Is there an application for the IB Program?
No. Murchison is an IB World School, meaning that all enrolled students are IB students. Students that are not zoned to Murchison will need to fill out a transfer application.
What does the IB Programme mean?
The International Baccalaureate Organization is a non-profit based in Geneva, Switzerland that offers Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma and Career Readiness programs at schools all over the world. Murchison is an IB World School which means we focus on student-centered approaches to learning. This includes the way we teach, the way we learn and the way we grow. The IB programme also advocates for international mindedness, interdisciplinary coursework as well as community service projects.
The accomplishments of students in IB programmes are highly regarded by both prospective colleges as well as IB schools around the world. The result of IB learning at Murchison is that our students become well-rounded, culturally enriched students, with strengths in high-level thinking and problem solving. For more information on the difference between an IB and non-IB education please visit the ‘IB Impact Research‘ page.
What courses must students take in the IB Middle Years Program?
All students must take three years of:
- Individuals and Societies (Social Studies)
- Language and Literature (English Language Arts)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Language Acquisition (Foreign Language)
- Design (Technology)
In addition, students must also take at least a semester each year of Physical Education and Fine Arts (Band, Choir, Dance, Orchestra, Theater Arts, or Visual Arts) . It is highly recommended that each student take a stand alone Design/Technology course.
Special Note for Sixth Graders: Sixth graders must take a year of PE to comply with state law. Sixth graders also must take IB Career Explorations for a semester and IB Foundations for a semester. The purpose of these courses is to engage with the tenets of the IB MYP program and to develop their technology skills and knowledge.
For more information please visit the ‘IB Curriculum‘ page.
Is community service required?
Yes. All Murchison students are expected to complete some community service with a personal goal of 10 hours per year.
All of our sixth grade students will complete 10 hours of community service learning as part of their IB Foundations course. In this course, students will also compile an IB Portfolio with work samples, reflections and community service logs. Should a student wish to apply for an IB Award/Recognition, please download and complete the packet located on the ‘Student Resource‘ page.
All of our 8th grade students will complete an IB Community Service Project. Students can work alone or in group of a maximum of 3 people to investigate a need in the community, plan a focused project to address the need, carry out their projects and provide a presentation and reflection on their service. This project is required along with documentation of each step in the process, to be guided by their advisory teacher and the IB Coordinator. Please see the ‘Community Project‘ tab for more information.
Are there any special activities?
Yes, IB MYP students have access to special activities and events throughout the year. These programs can include guest speakers, community service learning opportunities and campus leadership programs such as Peer Buddies, CHAMPS and No Place For Hate.
What are the benefits of being at a school that offers the IB Middle Years Program?
Our program promotes leaders who are global thinkers, contributors and well- rounded, knowledgeable individuals. Research shows that the IB education provides valuable preparation for twenty-first century citizenship. Global perspectives, high-level problem solving and community involvement are important components of the MYP. The MYP provides opportunities for students to explore concepts and issues outside the walls of our school while pursuing their own learning and service goals.
What if my child wants to continue with IB Diploma Program at Anderson?
In tenth grade, students may apply for the Diploma Program (DP) at Anderson.
The International Baccalaureate curriculum is a challenging framework for high school (IB Diploma Program) that encourages making practical connections between studies and the real world. It is a comprehensive course of study designed for highly motivated students in 11th-12th grade.
In earning an IB diploma, students are automatically granted a minimum of 24 hours of college credit at any Texas public university. The IB diploma recipient is recognized worldwide as a leader of high academic standing. The ability to think, write, communicate and assume responsibility within a community are viewed as key attributes of IB graduates.
The IB Diploma Programme creates inquirers, thinkers, risk-takers and communicators who are knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective.
Exactly what our Middle Years Program prepares the students for!
PLEASE NOTE: students attending Murchison MS that are not zoned to Anderson will need to apply for a transfer AND apply to the DP during their 8th grade year via Enroll Austin. A separate campus application is also required.
Find more information here.
Do Athletics and Dance count towards the Physical Education requirement?
Yes. Athletics will satisfy the Physical Education requirement. Dance counts towards both the PE and Fine Arts requirements for IB.