The programme addresses particular academic and social needs of students in this age group. Interlinking learning is important for the developing adolescent brain. The IMYC uses a specific process of learning (based on the way the brain learns) consistently across all subjects. This helps students with planning and organising. At Eerde we embrace this method, it provides the tools to address the needs of this specific age group. The IMYC provides the opportunity for students to be challenged in their individual learning as well as work cooperatively with peers.
IMYC
The International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) and Cambridge lower secondary are used in high schools, independent and international schools all over the world. At Eerde International Boarding School we have implemented both curriculums to offer the best of both educational systems.
IMYC GUIDE
What is IMYC
Students learning in the IMYC years will focus on a combination of academic, personal and international learning designed specifically to engage and inspire them. It will develop an inquiring mind and the personal attributes that will support them throughout their teenage and adult years. Furthermore they develop a sense of their own nationality and culture whilst at the same time developing a profound respect for the nationalities and cultures of others. IMYC equips students with knowledge, skills and understanding to confidently face the world of the future.
Subjects taught in IMYC
Science, History, Geography, English, Art, Design Technology & Computing, PE, and Music.
The IMYC topics present learning for students in a vibrant and meaningful way, which will help students make links between subject areas.
Connection with Cambridge Secondary 1
Math and English are the subjects that follow the Cambridge program. We consider these subjects to be the core subjects of our combined program. Of course they link as closely as possible to the IMYC concepts. At Eerde we believe that connecting both programs like this will enable the student to get the best education from both worlds.
The IMYC process of Learning
Learning with the IMYC follows six-week units based around a conceptual idea, called the ‘big idea’. Students start with an entry point which activates their interest. A knowledge harvest will then activate prior knowledge on the concept. All learning activities will actively engage students to start making connections. Students link the learning in their different subjects through the big idea, considering what they’re learning from personal, interpersonal and global perspectives.
The learner has a central position in the process and students will be assessed on their knowledge skills and understanding related to the subject area and concept following a mini cycle of research, record, and reflection in each of the learning activities. The mini cycle ensures that learners can reflect on all learning opportunities as part of their regular subject learning and will occur many times and not just once. Action reinforces the importance of learners acting on their learning at different points in the unit so students can apply their learning in different ways to create positive change.
Support
IMYC students are assigned a tutor who supports them in navigating all aspects of academic life at Eerde. Individual support is also made available to IMYC students who require it through Eerde’s Learning support, staffed by qualified Learning Support Coaches, who are adept at providing personalised study support. At Eerde the student needs, are the base of the learning support to be offered.
Length of Program
The IMYC program and Cambridge Lower Secondary English and Math programme lasts for three academic years. The programme is taught in the lower years of secondary, grade 6-8. Each year students will begin a new year level in August and complete the level in June. Learning goals are set and are well adjusted to other mainstream programmes ensuring an easy transitions with enrolments during the year.
