The MYP Framework- Cutting the Cloth

Working towards the implementation of the MYP is a process. At times the process seems slow and deliberate, and then there are moments of high activity. It is a learning curve for all concerned. The challenges of adopting the program at our school are twofold. Firstly, the MYP spans two schools, and secondly, the two schools are on different timetables. This makes for some difficulty in collaborative planning- a key element of the MYP program. There never seems to be adequate time to get together with teachers in the two schools, save for the useful and deliberate times when we do so at the designated days for professional development. Once term starts, it becomes a very difficult process.

That said, it was all the more rewarding that we were able to set aside important planning time for all teachers in grades 7-10 at the start of the current year. It was good to be able to exchange ideas with colleagues across the school divide (Lower and Upper). Fresh ideas were circulated, challenges identified, and teachers in each school were able to work professionally together for perhaps the first time on a common exercise.

A simple curriculum planning exercise was undertaken in which teachers from grades 7-10 identified in broad terms the content of their courses throughout the MYP continuum- in our case, grades 7,8,9,10. They were then asked to examine the main concepts that lay underneath the course content. Mathematics teachers identified concepts such as connections, Humanities teachers change and conflict, Physical and Health Education balance and so on. While not an easy task, the exercise generated a great deal of discussion and allowed teachers to see the larger picture of both their subject area and the broader concepts being taught.

Finally, there was the opportunity to have some fun and show off the creative side of things. Subject teachers were given a blank sheet of paper, cut in the shape of a t-shirt or tunic depending on your perspective. While presenting the subject overview and concepts taught, they were asked to come up with a phrase or slogan that best describes their subject within the MYP. The results were both amusing and insightful.

Sciences: "Connections and Conundrums."
Mathematics: "Limitless Connections."
Design: "Where Science and Art Break Even."
Physical Education and Health: "Balance is the Key to Health and Well-being."
Humanities: "Where we are and How we Got Here."
Language A: "Communicating and Understanding Our World."
Language B: "Your passport to Global Citizenship."
Arts: "Creativity in Action."

These were obviously first steps, but steps made in the right direction. The MYP cloth was cut, and now the process of fitting it to size begins.