Yokohama International School

The middle school years (grades 6 - 8) are a time for increased independence in learning. Our challenging and creative program helps students develop skills and understandings appropriate for these developmental years while triggering curiosity and inspiring a thirst for learning. The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) provides a framework that encourages students to become critical and reflective thinkers as they embrace and understand connections between themselves and the world around them. This is complemented by abundant activities offerings, a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, and an embedded social and emotional learning program that continues into High School.

We are conscious of how rapidly technology is changing our world and as such it is vital our students are exposed to what is current and become adept at using the latest tools for learning. Every student is equipped with their own laptop computer and teachers integrate a wide range of applications in the teaching and learning process.

The middle school years are also a time when children are exploring who they are and where they fit into the scheme of things. They want to increase the level of independence in their own decision-making. Our task as educators, in partnership with parents, is to guide them along this road with patience, understanding, and support. To this end, we also believe that a commitment to service is vitally important. Our Service Learning Program, embedded in all grade levels, helps students to think how they can contribute to local, national and international communities, and provides them with opportunities to develop leadership skills.

Course Descriptions

The MYP aims to help students develop their personal understanding, their emerging sense of self and responsibility in their community. The curriculum framework provides a broad and balanced education for early adolescents. MYP teachers organize the curriculum with appropriate attention to:

Teaching and learning in context. Students learn best when their learning experiences have context and are connected to their lives and the world that they have experienced. Using global contexts, MYP students explore human identity, global challenges and what it means to be internationally minded.
Conceptual understanding. Concepts are big ideas that have relevance within specific disciplines and across subject areas. MYP students use concepts as a vehicle to inquire into issues and ideas of personal, local and global significance and examine knowledge holistically.

Scroll over and click the subject tiles below to read the course descriptions.

Assessment and Reporting

Assessment is an ongoing process of gathering, analyzing, and reflecting on evidence of student learning. It aligns with the written and taught

curriculum and is driven by inquiry-based approaches. Teachers use a range of assessment strategies to identify specific gains in learning and next steps for students based on evidence, and to inform planning and programs. Throughout the learning process, teachers actively look for what students can do, know and understand. Students actively engage in authentic and interactive assessment. Every student has a range of opportunities to demonstrate and share their learning.

Communicating About Learning

Communicating growth and gains in learning is essential for students to develop as learners. The purpose is to allow students to see their gains in learning over time through ongoing, meaningful and timely feedback that uses the language of learning. This process ensures opportunities for students to have regular dialogue with their peers, teachers and parents.

Our Assessment Policy describes our approach to assessment and the roles students, teachers, parents and leaders have in communicating about assessment.

Beyond The Classroom

Clubs and Activities	Service Learning
Expeditions	The Arts

We offer a wide array of clubs and activities, ranging from sports to music and drama, service, student government and much more. Our expeditions in varied natural environs in and outside Japan immerse our students in experiential education that develops resilience, character, camaraderie and cooperation. Service Learning is a vital element of student life at YIS that allows students from the Early Learning Center through to Grade 12 to form close relations with and support local, national and international humanitarian initiatives. Performing and visual arts are popular activities among students of all levels. In addition to annual plays or musicals, we offer progressive Western music programs as well as a long-standing Japanese music program using the koto, Japanese harp, that provides students with performance opportunities across the region and the country.

MS Daily Schedule

9:00 - 9:20 am	Tutor Group
9:20 - 10:40 am	Classes
10:40 - 11:05 am	Recess
11:05 - 12:35 pm	Classes
12:35 - 1:15 pm	Lunch
1:15 - 3:55 pm	Classes (Every second Wednesday, MS and HS students follow a compressed schedule with classes ending at 3:00pm.)
4:00 - 6:00 pm	Extra-curricular Activities (when scheduled)

See more learning in action in MS in YIS Photos.

Middle School on INSTAGRAM