The Senior Years
(Foundation Years 1-3, Remove and Hundred)
Broadening the Curriculum to Develop Confident, Resourceful, and Independent Learners
At Malvern College Tokyo, the Senior Years (Foundation Years 1–3, Remove and Hundred) build on the rich foundation of inquiry, conceptual understanding and skill development established in the PYP. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) then provides a balanced curriculum across eight subject groups, complemented by interdisciplinary learning and personal projects that promote both academic challenge and holistic growth.
As pupils progress through the Senior Years, they deepen their knowledge, apply skills in increasingly complex contexts, and take greater ownership of their learning. Through specialised subject study, collaborative projects and meaningful action, pupils develop the independence, resilience and critical thinking required for success in the Sixth Form and the forthcoming International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), as well as future pathways in Japan and globally.
Inquiry at the Heart of Learning
Inquiry is the central pedagogical approach of the IB MYP. It encourages pupils not only to ask questions, but to investigate ideas, analyse perspectives and design solutions that make a real impact. Inquiry connects learning across subjects and empowers pupils to think independently and creatively as they navigate challenging problems. By transferring knowledge to new situations and engaging with real-world issues, pupils build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in the IB DP and beyond.
Language and Literature
The ability to communicate effectively in more than one language is central to the aims of the IB MYP Programme and essential for cultivating critical thinking and intercultural understanding—key hallmarks of leading international schools in Japan.
Pupils are placed into Language and Literature or Language Acquisition classes depending on their proficiency in English and Japanese.
In Language and Literature, pupils explore the nature and power of language and literature through a wide range of literary and non-literary texts, writing styles and techniques. The course is designed to encourage pupils to analyse context, audience and purpose and investigate linguistic and literary techniques that support creative expression, imagination and meaning. This academically rigorous course strengthens linguistic, analytical and communicative skills transferable across all subject groups and prepares pupils for future success in the IB Diploma Programme.
Language Acquisition
Aligned with the goals of the International Baccalaureate, the study of an additional language is considered essential for the development of critical thinking and fostering respect and understanding of linguistic and cultural diversity. Pupils are placed at an appropriate level based on their speaking, writing and comprehension proficiency. They progress through the course as they build confidence in communicating and thinking critically in the additional language.
The curriculum encourages pupils to engage with a variety of literary and non-literary texts and develops techniques for constructing meaning and building comprehension.
Mathematics
In the Senior Years, pupils study mathematics across four key areas:
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Number
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Algebra
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Statistics & Probability
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Geometry & Trigonometry
Pupils are challenged to develop new mathematical knowledge and to use and apply it in unfamiliar situations. The thrill of exploring mathematics and the discovery of how to transfer knowledge to real-life situations are central to the course. Pupils can extend their learning in the Foundation Years before progressing to more advanced study in Remove (Year 10) and Hundred (Year 11).
Science
Science at Malvern College Tokyo integrates Biology, Chemistry and Physics, fostering a deep understanding of scientific concepts, methods and skills. Throughout the programme, pupils also experience science enrichment, completing interdisciplinary units and having exposure to other sciences including Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Sport Sciences, Health Sciences, and Earth Sciences. This broad exposure encourages scientific curiosity and connects learning to real-world issues
Individuals & Societies
The study of Individuals & Societies encourages pupils to explore the interactions between people, societies and environments across historical, contemporary, political, economic, religious, geographical and cultural contexts. Pupils learn to understand and respect the world around them and through inquiry and research, they develop the ability to think critically, evaluate perspectives and construct well-reasoned arguments—skills essential for global citizenship and future academic study.
Design
In Design, creativity and innovation are brought together in the Malvern tradition of developing young entrepreneurs, designers and creators who are inspired to find solutions to real-life problems. Pupils explore elements of both digital and product design, using a range of cutting-edge tools and technologies. Through the design cycle, they identify real-life problems, develop solutions and create final products that synthesise the knowledge gained from Science, Mathematics and the Arts.
The Arts
The Arts are studied though disciplinary, integrated and interdisciplinary units across Visual Arts, Drama, Music and Dance. Moving through a dynamic artistic process, deepens creative and analytical thinking and culminates in final products and performances which are shared within the Malvern community and beyond. Such opportunities strengthen pupils’ confidence and build their appreciation for aesthetics in real-world contexts.
Physical and Health Education
Combining state-of-the-art facilities with the strong Malvern tradition of holistic education, Physical and Health Education encourages pupils to demonstrate the qualities of courage, integrity, self-awareness, independence and collaboration. The course includes a broad range of activities including games, aquatics, aesthetic pursuits and adventure challenges. Health and fitness education is embedded into our units of inquiry, encouraging pupils to take active responsibility for their personal health and well-being.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Each year, pupils form subject teams to complete an interdisciplinary unit that synthesises knowledge, skills and concepts into new understandings. These projects may be STEM, STEAM or SMArt focussed and often require finding solutions, explaining phenomena or creating a final performance/product. They enable pupils to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the world and the complex relationships within it.
Projects
In Hundred (Year 11) pupils demonstrate their knowledge and develop their skills by completing large-scale group and individual projects that demonstrate their ability to investigate, research, apply skills and take meaningful action. These projects prepare pupils for extended inquiry in the IB Diploma Programme.
Service as Action
Malvern College Tokyo has a longstanding tradition of making a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Pupils are encouraged to design and lead sustainable service projects that promote empathy, responsibility and social awareness both inside and outside the classroom.
Assessment
Assessment in the senior years is personalised, meaningful and timely and is designed to support ongoing growth. Learning progress is measured continuously, with final assessments at the end of each unit. Pupils and their parents receive clear feedback on the level of achievement against specific subject criteria, which ensures transparency and reinforces progress towards future academic goals.
IB MYP Programme
The Senior Years: Empowering Students Through the IB MYP Programme
(Foundation Years 1-3, Remove and Hundred)
At Malvern College Tokyo, the Senior Years represent a transformative and highly engaging phase in a student's educational journey. Operating within our distinctively British pastoral framework—encompassing Foundation Years 1 to 3, Remove, and Hundred—we proudly deliver the globally renowned IB MYP programme (International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme) for pupils aged 11 to 16. Designed to foster intellectual independence, intercultural awareness, and critical thinking, the IB MYP programme provides a comprehensive and rigorous academic foundation. It perfectly prepares students for the formidable challenges of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and ensures their future success in an increasingly interconnected global landscape. By seamlessly blending the rich, 160-year heritage of a Malvern College education with the forward-thinking IB philosophy, we offer a truly unique learning environment among international schools in Japan.
The Philosophy of the IB MYP Programme: Inquiry at the Heart of Learning
Inquiry is the central pedagogical approach of the IB MYP programme. It encourages pupils not merely to memorise facts, but to actively investigate complex ideas, analyse diverse global perspectives, and design innovative solutions that make a tangible impact. This inquiry-based framework connects learning across different subjects, empowering pupils to think independently and creatively as they navigate real-world problems. By learning how to transfer knowledge to unfamiliar situations, students build the robust problem-solving skills and academic resilience that are essential for higher education. Our dedicated faculty ensures that every lesson within the IB MYP programme stimulates intellectual curiosity, encouraging students to ask profound questions and take meaningful ownership of their educational journey.
A Broad and Balanced Curriculum: The Eight Subject Groups
To ensure holistic development, the IB MYP programme at Malvern College Tokyo requires students to engage with a broad and balanced curriculum consisting of eight distinct subject groups. This structure guarantees that pupils receive a well-rounded education while allowing them ample opportunity to discover their unique passions and academic talents.
Language and Literature
The ability to communicate effectively and articulately is a cornerstone of the IB MYP programme. Pupils are placed into appropriate language classes based on their proficiency. In Language and Literature, students explore the nature, power, and beauty of language through a wide array of literary and non-literary texts from different cultures and historical periods. This academically rigorous course goes beyond reading comprehension; it challenges pupils to analyse context, audience, and purpose, and to investigate the linguistic techniques that support creative expression. These analytical skills are highly transferable and crucial for future academic success.
Language Acquisition
Aligned with the international-mindedness of the IB, the study of an additional language is absolutely essential. The Language Acquisition course fosters respect for linguistic and cultural diversity while building highly practical communication skills. Placed at a level suited to their prior experience, pupils build confidence in speaking, writing, and comprehending a new language, engaging with various media to construct meaning and develop true global fluency.
Mathematics
Mathematics within the IB MYP programme is expertly designed to build logical reasoning and abstract thinking. Pupils study four key areas: Number, Algebra, Statistics & Probability, and Geometry & Trigonometry. The curriculum continuously challenges students to apply mathematical concepts to unfamiliar, real-life situations. The thrill of exploring complex equations and discovering practical applications is central to the course, allowing pupils to extend their learning significantly before progressing to advanced studies in Remove (Year 10) and Hundred (Year 11).
Sciences
Our Science curriculum dynamically integrates Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, fostering a profound understanding of scientific methodologies and concepts. Throughout the IB MYP programme, pupils also experience diverse scientific disciplines, including Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, and Earth Sciences. Conducted in our state-of-the-art, university-grade laboratories, these interactive lessons encourage hands-on experimentation and scientific curiosity, connecting theoretical classroom learning to pressing real-world environmental and technological issues.
Individuals and Societies
This subject group encourages pupils to explore the intricate interactions between people, societies, and environments across historical, political, economic, and cultural contexts. By investigating historical events and contemporary global issues, pupils learn to critically understand and respect the world around them. Through rigorous research and debate, they develop the ability to evaluate different perspectives and construct well-reasoned, evidence-based arguments.
Design
In Design, creativity and practical innovation are brought together. Reflecting the Malvern tradition of developing young entrepreneurs and creators, pupils explore elements of both digital and product design. Utilizing cutting-edge tools in our dedicated MakerSpace—including 3D printers and laser cutters—pupils follow the design cycle to identify real-life problems, develop functional prototypes, and create final products that synthesise knowledge gained from Science, Mathematics, and the Arts.
The Arts
The Arts are studied through dynamic disciplinary and interdisciplinary units across Visual Arts, Drama, and Music. Engaging deeply in the artistic process enhances creative and analytical thinking, culminating in impressive exhibitions and performances shared within the Malvern community. These vital opportunities strengthen pupils' self-confidence, encourage emotional expression, and build a lasting appreciation for aesthetics and culture.
Physical and Health Education
Combining excellent sports facilities with our holistic educational ethos, this course encourages pupils to demonstrate courage, self-awareness, and teamwork. The curriculum includes a broad range of activities such as team games, aesthetic pursuits, and adventure challenges. Crucially, health and fitness education is embedded into our units of inquiry, empowering pupils to take active, lifelong responsibility for their personal physical and mental well-being.
The Core of the IB MYP Programme: Connections and Community
Interdisciplinary Learning
The real world is not divided into isolated subjects, and neither is the IB MYP programme. Each year, pupils participate in engaging interdisciplinary units that synthesise knowledge and concepts from multiple disciplines into new, profound understandings. These STEAM-focused projects require collaborative problem-solving and enable pupils to demonstrate a deeper, more nuanced understanding of complex global phenomena.
The MYP Personal Project
As pupils approach the culmination of the IB MYP programme in Hundred (Year 11), they undertake significant independent work through the Personal Project. This large-scale, self-directed endeavor allows students to investigate a topic of their own choosing, research extensively, and create a final product or outcome. This project is a hallmark of the MYP, perfectly preparing pupils for the rigorous independent research required later in the IB Diploma Programme's Extended Essay.
Service as Action
Malvern College Tokyo has a longstanding, proud tradition of giving back. Within the IB MYP programme, Service as Action is an essential component. Pupils are encouraged to design and lead sustainable service projects that promote empathy, civic responsibility, and social awareness, ensuring they grow into compassionate leaders who make a positive, lasting difference in their local and global communities.
Meaningful Assessment and Future Pathways
Assessment within the IB MYP programme is highly personalised, meaningful, and transparent. Rather than relying solely on final examinations, learning progress is measured continuously through varied tasks, including essays, presentations, design portfolios, and practical experiments. Pupils and parents receive clear, criterion-related feedback that highlights academic strengths and identifies areas for future growth. This robust academic and pastoral foundation ensures that every student completing the MYP at Malvern College Tokyo is exceptionally well-prepared to excel in the Sixth Form, university, and beyond.
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