
In the Middle Years Programme, teaching and learning is based upon understanding the concepts in a context. These global contexts provide a meaningful and relevant background which supports learning by providing concrete perspectives. The global contexts developed encourage international mindedness and global engagement that contribute to the development of the IB learner profile attributes.
Global context |
Focus question(s) and description |
Example explorations |
Identities and relationships |
Who am I? Who are we?
Students will explore identity; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; what it means to be human. |
Possible explorations to develop:
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Orientation in space and time |
What is the meaning of “where” and “when”? Students will explore personal histories; homes and journeys; turning points in humankind; discoveries; explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between, and the interconnectedness of, individuals and civilizations, from personal, local |
Possible explorations to develop:
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Personal and cultural expression |
What is the nature and purpose of creative expression?
Students will explore the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity |
Possible explorations to develop:
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Scientific and technical innovation |
How do we understand the world in which we live? Students will explore the natural world and its laws; the interaction between people and the natural world; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on communities and environments; the impact of environments on human activity; how humans adapt environments to their needs. |
Possible explorations to develop:
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Globalization and sustainability |
How is everything connected? Students will explore the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the relationship between local and global processes; how local experiences mediate the global; the opportunities and tensions provided by world interconnectedness; the impact of decision-making on humankind and the environment. |
Possible explorations to develop:
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Fairness and development |
What are the consequences of our common humanity? Students will explore rights and responsibilities; the relationship between communities; sharing finite resources with other people and with other living things; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution. |
Possible explorations to develop:
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(Source: MYP: From Principles into Practice (2014))