The International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) and Exit Point activity

In the middle school at NAISR, students undertake the International Middle Years Curriculum. This program of study was adopted by AISR to address the specific developmental needs of 11-14 year olds. 

It is a challenging, internationally minded and concept-focused curriculum, which helps develop engaged and active learners. With specific subject and personal learning goals, it provides a clear structure to develop knowledge, skills and understanding whilst making subject learning more connected.

Although subject learning remains independent, all areas of study are connected by one conceptual theme, the Big Idea. Each Big Idea is introduced via an Entry Point activity. To switch the students’ minds onto the concepts, Middle school teachers collaboratively devise and facilitate non-subject specific activities for each Entry Point. Students are then asked questions, which help them to reflect on the Big Idea, making connections and demonstrating their understanding of it. Throughout the six-week units, teachers refer to the Big Idea, explicitly and implicitly, and students continue to make new connections, building their knowledge and skills in each subject area. 

Recently, both Grade 6 classes came together to explore the IMYC Big Idea, Let's Create!  Innovative ideas can happen when existing or new concepts are brought together or expressed in a new way. For the morning we split into four teams and each had a go at a table full of resources and supplies to see what we could CREATE! We made facial scrub from sugars, coconut and olive oils, and almond and lemon aromas. We invented our own board games with stamps, stickers, paper, popsicle sticks and other crafting supplies. Finally, as you can see in the photo, we made ooey-gooey slime from shaving cream, colourings and glue! 

At the end of each unit, students participate in an Exit Point activity. This is a media project, for example a digital presentation, podcast, blog, digital photography, video log or a short film, which provide the students with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned about the Big Idea. This can be within each or a particular subject area, and most importantly a new understanding of the concept, which can then be applied to future learning and experiences. These shared experiences provide opportunities for students and teachers to collaborate and develop a shared focus on student learning. The next upcoming IMYC Exit Point will be the Grade 7 IMYC Unit, Curiosity. The Big Idea will be The desire to know more drive exploration and aspiration. We would like to invite Grade 7 parents to come see your child present his/her learning and reflections. Date and time to be shared soon!