In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) and Diploma Program (DP), the Global Contexts serve as essential frameworks for learning and inquiry. They provide a unifying theme and context for students to explore and connect their studies to real-world issues.
Middle Years Programme (MYP) Global Contexts:
In the MYP, there are six Global Contexts that are designed to engage students in meaningful learning experiences across various subject areas:
- Identities and Relationships: This context focuses on exploring personal, cultural, and societal identities, as well as the connections and relationships between individuals and communities.
- Personal and Cultural Expression: This context encourages students to investigate and express ideas, values, beliefs, and emotions through different forms of art, language, and creative expression.
- Orientations in Space and Time: This context explores the concepts of time, place, and space, investigating how they influence human experiences, historical events, and geographical phenomena.
- Scientific and Technical Innovation: This context emphasizes scientific inquiry, technological advancements, and their impact on society, addressing ethical considerations, sustainability, and the interplay between science and technology.
- Globalization and Sustainability: This context focuses on the interconnectedness of societies, economies, and environments in a globalized world. It explores the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainability, development, and intercultural understanding.
- Fairness and Development: This context examines social justice, equity, human rights, and sustainable development, fostering an understanding of fairness, equality, and responsible action for a just and inclusive society.
Diploma Programme (DP) Global Contexts:
In the DP, the Global Contexts are referred to as Areas of Knowledge (AoK) and are integrated into the six subject groups:
- Studies in Language and Literature: This AoK explores how language and literature shape and reflect cultural, historical, and personal perspectives.
- Language Acquisition: This AoK focuses on the acquisition and use of additional languages, fostering intercultural understanding and effective communication across cultures.
- Individuals and Societies: This AoK examines human behavior, societies, and the interactions between individuals, communities, and cultures, addressing social, political, and historical contexts.
- Sciences: This AoK investigates the natural world, scientific principles, and methods, exploring the impact of scientific discoveries on society and the environment.
- Mathematics: This AoK develops logical and critical thinking skills, exploring the universal language of patterns, structures, and quantitative reasoning.
- The Arts: This AoK encompasses various forms of artistic expression, fostering creativity, cultural appreciation, and understanding of artistic processes and contexts.
These Global Contexts or Areas of Knowledge provide a coherent and meaningful framework for students to explore concepts, make connections between disciplines, and develop a global perspective. They promote inquiry, critical thinking, and engagement with real-world issues, preparing students to become knowledgeable, reflective, and responsible global citizens.
