Beau Soleil Grade 6 to 10 Academic Guide

Welcome to the Middle Years Programme

Introduction to the Curriculum Guide for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Beau Soleil for Grades 6-10

At Beau Soleil, we are committed to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in the 21st century. As an authorized IB World School, we offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6-10. Our academic program is designed to promote intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning.

The MYP is a challenging, inquiry-based program that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, international-mindedness, and the development of the whole person. The MYP is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education and to prepare them for success in the IB Diploma Programme and/or American High School Diploma in Grades 11 and 12.

Subject Groups

The MYP is organized around eight subject groups: Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design. Each subject group is designed to develop specific knowledge, skills, and values, and to provide opportunities for students to engage in inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and creativity.

Language Acquisition:

The Language Acquisition subject group is designed to develop students’ language skills in a second language. The objective of this subject group is to promote communication, cultural understanding, and the development of lifelong learners.

Language and Literature:

The Language and Literature subject group is designed to develop students’ communication skills in their first language. The objective of this subject group is to improve language proficiency, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and encourage an appreciation for a range of literary genres and texts.

Individuals and Societies:

The Individuals and Societies subject group is designed to help students understand the world around them by examining the social, political, and economic factors that shape our society. The objective of this subject group is to promote critical thinking, research, and analysis of contemporary and historical events, and to encourage an understanding of the principles of democracy, citizenship, and human rights.

Sciences:

The Sciences subject group is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in scientific principles and skills. The objective of this subject group is to develop an understanding of scientific principles and concepts, critical thinking and problemsolving skills, and an appreciation of the role of science in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Mathematics:

The Mathematics subject group is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in mathematical principles and skills. The objective of this subject group is to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, practical skills in mathematical modeling, data analysis, and interpretation, and an appreciation for the role of mathematics in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Arts:

The Arts subject group; Dance, Drama, Art and Music is designed to foster creativity, expression, and cultural appreciation. The objective of this subject group is to develop practical skills in creating and presenting art, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the role of the arts in society.

Physical and Health Education:

The Physical and Health Education subject group is designed to promote physical fitness, healthy lifestyles, and teamwork. The objective of this subject group is to promote physical fitness, practical skills in various sports and activities, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership skills.

Design:

The Design subject group is designed to foster creativity, innovation, and problemsolving skills. The objective of this subject group is to develop creativity, practical skills in various design areas, an understanding of design thinking, and an appreciation of the role of design in society and the environment. The Design subject group is comprised of two seperate subjects; digital and product design.

Additional language:

In addition to the eight subject groups explained above. Our students also have the opportunity to study their mother tongue language or an additional foreign language. Arabic*, chinese*, German, Italian, Japanese*, Portuguese*, Russian* and Spanish are available language choices.

* Additional charges may apply please refer to our terms and conditions.

Additional Essential Components

In addition to the subject groups, the MYP includes two other essential components: Service and Interdisciplinary Learning. The Service component is designed to promote social awareness, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. The Interdisciplinary Learning component provides an opportunity for students to explore.

Service:

The Service component of the MYP is designed to encourage students to be active, responsible members of their community and the world. Through service, students are able to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed in the classroom to real-world situations. This provides them with a deeper understanding of the world around them and fosters social awareness, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. Service opportunities can take many different forms, such as community service projects, environmental initiatives, or fundraising for charities. Students are encouraged to reflect on their service experiences and to consider the impact they have on themselves and others.

Interdisciplinary Learning:

The Interdisciplinary Learning component of the MYP provides an opportunity for students to explore complex issues that transcend disciplinary boundaries. Through interdisciplinary learning, students are able to connect concepts and knowledge across different subject areas and develop a more holistic understanding of the world. The interdisciplinary approach encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. It also provides opportunities for students to explore complex issues that transcend disciplinary boundaries, and develop problem-solving skills and the ability to apply knowledge across different subject areas.

Interdisciplinary learning is organized around units of inquiry that incorporate two or more subject groups. These units are designed to be engaging, relevant, and challenging, and are structured to allow students to explore a particular theme or issue from different perspectives. For example, a unit of inquiry on climate change might incorporate the Sciences, Individuals and Societies, and Language and Literature subject groups. This would allow students to explore the scientific, social, and ethical dimensions of the issue, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of it.

Overall, the Service and Interdisciplinary Learning components of the MYP are essential to the philosophy of developing well-rounded, compassionate, and socially responsible individuals. By engaging in service and interdisciplinary learning, students are able to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations. This prepares them for success in Grades 11 and 12, and beyond, as they become active and responsible global citizens.

Grade 10 students on a service trip in Tanzania in 2023

Grade 10

One of the benefits of the MYP at Beau Soleil is that it provides students with subject options.

Subject options in Grade 10 allow students to explore their interests and strengths, and to choose subjects that will help them to achieve their future academic and career goals. By selecting subject options in Grade 10, students are able to personalize their learning experience and to focus on areas of study that are of particular interest or importance to them.

The subject options in Grade 10 at Beau Soleil include a range of subjects, including Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Languages, and the Arts. This allows students to explore a wide range of academic disciplines and to develop skills and knowledge that are relevant to their future academic and career goals.

The benefits of having subject options in Grade 10 for Grades 11 and 12 at Beau Soleil include:

Personalisation:

Subject options in Grade 10 allow students to personalize their learning experience and to focus on areas of study that are of particular interest or importance to them.

Preperation for Grade 11 and 12:

The subject options in Grade 10 provide students with the opportunity to explore different subject areas and to prepare themselves for the academic rigor of the grades 11 and 12.

Skills and knowledge development:

The subject options in Grade 10 allow students to develop skills and knowledge that are relevant to their future academic and career goals.

Broader range of academic disciplines:

The subject options in Grade 10 provide students with a broader range of academic disciplines to explore, which can broaden their intellectual horizons and foster a love of learning.

In conclusion, having subject options in Grade 10 for pre-IBDP at Beau Soleil provides students with a range of benefits, including personalization, preparation for the IB Diploma Programme, skills and knowledge development, and a broader range of academic disciplines to explore. This enables students to maximize their potential and to achieve their future academic and career goals.

Grade 10 Bilingual Programme

At Beau Soleil, we are committed to providing our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the 21st century. One of the unique features of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Beau Soleil is the availability of subject options in both English and French for pre-IBDP in Grade 10. This provides a range of benefits for our students.

First, having subject options available in both English and French allows our students to further develop their language skills in both languages. This is important for several reasons. In today’s globalized world, being bilingual is a valuable asset that can provide a competitive advantage in the job market. Additionally, being fluent in both English and French is a requirement for students who wish to pursue higher education in many countries, including Canada, Switzerland, and France.

Second, having subject options available in both English and French allows our students to deepen their understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Language is an integral part of culture, and by studying subjects in both English and French, students are able to gain insights into different cultural practices, beliefs, and values. This can help them to develop intercultural competence and an appreciation for diversity.

Third, having subject options available in both English and French allows our students to access a wider range of academic opportunities. By being able to take courses in both languages, students are able to access a wider range of academic resources, including textbooks, research articles, and other materials. This allows them to explore topics in greater depth and to develop a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.

In conclusion, having subject options available in both English and French in Grade 10 for pre Grade 11 and 12 at Beau Soleil provides a range of benefits for our students. It allows them to further develop their language skills, deepen their understanding of different cultures and perspectives, and access a wider range of academic opportunities. This prepares our students for success in Grades 11 and 12 and beyond, as they become active and responsible global citizens with a deep understanding of language and culture. length. This might initially sound daunting, but most students end up writing too much! It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and teaches students how to conduct the independent research and writing skills required at university.

The Personal Project

The Personal Project is an essential component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Beau Soleil for Grade 10 students. It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. The Personal Project is a culmination of the MYP and allows students to pursue a personal interest or passion and apply the knowledge and skills they have developed in the program.

The Personal Project is an independent project that allows students to choose a topic of interest and develop a research question. Students work with a supervisor to develop a plan of action and timeline for the project. The project should be challenging, engaging, and relevant, and it should reflect the student’s interests and passions. The Personal Project can take many different forms, such as a research paper, a performance, a product, or a community service project.

The objectives of the Personal Project are as follows:

• To encourage students to pursue a personal interest or passion.

• To develop research skills, including the ability to identify and use appropriate sources of information.

• To promote critical thinking and problemsolving skills.

• To develop communication and presentation skills.

• To promote self-reflection and selfmanagement skills.

The Personal Project is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and their understanding of the world. It provides a platform for them to explore their interests and passions, and to develop the skills and attributes they will need to succeed in Grades 11 and 12 and beyond.

At Beau Soleil, we provide support and guidance to students throughout the Personal Project process. Students work with a supervisor who provides feedback and advice, and they have access to a range of resources to support their research and project development. The Personal Project culminates in a final presentation and exhibition, where students share their work with their peers, teachers, and parents.

In conclusion, the Personal Project is an essential component of the MYP at Beau Soleil for Grade 10 students. It provides an opportunity for students to pursue a personal interest or passion, develop research and critical thinking skills, and to demonstrate their learning and understanding of the world. We encourage students to embrace the Personal Project as a challenging and rewarding experience, and we provide them with the support and guidance they need to succeed.

Grade

10 Personal Project presentation in 2023

Curriculum Overview

Language and Literature

Language

Acquisition

Mother Tongue / Foreign

Language

Individuals and Societies

Sciences

Mathematics

Arts

Physical and Health Education Design

Subjects

English Language and Literature

French Language and Literature

English B (Second Language)

French B (Second Language)

Arabic*

Chinese*

German

Italian

Japanese*

Portuguese*

Russian*

Spanish

Integrated Humanities**

Geography

History

Business Studies

World Politics

Science**

Extended Science

Mathematics

Extended Mathematics

Art

Drama

Music

Dance

Physical Education / Ski

Health Education

Integrated Design**

Computer Science

Design Technology

Mandatory subject

* additional costs may occur for these languages

** a blend of Geography, History, Business Studies, and World Politics

Either English or French Literature

English B or French B, depending on First Language choice

Mother tongue language if available, or an additional language

Must choose one or several Humanities subjects

** a blend of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

** a blend of Computer Science and Design Technology

Science or Extended Science

Class Placement

Must choose one or several Arts subjects

Computer Science and / or Design Technology

Beau Soleil is an IB World School authorized for the IB Diploma Programme and a Candidate School * for the IB Middle Years Programme. These are programmes that 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, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.

Daily Life at Beau Soleil

At Beau Soleil, the rythm of life is built around the academic day which lasts from 8.30am until 16.15pm.

The school day is followed by clubs and activities, in-house study periods and some free time to wind down from a busy day before bed time.

A typical week at Beau soleil will look something like this:

Get in Touch With Our Team

Mr Grant Ferguson

Director of Studies

grant.ferguson@beausoleil.ch

Collège Alpin Beau Soleil

Route du Village 1

1884 Villars-sur-Ollon Switzerland