MYP performance-based assessments are underway!

The first assessment period of the academic year is underway for the MYP students! In keeping with the aims and ethos of the International Baccalaureate, and the latest research regarding effective assessment practices, end of unit assessments now follow a performance-based model (known as GRASP assessments) which assess not only the knowledge gained throughout a unit, but how well the students apply this knowledge to a real-life context. 

Further, we are also using the assessments to explore how well the students are acquiring the five key skill areas for IB studies known as the IB Approaches to Learning. These skill areas consist of; Communication Skills, Self-management Skills, Research Skills, Thinking Skills and Social Skills. By ensuring that our students develop these key IB skills during the MYP years, we can be confident that they are much better prepared for the rigours of their future IB Diploma Programme studies. 

For the MYP 4 Individuals and Societies assessment, we are focusing on Research Skills. Students have been tasked to create a research portfolio to be given to a documentary filmmaker concerning one ‘theatre’ of war during World War. The students are expected to not only find interesting information from reliable sources, but must show that they understand the importance of academic honesty by correctly citing their sources using the Harvard referencing style. Some great examples have already been submitted!