Academics

Middle School

Middle Years, Grades 6-10

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Challenging Academics, Essential Connections.

In the IB framework, the Middle Years Program (MYP) at Magellan International School is made up of grades 6-10. Students take an active role in developing their own knowledge and understanding of the world.

As inquirers, students take an active role in constructing their own understanding rather than depending solely on their teachers. They are encouraged to explore meaning and significance, examining their knowledge with depth and a holistic perspective. Through applying their learning and skills in new and unfamiliar contexts, they develop the ability to think critically and act compassionately, becoming caring and engaged members of their local and global communities through meaningful service.

The MYP builds on the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed by the IB Primary Years Program (PYP), and prepares students for the demanding requirements of the IB Diploma Program (DP).

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What are the Benefits of The IB Diploma Program?
Research shows that MYP students:
- Build confidence in managing their own learning
- Learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world
- Outperform non-IB students in critical academic skills
- Consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Programme examinations
- Thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel
- Develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens.

Spanish Acquisition for Non-Spanish Speakers

Magellan is now offering a flexible program where no Spanish or IB experience is required. New and current students will have the option of bi-lingual learning (50% of the day in Spanish) or to take all courses in English, in addition to an entry-level language class of their choice.

Snapshot

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Learning Pathways

Beginning in Middle School, students with no Spanish background are welcome through our flexible language program. English-speaking and immersion students will attend most classes together with the exception of advanced level Spanish classes.
School Maker Faire

Magellan boasts an exceptional Innovation and Design Program that is a key component in our academic curriculum. Each spring, we hold a campus-wide event to celebrate the innovative spirit of the entire school community. Parents, students, faculty, and staff are invited to share their projects and ideas.
Electives

Middle school students look forward to choosing their own non-academic, elective classes each trimester. Offerings vary each year and have included Coding, Newspaper, Bird Watching, MIS Ad Agency, and more. Electives are taught by Magellan faculty, staff, or Magellan parents.
Extended Studies Trips

Sixth graders take a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. While eighth graders travel to Spain. Trips like these are designed to reinforce material covered in class as well as provide real life learning experiences for our students.
Advisory

Small cohorts check-ins with advisory teachers who use the #winatsocial program to guide students in social emotional development and executive functioning skills that are critical to success in the IB program.
Athletics

Our Navigator athletics program promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and athletic competition, and is inclusive of all students who wish to play. Multiple sports options are offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring. We are a part of the Austin Inter Parochial League (AIPL), which includes other top area independent schools.
High School Credits

Middle School students have the opportunity to earn High School credits in Math and Spanish as early as 6th grade.
Social & Emotional Support

Magellan has a six-person Student Support Resource (SSR) team that includes a counselor devoted to the Secondary School.

Program Highlights

Mandarin Language Acquisition

Building upon their primary years of Mandarin, students continue learning Chinese words and expressions useful in daily life. Students work on reading and writing, developing compound and complex sentences in order to express ideas and opinions with higher-level sentence patterns, and begin learning to type Pinyin.
Language & Literature

In addition to gaining fluency in Spanish and a strong Mandarin foundation, our English Language & Literature program leads students to expand their English language skills by engaging with a variety of genres from different cultures and different times. Students develop metalinguistic awareness, learn to analyze texts and effectively apply various writing and speaking styles.
Science

Students are provided many opportunities each year to carry out independent scientific investigations. This enables them to deeply learn the fundamentals of the scientific method and processes of science such as research, observation, data analysis, dependent and independent variables and more. More than just the memorization of scientific facts, our program values analysis and original deep thinking about complex real-world problems.
Design Thinking

With frequent access to the tools in the i.lab, students can put the design cycle into action across multiple subjects. They learn to use technology effectively as a means to access, process and communicate information, to model and create solutions, and to solve problems. They appreciate the impact of design innovations on life, global society and environments, developing knowledge and skills from different disciplines and applying their influence in their own design thinking.
Mathematics

Students explore mathematics through units of inquiry that help deepen their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and skills. Additionally, they develop the ability to investigate and justify patterns, the verbal and written language for communicating mathematics correctly, and tools for applying mathematics to solve real-world problems. Students have the opportunity to follow foundational grade level mathematics as well as Pre-Algebra, and high school level Algebra and Geometry which may be taken for high school credit.
The Arts

Students continue their journey through the arts with the study of historical art and musical movements, performing in front of live audiences and refining their opinions and considerations of what defines art in the modern, globally changing world. Students attend Performing Arts and Visual Art classes and take advantage of the tools in the i.lab to create everything from theatrical backdrops to modern art pieces that often line the halls of the school.
Differentiated Learning

Differentiated learning tracks within Math and Mandarin allow for tailored learning based upon students’ individual skill levels. Because class sizes are smaller, students have the flexibility to move within different tracks throughout the year, depending on their progress or need for support.
The Humanities

The study of individuals and societies helps students develop their identity and learn to be responsible members of local and global communities. Concepts across this subject create in students a lifelong fascination with “the human story” as it continues to evolve in an era of rapid change and increasing global interconnectedness. Studies in individuals and societies are essential for developing international-mindedness and empathy, including the idea that “other people, with their differences, can also be right”, part of the IB mission statement.
The Personal Project

In the final year of the programme, each MYP student must develop a personal project independently, which is externally validated by the IB. Producing a truly personal and creative piece of work over an extended period stands as a summative review of their ability to conduct independent work.