Although the foundation for learning is still provided by the National Curriculum, the curriculum is enhanced by international content standards, IB framework and the IB MYP approaches to teaching and learning.
The academic environment has a more traditional format found in most middle and high schools, while also encouraging students to become independent learners and apply their knowledge and skills in new and unfamiliar contexts. The goal is to develop the social, academic, research, communication, and self-management skills necessary for students to learn how to learn. A common thread to every MYP are the IB Global Contexts:
1. Identity & Relationships
2. Orientation in space and time
3. Personal & Cultural expression
4. Scientific & Technical innovation
5. Globalization & Sustainability
6. Fairness & Development
Every academic course makes connections across these themes throughout the year. In addition, the MYP requires at least one completely integrated unit during the academic year where all subjects collaborate together and students are required to demonstrate their understanding by synthesizing the different perspectives from every content area.
Students continue to experience a bilingual environment although the majority of the courses are taught in English in preparation for the rigors of the IB Diploma Program. The MYP framework is comprised of eight subject groups:
1. Language acquisition (English)
2. Language and literature (Vietnamese)
3. Individuals and societies
4. Science
5. Mathematics
6. Arts
7. Physical and health education
8. Design
At Tesla, the MYP obtains at least from 54 to 108 hours of teaching time for each subject group to provide students with a well-rounded experience, but in order for students to meet the National Curriculum’s requirements the core academic subjects are taught every day throughout the year.
During the final two years of the program students are required to participate in a collaborative Community Project and a culminating individual project to reflect on their entire learning experience at the end of grade 10.
