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West Hills, in partnership with Andover High School and in association with the International Academy, is authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School. In addition to receiving high praise from President George W. Bush, the programmes of the International Baccalaureate Organization are closely aligned with Bloomfield Hills Schools core values and tradition of excellence. The Middle Years Programme, MYP, also mirrors the philosophy and goals set forth by the National Middle School Association.
To read the IB Middle Years Programme General Regulations for students and their legal guardians click on General Regulations or go to the IB web site at www.ibo.org.
The West Hills/Andover partnership is the first and only authorized MYP programme in Michigan and joins a rapidly growing number of IB World Schools in the United States. Implementation and authorization are under the auspices of IB North America, located in New York City.
West Hills began implementation of MYP in 2004 as an inclusive programme offered in grades six through ten (grades 9 & 10 at Andover). It incorporates the standards and benchmarks of the State of Michigan curriculum framework.
The IB learner profile is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the work of
schools and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose. It is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21 st century. The learner profile provides a long-term vision of education for the Primary, Middle and Diploma Programmes.
IB learners strive to be:
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Caring
- Risk-takers
- Balanced
- Reflective
Two of the primary features of the MYP are the use of important guiding questions and the integration of the areas of interaction. Guiding questions are designed to connect learning to the world beyond the classroom and enhance the relevance of the curriculum. Critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills are also key components of MYP instruction.
The five MYP areas of interaction are: approaches to learning (how I learn); health and social education; environment; community and service; and homo faber (man the creator). These areas are integrated into instruction and serve as unifying themes that connect learning in each classroom to important aspects of life. MYP emphasizes understanding of self, community, country and cultural diversity in a global context.
MYP School Certificate Requirements
Fifty hours of instruction per year are required in all eight subject areas in order for students to qualify for an MYP certificate at the end of tenth grade. The required subject areas are Language A (English), Language B (Spanish or French), Math, Science, Humanities (Social Studies), Physical Education, Fine/Performing Arts and Technology (Design and Information).
In addition, a personal project must be completed in grade ten.
At West Hills, the regular education curriculum includes Language A, Math, Science, Humanities, P. E./Health, and Technology at all three grade levels.
In sixth grade, students enrolled in the regular education curriculum at West Hills will automatically satisfy ALL of the requirements.
In seventh and eighth grades, music and Language B (Spanish or French) are elective options. Any incoming student that does not take the same Language B all five years of the programme will not meet the MYP certificate requirement.
The Fine/Performing Arts requirement may be met by taking music, visual arts or drama.
In seventh grade, visual arts and drama are part of the Unified Arts rotation and therefore, any student enrolled in U. A. meets the requirement.
In eighth grade, students must take music, drama or a visual arts class for at least one semester in order to meet the Arts requirement.
MYP Subject |
6 th Grade |
7 th Grade |
8 th Grade |
Language B
(English for ELL students) |
Spanish or French
|
Spanish or French |
Spanish or French |
Fine/
Performing Arts |
Band, Choir
or Orchestra (Required)
Unified Arts - Art
(Required) |
Band, Choir, Orchestra and/or
Unified Arts – Drama/Art (Required) |
Band, Choir, Orchestra or
one semester of Visual Arts or Drama |
Technology
(design, information and systems) |
Unified Arts – Design Tech/Life Skills (Required) and integrated across the curriculum |
Unified Arts - Design Tech/Life Skills and
Directed Study (both Required) and integrated across the curriculum |
Foods, Clothing, Drafting, IA Tech, Multimedia, Woodworking, and/or Directed Study (Required) and integrated across the curriculum |
PE |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Language A (native language for ELL students) |
Required
(ELL students must meet the requirement outside of school) |
Required
(ELL students must meet the requirement outside of school) |
Required
(ELL students must meet the requirement outside of school) |
Math,
Science, Humanities
(Social Studies) |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Although every student at West Hills directly benefits from MYP instruction in every classroom, some students’ best interests may not be served by participating in all eight subjects every year. Our counselors, student center and academic resource staff will help parents make the best decision for individual students.
MYP will thoroughly prepare students that enter the IA via the District lottery for the rigors of the IB Diploma Programme.
Participation in MYP at West Hills will NOT increase the likelihood of gaining entrance into the International Academy.
Transfer students and Andover students that did not attend West Hills must complete at least the final two years of the five year programme in order to be eligible for the MYP certificate.
IB – MYP FAQ's
What is the International Baccalaureate?
The IB is a non-profit international educational organization that was established in 1968. The IB offers to schools three programmes of international education that span the primary, middle and secondary school years. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students aged 3-12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11-16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-18. While these programmes form a continuous sequence, each may be offered independently. In all three programmes, the IBO offers schools curriculum materials, assessment procedures, teacher training workshops, school authorization, programme evaluation, and comprehensive support services in English, French and Spanish.
How many schools offer IB programmes?
The IB is currently available in 1,888 schools in 124 countries serving 486,000 students. The IB was established in North America in 1977 and is now available in 682 U.S. schools in 45 states. More than 800 U.S. universities recognize the IB Diploma as a mark of academic excellence. (March 2007)
What types of schools offer IB programmes?
IB programmes are offered by state schools, public schools, private schools and international schools.
Can any student enroll in an IB programme?
Only students enrolled in an IBO authorized school may participate in an IB programme. Any student who is at an IBO-authorized school is eligible to participate in the programme.
What is the Middle Years Programme?
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is for students aged 11-16. Students in the MYP study all the major disciplines, including languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, technology and physical education. The MYP seeks to help students make connections between disciplines and to give them a global perspective, and encourages them to participate actively in their communities.
How has MYP changed what happens at West Hills?
The core curriculum and class offerings have not changed significantly. One of the major differences is the emphasis on the interdisciplinary strands called Areas of Interaction . They are Health, the Environment, Approaches to Learning (Essential Skills), Homo Faber (Man the Maker) and Community and Service . These themes will be integrated across the curriculum. The other major difference will be the use of inquiry based learning and guiding questions to help students focus their thinking and learning.
Why are the Areas of Interaction important?
The integrated themes help students better relate what they learn in the classroom to the real world, their future education and careers. The thematic connections also promote higher order thinking and questioning skills and creative problem solving.
Is the MYP Programme designed more for very able students?
No. The Programme is designed to meet the needs of all students, including students with special needs.
Do Middle Years Programme students have to pass special exams?
There are no IBO exams in the Middle Years Programme. There are assessments at the end of grade ten that will help determine a student's level of MYP proficiency and whether they are eligible for an MYP certificate.
Do students get special recognition for participation in a Middle Years Programme?
When fully implemented, students that complete all of the programme requirements will receive an MYP certificate at Andover. Colleges and universities do consider participation in IBO Programmes as part of their admission process.
Is special training required for staff?
Yes. All IB teachers participate in several levels of ongoing, specialized training.
Has the Middle Years Programme been evaluated for instructional effectiveness?
MYP schools in Colorado have begun the process of evaluation. Preliminary results have been very positive. American college and university admissions offices have awarded points for participation in IB Programmes for a number of years.
Will I have an opportunity to learn more about MYP?
Opportunities to learn more about MYP will be provided over the course of the school year.
Can students from outside the Bloomfield Hills Schools or West Hills attendance areas come to West Hills?
Yes. District residents, and non-residents who are interested in the tuition program, can get more information at www.bloomfield.org, or by contacting Ed Bretzlaff, West Hills principal, at 248-341-6100.
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