Secondary
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework, for students from 11 to 16 years old, builds on the foundational skills students acquire in the PYP. The MYP identifies six global contexts for teaching and learning that extend the PYP’s transdisciplinary themes. Global contexts link all of the MYP subjects, helping students make connections between their learning and the real-world. This is further supported by a strong service component that requires students to engage with local, regional and global communities.
During the final year of the MYP, students engage in a personal project which is a culmination of their learning.
Diploma Programme (DP)
Students from 16 to 19 years old complete their education at NIST through the two-year Diploma Programme (DP). Building on the MYP, this rigorous university-preparatory programme encompasses six student-selected subject areas, including a second language at least one second language. Students may also choose to only pursue individual courses, or NIST courses, rather than earn the full diploma. Three unique elements also represent a core part of the DP experience: the extended essay requires students to conduct in-depth research into a question related to one of their subjects, the theory of knowledge course provides a study of critical thinking and ties together all subjects, and CAS (creativity, action, service) brings their learning to life outside of the classroom.
Global Citizen Diploma (GCD)
NIST is a member of a nine school consortium who offer the Global Citizen Diploma (GCD). The GCD provides students with a credential that highlights the qualities of global citizenship, as well as the opportunity to describe their whole education qualitatively through reflection on their learning experiences.
The GCD is a diploma programme designed to complement the rigor of NIST’s Learning Programme by recognising a student’s comprehensive educational experience—learning that has taken place inside the classroom, within the larger context of school and in the world beyond.
The GCD at NIST provides students with a metacognitive framework to internalise and synthesise these unique and varied experiences in order to enhance self and global awareness. This programme supports students’ potential to contribute globally through deeper connections with divergent contexts and through the development of passions, talents, and skills that elevate the human condition.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a globally-recognised award programme that encourages and recognises the development of young people. It is open to all young people aged 14-25 and encourages them to set and achieve goals in four different areas: service, physical recreation, skills and adventurous journey.
NIST is proud to offer this award to its students, which encourages and rewards students for their commitment and dedication to lifelong personal development. The award is an excellent way for students to gain recognition for their hard work and to get a sense of personal accomplishment. It also helps to build character and develop leadership skills, all while fostering a sense of responsibility and resilience.
At NIST, the award is highly valued and students are encouraged to take part. The award is seen as an important opportunity in our expeditions programme as it enables students to develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and communication. It also gives students the opportunity to get involved in our local community and to develop an understanding of social responsibility.
