The District implements best practices for engagement as set by the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) standards under AP106 ...
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Currently, VSB’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is not in compliance with International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements. An evaluation report from IB identified several areas where significant investments in resources, staff training and program development are required to bring the program into compliance with IB standards. This includes an immediate investment of up to $286,000 and ongoing annual funding of at least $246,000 in each of the next three years.
At the same time, there has been a shift in the BC curriculum since 2016 where it now aligns more closely with the principles and philosophy of IB programs. As a result, there is now considerable overlap between the goals and teaching methodologies of the IB programs and the BC curriculum, reducing the distinctiveness that IB once offered.
Given the curriculum similarities with the BC curriculum and the significant investment required to maintain MYP, the VSB has to make a decision on the future of MYP by November 25, 2024, at the public Board meeting.
+ About IB and MYP
MYP is part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The IB program offers a globally recognized educational framework divided into three programs:
- the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3-12, focusing on inquiry-based learning;
- the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16, promoting critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections and community engagement;
- and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19, a curriculum which emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and a holistic approach to education.
Vancouver School Board (VSB) offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in several schools:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP): Southlands Elementary (K-Grade 7)
- Middle Years Programme (MYP): Elsie Roy and Lord Roberts Elementary (grades 6-7), King George Secondary (grades 8-10)
- Diploma Programme: Britannia and Churchill Secondary (grades 10-12)
Each program operates independently; students do not have to complete PYP to be eligible for MYP, or complete MYP to apply to DP.
PYP and DP are in compliance with IB World program requirements and the District is not seeking the Board’s direction regarding these programs.
It is important to note:
-King George is the secondary catchment school for Elsie Roy, Lord Roberts and šxʷwəq̓ʷəθət Crosstown elementary schools, as well as the future elementary school in Coal Harbour. MYP is only offered at Elsie Roy and Lord Roberts elementary schools; the program is not offered at šxʷwəq̓ʷəθət Crosstown or the future Coal Harbour elementary school. This means all Grade 8-10 students attending King George are automatically enrolled in MYP, regardless of if they have previously participated in MYP.-Data shows MYP students consistently choose to remain at their catchment school, King George Secondary, rather than pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP) at Churchill or Britannia, indicating a low level of interest in continuing with the IB pathway in their final years of secondary education. Unlike MYP where students are automatically enrolled, entry into the DP requires an application and assessment process
+ History and context
In the early 2000s the King George family of schools (Elsie Roy, Lord Roberts, King George) began to offer MYP. At that time, these schools were facing declining student enrolment and MYP was seen as an internationally recognized curriculum that could attract and retain students to these schools. During this time, there was also an oversupply of teachers in the education sector, and many were eager to distinguish themselves and improve their employment prospects by choosing to undertake the additional training required to become an IB-certified teacher.
Currently there are 659 students at King George, Elsie Roy and Lord Roberts who participate in MYP, totaling about 1 per cent of the student population in VSB (~51,000 students). The MYP is unique in that school districts can choose to offer it for two to five years. VSB offers the five-year MYP, spanning grades 6-10 between three sites. Within Metro Vancouver, MYP is also offered in North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Richmond school districts.
Since its implementation, MYP has operated as a school-based program, meaning only the grade 6-10 students within the three school catchment areas can enrol. The only way an interested out-of-catchment family could apply is through the cross-boundary process. Currently, the schools offering MYP are at capacity and are not accepting out-of-catchment students. In contrast, District Choice programs, such as French Immersion and the IB Diploma Programme, operate through an application process open to all students within the District.
Engagement
Before the Board makes a decision, we want to hear from you! There are several ways to share your feedback.
- Round table discussion
Sessions will provide a short overview of the MYP and it’s current state, as well as an opportunity to hear from other participants and provide direct feedback in a small group setting.- During the week of November 12, 2024, there will be three in-person session, Elsie Roy, Roberts and King George, as well as a virtual session. More information will be shared soon.
- Public delegation
As part of the regular delegation process, families, students and community members will have the opportunity to present their feedback on the future of the MYP program directly to the Board. Register by November 13 at 4:30 p.m. - Email feedback
Feedback can be sent directly to engage@vsb.bc.ca until November 15. All emails received will be shared with the Board as part of the final engagement report.
For more information, visit the engagement page.
Next steps
The Board will be presented with two options. Your feedback during this engagement will help to inform the Board’s decision.
1. Maintain MYP: To maintain MYP, the Board will need to approve an immediate investment of up to $286,040 for annual staff training, policy updates and regular policy reviews, collaboration time and recruitment efforts.
2. Discontinue MYP: Given the substantial overlap between the BC curriculum and the MYP, discontinuing MYP will not significantly impact student learning outcomes.
At this time, no decision has been made by the Board. The earliest the Board may decide is at the November 25, 2024 public Board meeting.
In 2016, the British Columbia curriculum underwent a significant redesign to focus more on personalized learning, critical thinking and inquiry-based approaches.
Every five years, IB World representatives conduct a comprehensive evaluation of programs to ensure that schools meet IB standards. This includes evaluating IB curriculum implementation, staff training, compliance with IB policies, scheduling practices ...
Current fees The District pays approximately $19,000 annually in MYP fees to IB World for the three schools). Additional expenses include approximately $96,400 for dedicated non-enrolling IB program coordinators (a requirement of all IB World Schools)...