INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE AND REGGIO EMILIA IN ACTION MIDDLE SCHOOL

At La Scuola, the integration of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) and the Reggio Emilia approach creates a dynamic and innovative learning environment for our students. One of the ways this integration comes to life is through captivating class projects that showcase the power of interdisciplinary learning and student-led exploration.

For instance, in our middle school fashion design class, MYP Year 3 students embarked on a project that seamlessly integrated the design cycle, knowledge of chemistry, electricity, math, and the Reggio Emilia approach. Drawing inspiration from nature, students designed their own organic cosmetic products, perfumes, face masks, dresses, jewelry, and even created a stage for showcasing their designs. They worked collaboratively in groups or individually, incorporating their own logo, packaging, and website design. Throughout the process, students not only applied their artistic skills but also took into account the chemistry behind their creations, ensuring sustainability and environmental consciousness.

Another noteworthy project that exemplifies the IB/Reggio in action is the “Atelier of Democracy and Culture” initiative. Through this Reggioinspired approach, our middle school students engaged in an upcycling project focused on food. They collected leftover ingredients and creatively rearranged them into new recipes, showcasing their culinary creativity and promoting sustainability. This project allowed students to explore the interconnectedness of culture, democracy, and the environment while fostering critical thinking and creativity.

These projects are just a glimpse of the incredible learning experiences that take place within our IB-MYP and Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms. By integrating diverse subjects, encouraging student-led exploration, and promoting critical thinking and creativity, our students develop essential skills and a deep understanding of the world around them.

The combined power of the IB-MYP and the Reggio Emilia approach nurtures our students’ curiosity, sparks their creativity, and prepares them to become compassionate and globallyminded individuals. Through interdisciplinary projects like fashion design inspired by nature and upcycling food, our students embody the spirit of inquiry, innovation, and sustainable practices. They become active participants in their own learning, creating meaningful connections between subjects and embracing the values of the International Baccalaureate and Reggio Emilia philosophies.