Middle Years Programme

We ensure that an appropriate level of English support is given to all students depending on their prior learning experience, current understanding and their mother tongue language. However, as students progress upwards through the MYP the level of support decreases, as students are expected to meet specific English language competencies by the time they reach the end of Grade 7. We offer a range of support either through specific subject lessons or lunchtime or after school clubs. Learn more

The instructional school day runs from 8.20 am to 3.30 pm every day. Classes are divided into 65 minute instructional blocks. A break occurs mid-morning from 10.30 am to 10.50 am. Lunch for Secondary School students is divided into two times; one from 11.55 am to 1.00 pm, and the other from 1.00 pm to 2.05 pm.

The school’s philosophy is that homework should have a purpose. It may be to:

• reinforce work that is already carried out in the class,
• prepare students for forthcoming class work,
• act as a bridge between work that has been done and work that is about to be tackled,
• practice or revise skills already developed,
• develop creativity in students where there has been no previous opportunity,
• occasionally finish off incomplete class work.

A homework timetable is published for each grade level. Students are also encouraged to keep a clear record of homework to be completed through the use of an online Homework Diary. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the teachers via the students’ homework diaries or through email.

Teachers organise continuous assessment throughout the year. Teachers assess student learning in a range of ways and the students themselves are expected to be reflective and to think about their own learning.

Evidence of student learning is collected and feedback is given to students regularly and to parents through PowerSchool, end of semester reports and Parent Teacher Conferences. Parents can share the learning journey through Learning Showcases that happen at different points throughout the year.

The MYP offers a criterion-referenced model of assessment. This means that students' results are determined by performance against set standards, not by each student's position in the overall rank order. Students are graded using four criteria for each subject.

In Grade 10, all students must complete the Personal Project, which provides students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned in the MYP. Each student develops a personal project independently, producing a truly personal and creative piece of work that stands as a summative review of their ability to conduct independent work.

Furthermore, students must meet Service as Action requirements as set by the IB and SSIS. Action and service, essential components of the MYP, set out clear learning outcomes that grow from students’ participation in local and global communities. IB learners strive to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a commitment to service - making a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Students who complete the MYP, and Personal Project to a satisfactory level will receive an SSIS MYP Certificate at the end of Grade 10 to recognize their successful completion of the programme.