this student-led culminating task of the MYP, students have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in a local or global community while applying their skills and knowledge acquired throughout their IB journey.
The Community Project is an opportunity for students to explore and choose an issue that matters to them, research, plan, take action to address the issue and reflect.
The Community Project exemplifies our commitment to holistic education and community engagement. By encouraging students to take an active role in making a positive impact on their communities, we empower them to become well-rounded, compassionate, and socially responsible individuals, fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
Objectives of the Community Project:
- Engagement: Encourage students to actively engage with their communities and understand the importance of contributing to the wellbeing of society.
- Application of Learning: Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in various IB subjects to real-world situations.
- Global Citizenship: Promote a sense of global citizenship by addressing local and global issues, fostering intercultural understanding and respect.
- Personal Growth: Foster personal growth, self-awareness, and the development of ethical values.
- Reflective Practice: Encourage students to reflect on their experiences, learn from both successes and challenges and refine their approaches to problem-solving.
10 attributes of an IB Learner Profile
The Learner Profile is composed of 10 attributes that are developed in IB learners. These are explicitly taught and incorporated into school culture and units of inquiry.
FAQ
Becoming an IB School
The Leo Baeck Day School became an official International Baccalaureate World School in 2011 when we were authorized to teach the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). After seeing the incredible teaching and learning that is fostered by the MYP framework, Leo Baeck initiated the process to become authorized as an official Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, which we achieved in the summer of 2021. This process involved a 2-year candidacy stage where the school was required to undergo rigorous self-reflection and evaluation, staff training and curriculum development in line with the high standards of the International Baccalaureate Organization.