The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. IB learners strive to model the 10 traits of the IB learner profile. Our Middle School students and teachers created these images and definitions to explain them (click to enlarge):

The MYP (Middle Years Program) IB curriculum model consists of five elements:

1. Approaches to Learning:

   Three essential questions that all students will learn to ask,
   How do I learn best?
   How do I know?
   How do I communicate my understanding?

   Approach to Learning (or “ATL”) is central to the program. Students will develop the intellectual discipline, attitudes, strategies and skills which will result in critical, coherent, and independent thought and capacity for problem solving and decision making. Students learn “how to learn”. Students are expected to complete a personal project that integrates these five elements across all subjects.

2. Community and Service:

   How do we live in relation to each other?
   How can I contribute to the community?
   How can I help others?

3. Homo Faber

   Why and how do we create?
   What are the consequences?

   The MYP teaches students to consider their impact on society. Students explore the relationships between science, aesthetics, technology and ethics.

4. Environment

   Where do we live?
   What resources do we have or need?
   What are my responsibilities?

   Students take positive, responsible action for the future.

5. Health and social education

   How do I think and act?
   How am I changing?
   How can I look after myself and others?

   Students develop a sense of responsibility for their own physical and mental health. They learn to make informed choices.

The benefits of implementing the IB program

Soundview’s curriculum model and the IB curriculum model are very similar, therefore it is an easy transition for Soundview to adopt the IB program. Becoming an IB school allows Soundview to strengthen our already excellent curriculum with the benefit of a global perspective.

Becoming an IB school will ensure the following:

• Teachers are provided with:

  • On-going professional development through IBO workshops
  • Professional development-- every teacher is trained through IB workshops and works with clear guidelines to assure that there is consistency in teaching and assessing students’ learning
  • Curriculum consistency between grades and teachers
  • A global network of education professionals
  • Clear directions and goals for curriculum and assessment
  • Wide range of resource materials.



• Students develop:

  • The disposition and capacity to be lifelong learners
  • Practical skills to adapt to a rapidly changing reality
  • Approaches to problem-solving
  • The capacity and self-confidence to act individually and collaboratively
  • An awareness of global issues and willingness to act responsibly
  • The ability to engage in effective communication across frontiers
  • Respect for others and an appreciation of similarities and differences
  • Rigorous habits of mind.



• Parents can expect:

  • Consistent curriculum that is centered around the student and the way the student learns
  • Consistent learning assessment between teachers and grade levels
  • Community service involvement from the student body
  • Students’ deepening intellectual and personal growth
  • Students’ long term personal projects
  • Students to develop in-depth understanding of various global perspectives
  • Students to learn many important skills to be successful for the future.