Mathematics
The study of mathematics is a fundamental part of a balanced education. It provides the foundation for the study of sciences, engineering and technology. It is also evident in the arts and is increasingly important in economics, the social sciences and the structure of language.
Mathematics promotes a powerful universal language, analytical reasoning and problem‐solving skills that contribute to the development of logical, abstract and critical thinking. Mathematics helps make sense of the world and allows phenomena to be described in precise terms. It also promotes careful analysis and the search for patterns and relationships, skills necessary for success both inside and outside the classroom.
The MYP mathematics programme is tailored to the needs of students, seeking to intrigue and motivate them to want to learn its principles. Students see authentic examples of how mathematics is useful and relevant to their lives and are encouraged to apply it to new situations. Students are expected to transfer theoretical mathematical knowledge into real‐world situations and apply appropriate problem-solving strategies, draw valid conclusions and reflect upon their results.
In Year 6 to Year 8, students take a common differentiated mathematics course. Standard and Extended mathematics are provided in Years 9 and 10, with entry based on assessment results in Year 8.
Science
Science at Mercedes College is structured on the Australian Curriculum Science (ACS). Each unit within the Middle Years Programme is related to one of the ACS sub-strands of Biological sciences, Chemical sciences, Earth and Space sciences, Physical sciences.
The MYP sciences framework guides students to independently and collaboratively investigate issues through research, observation and experimentation, and the curriculum demonstrates connections between science and everyday life.
As they investigate real examples of science applications, students will discover the tensions and dependencies between science and morality, ethics, culture, economics, politics, and the environment.
Language and Literature
Language is fundamental to learning, thinking and communicating; therefore, it permeates the whole curriculum. Indeed, all teachers are language teachers, continually expanding the boundaries of student thinking.
Language is integral to exploring and sustaining personal development and cultural identity, and provides an intellectual framework to support conceptual development. The six skill areas in the MYP Language and Literature subject group – listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting – develop as both independent and interdependent skills.
As well as being academically rigorous, MYP Language and Literature equips students with linguistic, analytical and communicative skills that can also be used to develop interdisciplinary understanding across all other subject groups. Students’ interaction with chosen texts can generate insight into moral, social, economic, political, cultural and environmental factors and so contributes to the development of opinion‐forming, decision‐making and ethical‐reasoning skills, and further develops the attributes of an IB learner.
The Arts
The arts are a universal form of human expression and a unique way of knowing that engage us in effective, imaginative and productive activities. Learning through the arts helps us to explore, shape and communicate our sense of identity and individuality.
In the Middle Years, the arts encompass performing arts and visual arts. In Years 6 and 7, Students participate in Art, Media, Music and Drama. In Year 8, students rotate through visual and performing arts, in preparation for the Year 8 Musical in Semester 2. All students in the cohort are involved in this production, ranging from actors and musicians, to producers, tech support, and making props, sets, promotional materials and costumes. In Year 9, students have flexibility to specialise in areas of interest within the arts.
By developing curiosity about themselves, others and the world, students become effective learners, inquirers and creative problem‐solvers. Students develop through creating, performing and presenting arts in ways that engage and convey feelings, experiences and ideas. It is through this practice that students acquire new skills and master those skills developed in prior learning.