The IBMYP programme at NBHIS fosters inquiry-based, explorative classes. Students coming up through the school from the IBPYP programme are already well versed in independent discovery in all areas of knowledge and take well to the key questions posed by the separate subject teachers in middle school. An IB education labels itself as “informative, not definitive”. (“What is an IB Education” ibo.org) “The MYP encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. At a time when students are establishing their identity and building self-esteem, the MYP is uniquely designed to off a well-rounded education, and help students achieve success in school and in life.” (MYP At a Glance ibo.org)

An understanding of the bridges between disciplines strengthens all learning, and NBHIS MYP makes strong connections between individual subject disciplines and broader areas of knowledge, reinforcing concepts and introducing students to crossover knowledge. We focus on IB Approaches to Learning where students explore about how they learn through developing, communication, self-management, research thinking and social skills.

MYP Overview
A reasonable command of English is necessary for entry into middle school; however, we have a strong language acquisition policy whereby we give students with limited English intensive language classes. In addition, language teachers support regular Science and Individuals and Society classes making sure that students gain important concepts in both languages. We integrate the Chinese National Curriculum into our middle school learning, sometimes in regular, and sometimes in Chinese special classes e.g. Moral education and culture.

The MYP ensures breadth and depth of understanding through study in eight subject groups (language acquisition, language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical and health education, and design). Addressing the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students holistically, the MYP prepares them to take principled action by participating in service within the community and requiring study of at least two languages (language of instruction and additional language of choice) to support the understanding of their own cultures and those of others. MYP students also engage with big ideas, rather than simply memorizing facts in order to prepare for exams. As a result, they develop learning skills that they can rely on throughout the course of their independent, purpose-driven lives.

All of our Chinese citizens sit for the Zhongkao examinations in grade 9. While we do not focus on these examinations as our primary goal, as our students intend to study abroad or in China in English, they do provide an important education certificate for our Chinese students.