MYP Departments

We look forward to working with you and your children throughout the year in order to help your child to challenge themselves, explore their boundaries and connect with their world in order to move in positive directions. 

Course Description
MYP Language and Literature courses equip students with linguistic, analytical and communicative skills that help to develop literary and interdisciplinary understanding. Students develop skills in six domains—listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting—both independently and with others. MYP language and literature courses include a balanced study of genres and literary texts, including a world literature component. Students’ interactions with texts generate moral, social, economic, political, cultural and environmental insights. Through their studies, students learn how to form opinions, make decisions, and engage in ethical reasoning.

The Course Syllabus
As students progress through their MYP language and literature studies, they are expected to engage with and explore an increasing range and sophistication of literary and informational texts and works of literature extending across genres, cultures and historical periods. These texts will also provide models for students to develop the competencies to communicate appropriately and effectively in an increasing range of social, cultural and academic contexts, and for an increasing variety of audiences and purposes

Ideas and issues explored in MYP language and literature include

• Identity, heritage, culture, diversity 
• Communities, globalization, migration, displacement 
• Social history, civilizations, journeys 
• Media and mass communication 
• Childhood, adolescence, youth, rebellion, innocence and experience, human sexuality 
• Families, friendships, relationships
• Systems, power and protest, justice, peace and conflict, freedom and independence 
• Health and well-being, environment, lifestyle 
• Social roles, norms and expectations, gender, inclusion, minorities, class  
• Utopias, dystopias, survival 
• Religion, faith, values, ritual, spirituality, taboos 
• Allegiance, betrayal, revenge, atonement, forgiveness

Welcome to the English Language Acquisition (ELA) Department, also known as English Language Learning (ELL). We look forward to working with you to help your child improve his/her English language proficiency. Our partnership is essential in your child’s language development. 

Programme of Study 
The MYP English Language Acquisition (ELA) offers English language acquisition classes to students who need to further develop their English language proficiency in order to access the MYP Language & Literature courses. In addition, our program offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes for students that identify as Beginner to Low/Mid Intermediate levels.  EAP classes focus on academic language skills in relation to their other subject areas.  

The MYP English Language Acquisition programme is divided into phases or levels of English proficiency. 
Phases 1 – 2 Emergent
Phases 3 – 4 Capable
Phases 5 & 6 Proficient*
*Students that test at a 5-6 Proficient level will be considered to transition to MYP English Language and Literature program. 

Aims of Language Acquisition in the MYP

• Gain and develop English language proficiency while supporting the maintenance of student’s mother tongue and cultural heritage
• Develop respect for, and understanding of, diverse languages and cultures
• Develop the student’s communication skills necessary for successful language learning in both social and academic settings
• Enable the student to develop a variety of literacy skills while using a range of tools 
• Enable the student to develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts and to develop critical and creative thinking skills

Units of Study
Each English Language Acquisition class teaches different units appropriate to the students’ proficiency levels. Unit information for each phase, as well as formative and summative assessment data, can be found in Managebac. 

Units develop students’ language skills through various activities, including inquiry.  Units also develop conceptual understanding and Approaches to Learning (ATLs) as key elements of an IB education.

The Language Acquisition department believes that learning languages fosters effective communication and participation in the global community. Our teaching methodologies, classroom activities and technology use a communicative approach to language learning and encourage student centered learning. The courses will develop the language skills of listening, reading, speaking, writing and listening through a thematic and communicative approach. The courses will enable students to use Russian or French effectively as a means of practical communication wherever the language is spoken. The objectives of our language courses are to develop language skills through the study of contemporary cultural and societal themes using a wide range of authentic written and spoken material while fostering intercultural understanding and appreciation of the target language cultures.

Programme of study in MYP
In the Middle Years Program for grades 6-10, the Russian and French sections divide students into four levels depending upon their level of fluency: Language Acquisition Phases 1-2; Phases 2-3-4; and Phases 4-5. Students who are fluent or, mother tongue Russian speakers study the MYP Language and Literature course.

Student expectations

• Student learning is the top priority in our classroom
• All students can learn in our classroom
• Students will demonstrate and apply their understanding of essential knowledge and skills in meaningful ways
• Students will be actively involved in the learning process and will have appropriate opportunities for success
• The curriculum and instructional practices will incorporate a variety of learning activities to accommodate differences in learning styles  
• Each student will be treated as a valued individual
• Assessments of student learning will provide students with a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their achievement of their learning expectations

Aims of Language Acquisition in the MYP

• Gain proficiency in an additional language while supporting maintenance of their mother tongue and cultural heritage
• Develop a respect for, and understanding of, diverse linguistic and cultural heritages
• Develop the student’s communication skills necessary for further language learning, and for study, work and leisure in a range of authentic contexts and for a variety of audiences and purposes
• Enable the student to develop multiliteracy skills through the use of a range of learning tools, such as multimedia, in the various modes of communication
• Enable the student to develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts and to develop critical and creative techniques for comprehension and construction of meaning
• Enable the student to recognize and use language as a vehicle of thought, reflection, self-expression and learning in other subjects, and as a tool for enhancing literacy
• Enable the student to understand the nature of language and the process of language learning, which comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components
• Offer insight into the cultural characteristics of the communities where the language is spoken
• Encourage an awareness and understanding of the perspectives of people from their own and other cultures, leading to involvement and action in their own and other communities
• Foster curiosity, inquiry and a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, language learning

The Individuals and Societies Department strives to enrich the learning experiences of the students at TIS by focusing on the interactions of individuals, societies and their environments through the study of subjects like History, Economics and Geography.  Students learn to develop a respect for and understanding of others’ perspectives, values and attitudes.  Students develop a sense of international mindedness while also fostering a greater appreciation of their own culture.  An effort is made to integrate a study of the host culture with the themes identified in each course.  

For grades 6-10, the department follows the Middle Years Program developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The curriculum is based on a set of distinct inquiry-based themes wherein the study of subjects like History, Economics and Geography is integrated.  Students are encouraged to undertake individual inquiries on the issues of relevance.  Classroom experiences include a wide range of active learning styles and support the students in their learning by providing the necessary background knowledge, research tools, and language support. Cross-curricular links with other subjects are explored with a view to enriching the students’ learning experiences and to enable them to find authentic connections with the world beyond the classroom. Criteria-based assessment is used to provide constructive feedback that builds skills and understanding. 

Aims of MYP Individuals and Societies

• Appreciate human and environmental commonalities and diversity 
• Understand the interactions and interdependence of individuals, societies and the environment 
• Understand how both environmental and human systems operate and evolve 
• Identify and develop concern for the well-being of human communities and the natural environment 
• Act as responsible citizens of local and global communities 
• Develop inquiry skills that lead towards conceptual understandings of the relationships between individuals, societies and the environments in which they live. 

TISMUN – Model United Nations at TIS
The Individuals and Societies department is excited to be hosting Tashkent International School Model United Nations (TISMUN) again for Grades 9 & 10 this year! This is a Model UN conference for TIS students that will run in the first semester. Students will have the opportunity to prepare for the conference in their I&S classes through their first unit. In the past, this conference has been a huge success, and we’re looking forward to it again this year!

Science within the MYP programme encourages inquiry, curiosity and ingenuity. Students in the MYP will utilize scientific inquiry to develop a way of thinking and a set of skills and processes to develop a scientific understanding relevant to our rapidly-changing scientific and technological society and how to use the resources of our society wisely. 

The MYP sciences course is designed to introduce students to both the theoretical and experimental components of science, with a strong focus on understanding the basic concepts, as well as developing practical skills.  Students are also engaged in activities designed to develop an awareness of personal, social and global issues. In Grade 10, classes are organised in specialist subject groups, (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), which all students will experience through the year on a trimester rotational basis.

Teaching Team
Mr Paul Harrison is the Subject Area Coordinator for the Sciences Department and is happy to discuss any issues with you.

MYP Units of Study
Grade 6 Light and Matter, Cells to Ecosystems, Intro to Chemistry, Earth Science
Grade 7  The Birds and the Bees, Forces, Like Music to Our Ears, Chemical Reactions
Grade 8    Forces at a Distance, Body Systems, Stuff Matters, Science Investigation
Grade 9   Astronomy, Chemistry Foundations, Genetics, Chemical Kinetics & Energetics
Grade 10  BIOLOGY: Cellular Processes, The Earth
                  CHEMISTRY: Our Material World
                   PHYSICS: Electrostatics, Electricity, and Magnetism

Below, you will find a short description of our MYP math program, including the general expectations for all classes. Individual teachers and courses may have additional expectations.

Textbook resource
All students are given a text published by Haese & Harris.  There are different editions of Mathematics for the International Student for each grade level. Please keep in mind that textbooks are resources.  They are not the curriculum.  We will not always use the textbooks, nor will we cover everything in them.  

A PDF version of the book is available for students in the other grades. Teachers will show students where to find the PDF of the text book. Physical textbooks will generally be kept at school. Note that it is the responsibility of the student to take care of the book provided as the student has checked their book out of the library. If a book is lost or damaged, the student is required to pay the necessary replacement costs. 

Homework
Students will generally have homework on a regular basis in order to practice and develop the skills they need to be successful with the course. There may also be times where students are required to spend time at home on assignments, some of which may contribute toward their semester grade. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the student to make sure that any work done at home is completed to the best of their ability and is ready for the due date.  Missing or late homework and assignments will be considered in light of the published homework policy for grades 6 – 10.

Math Help CCA
The Math Help for grades 6 – 10 is supervised by a math teacher. Many of the students are invited but others are also welcome to join us. This CCA provides an opportunity for students to fill gaps in their mathematical knowledge and understanding.   The Math Help will run once per week on Thursdays. 

All Mathematics teachers have an open door policy so should students have questions to ask about their class or homework they should drop by in a timely manner. 

 IXL 
Most MYP students have access to IXL. Grades 6 & 7 use IXL (an online mathematics resource) to support their learning in class and use the Diagnostic facility to provide IXL learning plans. It does not replace instruction, but it provides practice and review.  IXL allows students to move at their pace, and levels can be adjusted.  It also allows teachers to monitor progress. Specific activities will sometimes be assigned to students as homework or in class.  The results will be reviewed by their teachers. However, students may review skills independently.  At times it will be appropriate for students to access IXL at a grade level different from their own. 

Math Teachers
If you have questions about the program or your child’s progress, please contact his or her teacher directly.

Course description
Welcome to the Arts at Tashkent International School, where we strive to develop knowing and understanding of each art subject, advance the skills necessary to express oneself through the arts, cultivate
creative thinking, and discover new ways to respond to the arts. We are excited about what we can achieve this year and look forward to a year of partnership.

For an overview of the Arts curriculum aims and the subject requirements, we invite you to browse the TIS website. Go to the home page, select “secondary” scroll down to “departments” and then click on “Arts”.

Course Syllabus

The Arts in Grades 6, 7 and 8

In Grades 6, 7 and 8 students participate in all three disciplines using the trimester system. The rotation schedule is outlined below:

The Physical and Health Education Department would like to welcome everyone to the start of a new year at TIS. We are all ready for another fun and exciting year at TIS and ready to get active again. We are excited about what we can achieve this year and look forward to a year of partnership.

The TIS Physical and Health Education (PHE) program aims to contribute to the development of a student’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social maturity. 

Some guidelines
All students will be required to change into appropriate PE clothing at the beginning of each lesson. This includes the TIS PHE t-shirt, a choice of bottoms (shorts, sweatpants, leggings) and appropriate footwear (tied up running shoes).  All items must be recognizable sports attire so no jeans or beach-wear! At the completion of class students must change clothes. 

Please impress upon your child the need to be fully prepared and organized for PHE class before leaving home.

In order to ensure that your child is ready to participate in PHE class, there are points that we would like to bring to your attention regarding our program:

Students must bring to every class (a small bag will make this much easier)

• PE clothes and appropriate shoes for the scheduled activity (indoor / outdoor)
• A water bottle which is clearly named
• A complete change of clothes
• Towel, soap and deodorant
• Suncream, suncream, and hat

MYP Units of Study
Grade 6 Invasion Games, Health & Fitness, Movement, Court Games, Striking & Fielding.
Grade 7  Invasion Games, Health & Fitness, Movement, Court Games, Striking & Fielding.
Grade 8    Invasion Games, Health & Fitness, Movement, Court Games, Striking & Fielding.  
Grade 9   Invasion Games, Health & Fitness, Movement, Court Games, Striking & Fielding
Grade 10  Invasion Games, Health & Fitness, Movement, Court Games, Striking & Fielding, and Sports Leaders

How students learn in Design
Students will use the MYP Design Cycle to find solutions to design problems; this process promotes an inquiry-based and practical approach to learning. Design at TIS is about developing thinking skills and applying these within authentic hands-on units, so that students can demonstrate knowledge and understanding in practical outcomes.

A design solution or outcome can be defined as a physical or virtual model, prototype, product or system that students have generated independently. This means that MYP Design expects students to become actively involved in and to focus on the whole design process rather than just on the final products/solutions. In this way students become aware of how to apply knowledge to the challenge of practical activity through authentic learning experiences. This helps students to develop a variety of skills of real world application including creative, analytical and critical thinking strategies and a variety of soft skills.

MYP units of study
Grade 6 Not a box / Gift of Sustainability / How do we express ourselves / aMazing / Robot sumo

Grade 7 Mechanisms / Better living through robotics / Time / Infographics

Grade 8 Get over it (bridges) / Stitched up / Solar transportation 

Grade 9 We are parasites! / Helping others. 

Grade 10 Solving problems is what we do! / Make it like a pro!

Design Resources at TIS
The Design rooms have ergonomic workbenches adapted to student needs and are equipped with machines for the manipulation of materials: fretsaws, sanders, bench drill, strip heater, sewing machines, 3D printers, electronics and hand tools that allow the creation of prototypes. The department supports a flexible integration of digital design skills into each unit. Projects are also developed using computer software such as Fusion 360, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator as well as Web Design Programmes to aid the design process. Coding and Robotics are also within the curriculum throughout the grade levels.