The IB Middle Years Programme

IB MYP Zest Fest

Year 6 students, teachers and parents were treated to a ‘zesty’ introduction to the IB MYP in the cafeteria. Ms Scott opened the event with an overview of the MYP and the IB’s mission statement: The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

Ms Scott explained that the MYP runs from Year 6 to Year 9 at Oakleigh Grammar and provides a framework of learning. The MYP encourages connections between students, their subjects and the real world and supports the development of many important skills including communication, social organisation, thinking, and research skills. The MYP is used in alignment with the Australian Curriculum.

I then introduced the IB learner profile and how it represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. The IB believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities. Students, teachers and parents then participated in an activity where they drew quick portraits of each other and wrote an overview of which learner profile attribute best represented the person they drew.

Ms Smit spoke next. She described how service reflects our Orthodox Christian values and the 'zest for life' that defines our community - humility, aspiration, respect, and kindness. Service as action is a fundamental part of our school's ethos, embodying our dedication to making a positive impact in our community and beyond. 

•    Service is reflected in the MYP and part of the IB framework.

•    Year 6 and 7 cohort will complete 10 hours of service.

•    Year 8 and 9 will complete 15 hours of service, reflecting our dedication to service as action. Each student will be responsible for completing a logbook with their service responsibilities.

The event concluded with an introduction to assessment in the MYP. I described how aassessment in the MYP is a process to support learning and help teachers to make judgements about student achievement. At the beginning of a unit, teachers will introduce the statement of inquiry which gives the content a unique context. Teachers will ensure that the assessment reflects this unique statement of inquiry and provide students with an assessment sheet describing what is required, the relevant criteria and exemplars. These tasks include a variety of assessment strategies such as: tests, laboratory reports, experiments, essays, presentations, performances, portfolios, artworks or group work. It was an enjoyable exciting event, with lots of ‘peel’ good factor!

Launch of the Year 9 community project 

Community Project to Make a Difference

Students are gearing up to make a positive impact on their community by empowering our young people to address pressing issues in their communities.

On the 8th of March, Mamuch Chuol spoke to Year 9 students, sharing his personal journey and the inspiration behind NextGen Unite. Growing up, Mamuch witnessed the challenges faced by many in his South Sudanese community, fuelling his determination to create change. He believes that every individual has the power to make a difference, and NextGen Unite provides a platform for young people to do just that – inspiring our Year 9 Students.

Additionally, the launch event on the 19th of March was met with enthusiasm from parents, guardians, and staff. Two of our students spoke passionately about the community project and their commitment to making a difference. Their inspiring words resonated with attendees, highlighting the dedication of the school's students to effect change.

Our students also spoke well at our school in the Middle/Senior School assembly outlining the wonderful opportunities the project brings. The community project aims to address various issues, from environmental sustainability to social justice. Students will be working on a range of projects, including volunteering, fundraising, and community outreach. The project emphasises the importance of empathy, leadership, and teamwork, preparing students to become active and engaged citizens.

The school administration extends its gratitude to Mamuch Chuol for his vision and leadership in establishing NextGen Unite. The collaboration between students, parents, guardians, and staff demonstrates a collective commitment to making a positive impact on the community.

As the community project progresses, the school looks forward to seeing the tangible results of the students' efforts. Through NextGen Unite, students are not only learning valuable skills but also contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate community.

For more information about the community project please see our Parent and Supervisor guide. – see pdf attached

See photos attached