International Middle School
Welcome to Chatsworth Secondary School
A Message from Head of Secondary
At Chatsworth, we believe in fostering an environment where every individual is encouraged to explore and express themselves. Our IB programmes are built upon the foundation of empowering learners to explore and follow their own paths while fostering a deep appreciation for the perspectives of others on a global scale. In addition, the various school and student-led Service activities we support and run provide avenues for our students to make meaningful contributions to both their immediate and broader communities.
Our IB Middle Years Programme offers a variety of learning and assessment options to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of our students while also developing essential life skills such as empathy and collaboration. Project-based learning, such as the MYP Personal Project, and the Science Fair, are some of the excellent examples of the myriad of ways in which students can inquire, research and creatively share their personal interests and passions. By combining approaches to learning, we are purposefully equipping our future generations with the innovative knowledge and critical skills needed for jobs of the future.
I hope you have a wonderful time touring the campus and look forward to you and your family joining the Chatsworth community.
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) (Years 7 to 11)
Secondary school at Chatsworth caters to students from Years 7 through 11 in a stimulating and dynamic environment. The international curriculum offered at Chatsworth for Years 7 to 11 (Grades 6 to 10) is delivered within the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP).
The MYP provides a framework of learning that encourages students to be creative, critical and reflective thinkers. During this time, students are encouraged to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world. Our middle school programme will foster the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global interaction - essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders. The MYP aims to help students develop the capacity to become responsible for their own learning and sets them up for success in the Diploma Programme.
Through the final two years of the MYP (Years 10 and 11), students complete the Personal Project. The Personal Project is a year-long, independent research project undertaken by all final-year MYP students. All MYP students are required to take part in Service as Action.
Benefits of the IB Middle Years Programme
Encourages Critical Thinking and Drive for Their Own Learning
The IB Middle Years Programme is intentionally designed to cultivate critical thought in students. Through inquiry-based learning and a focus on student-led investigations, the MYP encourages students to ask questions, explore different perspectives, and develop their own conclusions. This active engagement in the learning process fosters a powerful drive, empowering students to become self-directed learners who are prepared to take ownership of their academic journey.
Character Development Through Community Service
At Chatsworth International School, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom, and the MYP's Service as Action component is a testament to this philosophy. By actively engaging in community service initiatives, students develop empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the needs of others. This hands-on experience fosters character development, encouraging students to become responsible and caring members of both their local and global communities, aligning with Chatsworth's commitment to nurturing globally-minded individuals.
Nurturing Globally-Citizenship
The IB MYP framework inherently promotes international awareness and global interaction. Through its curriculum and pedagogical approach, students are encouraged to explore diverse cultures, perspectives, and global issues. This fosters empathy and mutual respect. By developing these essential qualities, the MYP at our school prepares students to navigate an increasingly globalised society with confidence and understanding.
Developing Interest Through the Personal Project
The MYP Personal Project offers a unique opportunity for students to delve deeply into an area of personal interest. This year-long, independent research project allows students to inquire, explore, and creatively share their passions. By taking ownership of their learning in this way, students develop crucial research, organisational, and communication skills while fostering a genuine enthusiasm for lifelong learning and pursuing their individual interests.
MYP Certificate
At Chatsworth International School, our MYP5 (Year 11) students are able to seek a formal qualification at the end of the programme. The IB offers eAssessments that lead to IB MYP course results and the IB MYP certificate. The MYP eAssessments consist of a combination of on-screen examinations and ePortfolios, which are externally marked and moderated by the International Baccalaureate. Additionally, students who demonstrate proficiency in a second language or mother tongue can earn the IB MYP Bilingual Certificate.
Chatsworth is presently one of the few international schools in Singapore that implements the full MYP e-Assessment (which includes seven subjects and a personal project). The MYP e-Assessment is a reliable, globally consistent and highly innovative assessment model that helps to demonstrate their preparation for further study, including participation in advanced academic and career-related programmes. If you are interested in enrolling your child into our school, rest assured that our admissions process is straightforward and simple.
Visit the IBO Website for more information on the IBMYP.
MYP Subjects
| Subject Groups | Courses Offered |
MYP Language and Literature | English, Mother Tongue Languages |
MYP Language Acquisition (2nd Language) | English, French, Mandarin |
MYP Individuals and Societies | Integrated Humanities |
MYP Mathematics | Standard and Extended Mathematics |
MYP Sciences | Integrated Science |
MYP Design | Design |
MYP Arts | Music, Drama and Visual Art |
MYP Physical and Health Education | Physical and Health Education |
Advisory (Pastoral) | |
Service as Action | |
Pastoral
Pastoral lessons occur twice per week and are conducted through the student's homeroom. Both provide motivation and support for students. Lessons are designed to foster individual growth, strengthen teamwork and build school spirit. Activities are discussed and planned by students and the homeroom teacher. Students are encouraged to participate and cooperate with one another in activities they have discussed and planned with their middle school homeroom teacher. Throughout the year, there are also assemblies and other projects (like the UN Day and the Identity Project), as well as activities related to MYP Approaches to Learning (Communication, Social, Thinking, Self Management and Research), that run in conjunction with the pastoral programme.
Service as Action
As part of the secondary school IB programme, all MYP students participate in Service as Action. They choose which group they wish to join from a list of groups at the start of the school year. Service groups in the school undertake a range of activities. These include arts-based activities such as community outreach theatre, community interaction like the food bank, or school-based needs such as recycling and academic support programmes.
Assessment and Reporting
Students are awarded a semester grade in each subject based on the IB 1-7 scale. These grades are communicated through end-of-semester reports that are available to parents and guardians via ManageBac, the school's online academic portal. In addition, a mid-semester progress report is issued shortly before each parent-teacher conference to communicate the student's current progress. For MYP students, these mid-semester reports include achievement levels against the criteria assessed in each subject. Semester two reports include a full MYP grade and provide a summation of the student’s academic as well as their Approaches to Learning (ATLs) strengths and weaknesses over the school year while offering suggestions for improvement.
In addition to achievement grades, students are also assessed and self-assessed based on five skill categories from the IB ATLs: Communication, Social, Self-Management, Research and Thinking. Methods of assessment of the ATLs vary between subjects and are communicated by departments and teachers. This is reported through written teacher comments in the summative assessments on ManageBac as well as students’ own writing on their achievement against personal ATL goals.
We also have two Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences (PSTCs) yearly, where reports and student progress are discussed, together with students’ goals and strengths. Classes are not held on PTSC days so that teachers can confer with parents and students. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the school at any time to discuss the student’s progress or any problems or queries.
IBMYP and Other Curricula
How is the IB MYP different from other curricula in Singapore?
(Please note that the table below highlights the key features of the MYP relative to other curricula. It is not a detailed breakdown of other curricula).
| IB MYP | Other Curriculum Models |
Learning as a process | Focus on the product |
Valid and varied assessments based on set criteria from the IB | Multiple-choice tests and exams |
Making connections to the real world | Isolated knowledge out of context |
Concept-based Inquiry | Memorisation of facts |
Promotes the construction of knowledge | Rote memorisation |
Fostering international-mindedness and understanding of different perspectives | One or local perspective |
Learning about different cultures through language | Learning how to learn - approaches to learning skills |
Seeking multiple answers | Finding one correct answer |
Learning about only one national or local culture | Focus on content |
Critical thinking, analysing and evaluating | Limiting learning to the acquisition of facts |
Communication through writing, speaking and presentation | Writing only |
Student ownership and independence as learners | Teacher-driven |
Media literacy | Accepting information without questioning |
Digital citizenship | Imbalanced use of technology |
Teacher as a guide on the side | Teacher as a sage on the stage |
Interdisciplinary learning | Subjects taught in isolation |
Developing conceptual understanding | Contentor skills only |
Learning by doing and experiencing | Passive learning |
Collaborative learning through inquiry | Individual learning |
Reflection and feedback | Work production only |
Embracing a growth mindset | Fear of failure |
The IB Middle Years Programme distinguishes itself through its emphasis on conceptual understanding and interdisciplinary learning. This means our students are encouraged to explore overarching concepts that connect different subject areas, allowing them to see how theoretical knowledge applies to real-life situations and fostering a more holistic and relevant educational experience.
Features of Chatsworth's IB Middle Years Programme
- Provides experiential learning opportunities for students to make connections between theoretical knowledge and the real world.
- Develops students’ capacity to be responsible for their own learning and hone their critical thinking and research skills through the culminating MYP personal project.
- Helps students acquire valuable life skills and work towards becoming enlightened and responsible global citizens through service learning programmes.
- Engages, motivates and supports students as part of our pastoral programme in which they develop attributes which will help them to succeed in the world after school.
- Our Year 11 students (MYP5) sit for the IB MYP e-Assessment and receive the full IB MYP certificate on successful completion at Chatsworth Singapore. There is the opportunity to earn a MYP Bilingual Certificate.
