Curriculum & Assessment

We view the Curriculum holistically at Scots – it is more than simply academic study – and, as such, we expect and encourage all our students to be involved in the wider life of the College through cultural, sporting and service commitments.

Students in Years 7 to 10 follow the Middle Years’ Programme (MYP) which is an IB approved curriculum. The MYP is a programme of international education designed to help students develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world.

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16 provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills through embracing and transcending traditional school subjects.

Life in the 21st century places many changing demands on students making the transition through adolescence. They are at a crucial period of personal, social, physical and intellectual development, of uncertainty and of questioning. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme is designed to help them find a sense of belonging in the ever-changing and increasingly interrelated world around them and to foster a positive attitude to learning.

How does the IB define “international education”?

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) chooses to define “international education” according to the following criteria.

• Developing citizens of the world in relation to culture, language and learning to live together
• Building and reinforcing students’ sense of identity and cultural awareness
• Fostering students’ recognition and development of universal human values
• Stimulating curiosity and inquiry in order to foster a spirit of discovery and enjoyment of learning
• Equipping students with the skills to learn and acquire knowledge, individually or collaboratively, and to apply these skills and knowledge accordingly across a broad range of areas
• Providing international content while responding to local requirements and interests
• Encouraging diversity and flexibility in teaching methods
• Providing appropriate forms of assessment and international bench-marking

The Middle School Curriculum Year 7-10

The curriculum contains eight subject groups. The subject groups are Language A (English), Language B (a choice of Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese), Humanities, Technology, Mathematics, Sciences, Physical Education, and The Arts. Students are expected to complete a Community Project as the culmination of the MYP as they move from Year 10 into Year 11.

All students take English (or Language A), Mathematics, Science, Humanities (Social Studies), a Language B, Physical Education and Health, Religious Education over the whole year. In addition they will choose two Arts semester courses and two Technology semester courses. It is expected that the Language B choice will be taken for all four years of the Middle School. Beginner’s classes will be offered in Year 9 to cater for those beginning the Middle School in that year.

Early entry into NCEA: All Year 10 boys take two NCEA Mathematics achievement standards (internally assessed). Please note: Year 10 students will not receive official credit until Year 11.

We also provide Learning Development for those students with a diagnosed learning disorder and ESOL (English as a Second Language) for those who qualify.

There are assessment weeks in the Middle School calendar where the normal timetable may be suspended to let students sit oral or practical exams for all years, with formal written examinations occurring for most subjects in Year 9 and 10 at mid-year and end of year. Parents are able to access student’s reports regularly during the course of the year via the Scots website. There are several opportunities throughout the year for face-to-face parent-teacher meetings.

View the Middle School Curriculum Handbook

Information about the MYP Approaches to Learning