Dear Parent/Carer,
RE: International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) Community Project
We hope this letter finds you well. As your Year 9 child begins Module 3, we would like to bring your attention to an integral component of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), which is the Community Project.
The IB MYP Community Project is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore service learning through an authentic and meaningful community-focused project. This project allows students to demonstrate the attributes of the IB Learner Profiles in action and make a positive impact on the community. In previous years, groups of Leigh students have planned and delivered workshops on healthy eating and exercise at local primary schools, organised a Year 7 school disco, collected food for local care homes, created care packages for Darent Valley Hospital and taught British Sign Language to classes across the school. You can see students talking about their experience here.
Your child will receive tailored Community Project sessions which will be delivered by their Healthy Minds teacher. To be successful in the project, students need to utilise time in school as well as at home. Students will be given an online work book where they will document their project journey from start to finish.
We encourage students to take initiative and engage in activities that align with their passions and the needs of the community. However, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of communication between the school, students, and parents. Before students embark on any activities outside of school premises or collaborate with external agencies for their Community Project, we kindly request they inform the school and seek permission.
This step is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and to provide support and guidance throughout the project. It also allows us to maintain open lines of communication and coordinate efforts to maximise the positive outcomes of these community-focused initiatives. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter, as it enables us to foster a safe and enriching learning environment for all our students.
The Community Project is formally assessed in a similar way to the MYP subjects via four criteria which culminates in an overall MYP grade. The grading criteria will be explained to your child and shared with them through their Google Classroom for you to view. This Community Project grade will appear on their final Year 9 report. There will also be prizes available for students to win for their hard work and efforts and we will hold an event at the end of the year to celebrate the completion of these projects.
We are also approaching the GCSE options evening for Year 9. A timeline of additional events are as follows:
- Wednesday 3rd January: Community Project Launch Assembly
- Throughout Module 3: Year 9 assessments
- 30th January – 1st February: Reading Age Testing
- Tuesday 6th February: Year 9 Module 3 report published on MCAS
- Wednesday 7th February: “Why go to university?” Assembly and Year 9 Parent-Teacher Afternoon (letter with details on how to book appointments to follow)
- Monday 19th February: Year 9 assembly introducing the GCSE Options Evening
- Wednesday 21st February: GCSE Options Evening for parents and students (separate letter with additional details coming soon)
- Thursday 22nd February – Friday 1st March: tutor sessions to support GCSE subject choices
- Friday 9th March: Deadline for submitting Google Form with GCSE subject choices.
I would like to thank you in advance for the support you will give to your child whilst they are progressing through their Community Project journey. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the IB MYP Community Project, the permission process, or any concerns about your child’s progress please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will respond or direct you to the relevant member of staff.
We look forward to supporting you and your child through the GCSE options process over the next few months
Sincerely,
Sarah McCabe-Knowles (sarah.mccabeknowles@sirgeoffreyleighacademy.org.uk)
MYP Coordinator
Sarah Forde (sarah.forde@sirgeoffreyleighacademy.org.uk)
Head of College- Curriculum Lead
