International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program

IB ARTS

Currently at VMMS all students
take IB Visual Arts each year in
grades 6-8, and 6th grade
students have IB Dance
instruction during PE class.
Click here for a subject brief.

IB DESIGN

IB Design curriculum is currently
woven into our math and science
courses. Click here for a
subject brief. All VMMS classes include
use of the IB Design
Cycle on a regular basis.

International Baccalaureate Middle

IB INDIVIDUALS
AND SOCIETIES

\This course is also known as
Humanities. Click here for a
subject brief.

IB LANGUAGE AND
LITERATURE

This is also known as our ELA
(English Language Arts) class.
Click here for a subject
brief.

IB LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

At VMMS, our target language for this
course is Spanish. We also host an
after-school language lab
where students can study
English, Spanish, French, German,
Japanese, Italian and Mandarin.
Click here for a subject brief.

IB MATHEMATICS

All students at VMMS receive double-blocked
math (i.e. two periods of math per day).
Click here for a subject
brief.

IB PHYSICAL AND HEALTH
EDUCATION

At VMMS, our Health curriculum is
folded into our PE course. Click here for a subject
brief.

IB SCIENCES

All students at VMMS receive
double-blocked science (i.e. two periods of science).
Click here for subject brief.

IB GRADES

Vista Magnet Middle School shifted to full utilization of IB assessment
practices in the 2017-2018 school year. All students receive IB grades
based on numerical rubric scores with narrative descriptors
instead of
traditional letter grades.

Click here for all IB Grade info.

The goals of the IB Middle Years Program are to :

  • help students make connections to the real world, preparing them
    for success in further study and life
  • develop active learners and internationally-minded young people
    who empathize with others
  • empower students to inquire into a broad range of issues, locally,
    nationally and globally
  • nurture creative, critical and reflective thinkers

For further details, please enjoy: What is an IB Education?

What is an IB Education

The IB MYP focuses on Interdisciplinary learning.

VMMS IB POLICIES

These policies represent our VMMS values and are discussed and
revised by our Global Thinkers team, parents and students on an annual basis.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

ASSESSMENT POLICY

LANGUAGE POLICY

INCLUSION POLICY

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN IB EDUCATION?

IB students are recognized for:

  • their confidence and ability to manage their own learning
  • learning by doing - hands on engagement!
  • outperforming non-IB students in academic skills
  • transitioning successfully into the IB Diploma Programme in grades
    11 and 12
  • thriving in positive school cultures
  • developing an understanding of global challenges and committing to
    their roles as responsible citizens

To read about "Key Findings from Research on the Impact
of the IB Middle Years Programme," click here:

Key Findings Sheets

THE IB LEARNER PROFILE

The IB Learner Profile

To read more about the IB Learner Profile, click on the graphic above.

8TH GRADE COMMUNITY PROJECT

All 8th grader students complete a Community Project to take action on a need they identify in a community of their choice. This year long project is a wonderful example of real-world applications and service learning to make a difference in our community.

Please view this Community Project presentation and the video below to learn more!



Template to document Service as Actions. Students, remember to link this to your digital portfolio.

APPROACHES TO LEARNING

Details regarding the IB Approach to learning.

  • Communication
  • Social
  • Self-management
  • Research
  • Thinking

GLOBAL CONTEXTS

Details pertaining to Global Contexts.

  • identities and relationships

  • personal and cultural identity

  • orientations in space and time

  • scientific and technical innovation

  • fairness and development

  • globalization and sustainability.