Upper School - International Baccalaureate

Middle Years Programme

For our Upper School (for students aged 11-16) we are gaining candidacy with IB for their Middle Years Programme. At the heart of the IB program lies its commitment to fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging students to become active participants in their own education.

Through a combination of rigorous coursework, research projects, and collaborative activities, IB students develop the ability to analyse and understand complex issues from multiple angles, preparing them to become informed global citizens.

Why IB?

IB fits with Open Air Education aims, ethos and values. One of the unique aspects of the IB is its emphasis on cultivating responsible and compassionate individuals.

The program actively promotes social responsibility, encouraging students to engage with local and global issues and take meaningful actions to effect positive change.

By nurturing skills like empathy, intercultural understanding, and environmental stewardship, the IB equips students with the tools necessary to tackle real-world challenges with sensitivity and resilience.

MYP: Growing with IB

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a holistic educational framework designed to foster students’ academic growth, personal development, and global citizenship. Central to the MYP are three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) challenges students to critically examine the nature of knowledge itself, exploring how different disciplines—such as the sciences, arts, and humanities—interact to shape our understanding of the world. This component promotes intellectual curiosity and encourages students to question assumptions and biases in knowledge systems.

The Extended Essay is a personal research project that allows students to investigate a topic of their choice, honing their research, analytical, and writing skills. This experience fosters independent thinking and helps students develop the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) encourages students to engage in creative pursuits, physical activities, and community service, promoting personal and social growth. Through CAS, students learn responsibility, empathy, and teamwork, while also developing essential life skills.

The MYP emphasises intercultural understanding and global engagement, preparing students to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world. By fostering collaboration, communication, and respect for diverse perspectives, the IB equips students to become open-minded, reflective individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

In an increasingly complex global landscape, the International Baccalaureate represents a commitment to educational excellence, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for lifelong learning and success. Through the MYP, students are empowered to become confident, informed, and compassionate global citizens who can navigate and shape a better future.

The International Baccalaureate is aspirational…

Here’s why MYP is perfect for Open Air students:

An Inspiring, Future-Focused Curriculum

The IB MYP doesn’t just focus on academic achievement—it prepares students for the future. It encourages them to think critically, connect their learning to real-world problems, and explore solutions. Students thrive in this environment because it encourages them to go beyond rote learning and truly understand the “why” behind concepts. The MYP challenges students to develop essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills crucial for the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

A Global Perspective

The IB MYP is internationally recognised and respected for its ability to build globally minded, culturally aware individuals. Students who aspire to make a difference in the world benefit greatly from this. At Open Air, the MYP aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture change makers who care deeply about the planet and society.

Personalised and Project-Based Learning

The MYP allows students to take ownership of their learning through inquiry-based and project-based learning approaches. This is particularly powerful for students who want to delve deeper into subjects that inspire them. With opportunities for independent research and interdisciplinary projects, students can explore their passions while developing a diverse set of skills. Our outdoor school setting gives students the unique chance to engage in hands-on projects that blend academic rigour with nature and real-world experiences.

Encouraging Aspiration, Joy, and Thriving

At Open Air, we are committed to creating an environment where students can aspire, thrive, and find joy in learning. The MYP’s flexible, student-centred approach gives them the space to push themselves while still nurturing their emotional and social well-being. Our outdoor learning environment adds to this by fostering resilience, creativity, and a strong connection to the world around them, ensuring that every student has the chance to flourish holistically.

Preparation for Future Success

The MYP serves as an excellent foundation for students aiming for higher academic challenges, such as advanced educational pathways. Its emphasis on time management, research, and collaboration equips students with the tools to succeed in any future academic or career endeavour. Students find themselves well-prepared, confident, and excited to tackle new challenges and opportunities.

Why We Adopted the MYP at Open Air

We are committed to an education that balances academic excellence with personal growth and environmental consciousness. The IB MYP reflects our values by encouraging students to be internationally minded, compassionate, and forward-thinking. In our outdoor setting, the MYP comes to life in ways that inspire students to connect deeply with their learning, the environment, and the world around them.

By offering the IB MYP, we ensure that students have the best possible platform to reach their full potential—both academically and as future leaders, innovators, and caretakers of our planet.

Open Air Education is becoming a Candidate School* for the Middle Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Open Air Education believes is important for our students. *Only schools authorised by the IB Organisation can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

Read about the IB curriculum subjects here

Enquire

We plan to begin our first cohort of IB students in September 2025. To find out more information about our Upper School programme, enquire via our website.