Students learn best when their learning experiences have context and are connected to their lives and the world that they have experienced. Lexington Middle students use six global contexts to explore human identity, global challenges, and understand what it means to be internationally minded.
Each unit of study, in all 8 subject areas, uses one of the contexts below along with a specific exploration to ground students' inquiry and explorations. Students at Lexington will explore each of the contexts multiple times and from various lens over their three years in the MYP.
Identities and relationships
Who am I? Who are we?
Students will explore identity; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; what it means to be human.
Examples of specific explorations: identity formation, self-esteem, status, roles and role models.
Orientation in space and time
What is the meaning of “when” and “where”
Students will explore 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, from personal, local and global perspectives.
Examples of specific explorations: civilizations and social histories, heritage; pilgrimage, migration, displacement and exchange.
Personal and cultural expression
What is the nature and purpose of creative expression?
Students will explore the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Examples of specific explorations: artistry, craft, creation, beauty.
Globalization and sustainability
How is everything connected?
Students will explore the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the relationship between local and global processes; how local experiences mediate the global; reflect on the opportunities and tensions provided by world interconnectedness; the impact of decision-making on humankind and the environment.
Examples of specific explorations: opportunity, risk, consequences and responsibility
Fairness and development
What are the consequences of our common humanity?
Students will explore rights and responsibilities; the relationship between communities; sharing finite resources with other people and with other living things; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
Examples of specific explorations: rights, law, civic responsibility and the public sphere
Scientific and Technical Innovation
How do we understand the worlds in which we live?
Students will explore the natural world and its laws; the interaction between people and the natural world; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; 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.
Examples of specific explorations: human impact on the environment, commonality, diversity and interconnection