ISG+ Secondary school offers the first two years of secondary education following Year 2 and 3 of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB also refers to these years as 7 and 8. Our dedicated teachers tailor their courses to meet the needs of each year group, fostering academic growth and collaboration through common projects. With our values of positivity, open-mindedness, and ambition at the forefront, our small-scale, cosy school cultivates a close-knit community where every student is known and supported on their journey to reaching their full potential.
The Middle Years Programme (MYP)
The MYP offers a challenging curriculum across eight subject groups. The curriculum emphasizes real-world connections and conceptual understanding. Students develop key skills and traits outlined in the IB learner profile. Teachers use common approaches to learning to foster application of knowledge and skills in various contexts, promoting lifelong learning.
Arts
We believe in a well-rounded education that includes exploring various artistic disciplines. In MYP 2 & 3, our Arts curriculum is modular, exposing students to Visual Arts, Theatre, and Music. This approach encourages students to discover their passions across different mediums. In MYP 4, students delve deeper into Visual Arts while having the option to continue with Music. Our aim is to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and expression through hands-on experiences and collaborative projects. By exposing students to diverse artistic traditions, we empower them to appreciate the transformative power of art.
Design
In this course, students will unleash their creativity and problem-solving abilities as they explore the principles of design across various mediums. While in MYP 2 & 3, the focus is primarily on product design, in MYP 4 & 5, our school will emphasise coding and programming. The Design programme provides a platform for innovation and expression, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Dutch Language Acquisition
Studying an additional language in the MYP develops language skills and cultural understanding, aiming to build proficiency while preserving students' mother tongue and heritage. We offer Dutch courses at three levels: emergent capable and proficient. The division of groups is based on the profile of the students, but there will never be more than two levels in one learning group. Dutch lessons revolve around thematic units, varying from grammar-focused to creative projects like writing children’s books. We utilize Ghent's local setting, including visits to the library, to enhance language and cultural understanding.
English Language & Literature
The English Language & Literature curriculum fosters a deep appreciation for language and storytelling while honing crucial communication skills. Students explore a diverse array of texts, from classics to contemporary works, cultivating critical thinking and analytical skills. Through interactive discussions, writing tasks, and creative projects, they develop effective expression and empathy. Our dedicated language teacher nurtures reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and oral communication, preparing students for both academic achievement and real-world success. Language is not just a means of communication but a key to self-discovery and understanding the world.
Individuals & Societies
Individuals & Societies fosters respect and understanding of the world, developing skills to investigate historical, geographical, political, social, economic, and cultural factors. Inquiry-based learning is emphasized, allowing students to explore diverse perspectives. Key concepts like change, global interactions, and time frame the curriculum. Throughout the programme, interdisciplinary units focus on specific inquiry questions, like "What was life like in the Middle Ages?" These units integrate multiple disciplines, with students creating reflective products such as infographics or presentations to demonstrate their learning.
Mathematics
Our mathematics programme promotes critical-thinking and problem-solving skills as well as real life applications of mathematics. We will instil the concept of inquiry to encourage students to apply their mathematical knowledge in new situations. In the first years of the MYP, we will cover topics such as number properties, lines & angles, negative numbers, fractions, decimals and algebra. In MYP 4, students will explore topics such as algebra, geometry, statistics, and trigonometry.
Physical & Health Education
This course promotes a balanced lifestyle through physical and health education, fostering awareness of physical development, health perspectives, and positive social interaction. It also aligns with the IB learner profile, emphasizing respect, collaboration, and communication skills. With a focus on active participation, students explore different inquiry questions. Utilizing both school and nearby facilities, students engage in planning, performance, and reflection activities.
Sciences
In science, we will work to cultivate critical thinking skills as well as developing strengths in inquiring and designing, evaluating, and reflecting on the impacts of science. The MYP Science curriculum explores the connections between science and everyday life. Through the concepts of change, relationships and systems students learn to look at the world as a scientist would. They also have the opportunity to conduct scientific exploration in a professional setting though our collaboration with the University of Ghent.
Optional subjects in MYP 4
While continuing with the mandatory subjects English Language & Literature, Dutch Language Acquisition, Integrated Humanities, Integrated Sciences, Mathematics, Visual Arts, and Physical and Health Education (PHE), students will have the chance to delve deeper into their interests with optional subjects. Optional courses will include Music, Design (emphasising coding & programming), and Extended Mathematics.
International School Ghent vzw is a candidate school* for the MYP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy - a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education - that we believe is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.
For futher information about the IB and its programmes visit http://www.ibo.org
