MYP
A word from our MYP Coordinators
We are pleased to introduce you to our Middle Years Programme (MYP), an integral part of our educational journey here at Bogaerts International School - South Campus.
The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16, bridging the gap between primary education and the more advanced Diploma Programme.The MYP encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a global perspective. It is a holistic program that focuses on the development of the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
We believe that the MYP not only prepares students for the academic challenges of high school but also instills the values and skills necessary for them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We are excited to work together with you and your children on this educational journey. Should you have any questions or wish to learn more about the MYP, please feel free to reach out to me or any member of our educational team.
A LEARNER-CENTRED, CONTEXTUAL APPROACH
The purpose of the Middle Year Program (MYP) is to offer a challenging and academically rigorous programme. This is in addition to the goal of preparing students for a successful life as an individual in a vast, globalized environment. To achieve this, it is critical to develop skills in self-reliance and both academic but socio-emotional skills that results in a well rounded individual.
Thus, curriculum in the MYP is developed with the learner and his or her needs and goals in mind to cultivate personal and academic development. The end result is a student who exemplifies the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile. This profile of personal qualities is what will prepare our students for a content and successful future.
A SERVICE-BASED APPROACH
Service as Action is both built into the curriculum and part of extra-curricular time at the MYP level. Through coordinated and scaffolded projects led by the school, students are encouraged and expected to make their Service as Action experience their own. This gives students the freedom to explore and to draw from their own passions. These projects show a student precisely what it feels like to make positive change within different spheres of his or her life.
A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH
The MYP approaches learning from a conceptual perspective – “big ideas that have relevance within specific disciplines and across subject areas.” At BIS, this lies at the heart of curriculum planning, and a conceptual approach to learning enables both student and teacher to create memorable, impactful experiences without the restrictions of strict subject study. Collaboration amongst staff also allows students to access conceptual understanding across multiple courses. This supports student learning through reinforcement and revision.
A KNOWLEDGE-BASED APPROACH
Practically, the MYP does not do away with the more traditional view of a school as a centre of knowledge. Specific subject study is encouraged at the secondary level, and students will find themselves focusing on languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, current affairs, digital design, art, and performing arts within the structure of the programme. This subject focus is designed to provide students with a breadth of knowledge-based experiences, but all within the scope of conceptual understanding and inter-disciplinary opportunities (collaboration between subjects).
Performing and Visual Art
At Bogaerts, we believe that artistic expression is a vital part of a well-rounded education. Our students engage in enriching experiences across both visual and performing arts, allowing them to explore creativity, develop technical skills, and share their unique perspectives with the school community and beyond. Moreover, exposure to diverse artistic traditions from around the world helps students connect with different cultures, broadening their perspective and promoting global awareness.
Music & Performing Arts
Music and performing hold a special place in our school culture, encouraging collaboration, self-expression, and confidence. From the Early Years all the way to the end of MYP, students have the opportunity to participate in musical and theatrical performances, through units such as Jazz Music, Romeo & Juliet, and Film Music. We were honoured to welcome renowned composer Yves Gourmeur, who shared his expertise and creative process with students in an interactive workshop. Our all-girls school band continues to thrive, performing at school events and inspiring younger musicians. Seasonal performances, such as our Christmas Concert, bring the community together in celebration, while the highly anticipated school musical that happens yearly allows students to showcase their vocal, theatrical, and production talents in a spectacular show. Previous musicals include Oceans Odyssey (2022), Oliver! (2023), and Mamma Mia!: The Musical (2024). Through these diverse artistic opportunities, students at Bogaerts not only refine their creative abilities but also develop essential skills such as problem solving, collaboration, and cultural appreciation. Whether through visual art, music, or theatre, we encourage each student to explore their artistic potential and share their vision.
Visual Arts
Our Visual Arts program nurtures creative thinking and technical expertise, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents in various mediums. Units such as Pop Art, Impressionism, Still Life, allow students to discover different artistic movements and create works that are innovative and inspired. Students proudly present their works at the annual Visual Art Exhibition where they exhibit their artistic growth and conceptual ideas. Additionally, our students make the most of our location in the capital of Europe by embarking on trips to educational and inspiring exhibitions and museums. Students have previously ventured to the Banksy Museum, gaining insight into street art, political messaging, and modern visual storytelling.
Other Visual Arts students have also had the exclusive opportunity to visit Tim Burton’s Labyrinth, an immersive exhibition that delves into the fantastical world of one of the most visionary filmmakers and artists of our time.In MYP4 and MYP 5 the programme is strongly connected to the DP Visual Arts course. Students learn how to make a digital Art portfolio and how to use subject specific terminology to talk about their own artistic practice. They learn to experiment with materials and techniques that serve their artistic purpose(s) to convey meaningful concepts to an audience. Students will discover how to connect famous art pieces from different cultural and historical contexts and analyse them by using the formal elements of Art and composition.
