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Global Contexts

Students in the Middle Years Programme are encouraged to develop international-mindedness and global engagement. To help frame their learning and provide a lens that allows them to explore authentic, real-world settings and circumstances, students in the MYP will explore 6 different Global Contexts:

Identities and Relationships

Who am I? Who are we? Identities and Relationships focuses on an exploration of who we are as individuals, as well as the nature of human relationships, communities, and what it means to be human. Possible explorations within this Global Context include:

  • The nature of the self
  • Our beliefs and values
  • Personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health
  • Human relationships, including families, friends, communities and cultures
  • Rights and responsibilities
  • What it means to be human

Orientation in Space and Time

What is the meaning of "where" and "when"? Orientations in Space and Time encourages students to explore personal histories, human explorations and journeys, and the relationship between individuals and civilizations. Possible explorations within this Global Context include:

  • Personal histories
  • Homes and journeys
  • Turning points in humankind
  • Discoveries
  • Explorations and migrations of humankind
  • The relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations
  • Personal, local and global perspectives

Personal and Cultural Expression

What is the nature and purpose of creative expression? Personal and Cultural Expression explores they ways in which we feel and express our ideas, beliefs and values, the ways in which we extend and enjoy our creativity, and our appreciation of the aesthetic. Possible explorations within this Global Context include:

  • Artistry, craft, creativity and expressing ideas
  • Beauty and our appreciation of the aesthetic
  • Languages and linguistic systems
  • Metacognition and abstract thinking
  • Products and entrepreneurship
  • Philosophies and ways of life
  • Social constructions of reality

Scientific and Technical Innovation

How do we understand the world in which we live? Students will strive to answer this question through their exploration of Scientific and Technical Innovation, which focuses on the natural world and its laws, scientific principles, human ingenuity, and the impact of scientific and technological advances. Students will also consider processes, solutions, consequences and responsibility. Possible explorations within this Global Context include:

  • Systems and models
  • The natural world and its laws
  • Interactions between people and the natural world
  • Scientific principles
  • Mathematical puzzles
  • The impact of scientific and technological advances on communities and environments
  • The impact of environments on human activity
  • How humans adapt environments to their needs

Globalization and Sustainability

How is everything connected? Through Globalization and Sustainability, students will inquire into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities, as well as the impact of decision-making on humankind. Possible explorations within this Global Context include:

  • Markets, commodities and commercialization
  • Human impact on the environment
  • Consumption and conservation
  • The relationship between local and global processes
  • Commonality, diversity and interconnection
  • Natural resources and public goods

Fairness and Development

What are the consequences of our common humanity? Through Fairness and Development, students will explore rights and responsibilities, access to equal opportunities, and power and privilege. Other possible explorations within this Global Context include:

  • Democracy and politics
  • Government and civil society
  • Difference and inclusion
  • Rights, laws, justice and civic responsibility
  • Peace and conflict
  • Imagining a hopeful future
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