An International School in Brussels

The Philosophy of Montgomery International School

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Montgomery International School, is dedicated to fostering a diverse and caring community that empowers students to achieve high academic standards through a holistic and engaging pedagogy. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks, enabling them to reach their full potential. We cultivate a culture of curiosity, respect, and kindness, and we support individual aspirations to nurture the growth of global citizens who strive to positively impact the world.

Our guiding principles revolve around an innovative curriculum, academic excellence through perseverance and growth, and a deep understanding of our students. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills, encouraging independent thinking and collaboration. This rigorous approach prepares students for the challenges of university and beyond.

At Montgomery International School, we recognise the unique qualities and potential of each student. Our educational approach is centred on individualised learning, enabling us to understand and cater to the specific learning styles of every student. We believe in the power of positive relationships between teachers and students, promoting open communication and trust. This connection fosters effective teaching and allows teachers to guide students towards their goals while nurturing their unique talents.

We also emphasise a culture of care, promoting open-mindedness and mutual respect within our community. Our school culture encourages students to develop empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. As one student remarked:

"What I enjoy most about Montgomery International School is the fact that classes are small, allowing for close follow-up from teachers, as well as being able to have strong ties with most of the students from the class and the school community."

Our commitment to fostering a well-rounded education goes beyond academics. We place a strong emphasis on experiential learning, understanding that these experiences play a crucial role in the development of a student's character and skills. Starting from PYP3, we organise three-day school trips within Belgium to strengthen bonds between students and engage them in activities that foster teamwork and personal growth. For MYP students, we offer five-day trips abroad, exposing them to different cultures and unique experiences. The DP students participate in four day long trips to cities hosting university fairs, providing them with opportunities to explore higher education options while experiencing local culture. Additionally, from PYP1, our students participate in theatre classes for two hours each week. These classes are instrumental in building confidence, enhancing communication skills, encouraging students to step outside of their comfort zones, and fostering a willingness to take risks. 

The IB Programme

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The International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy at Montgomery International School focuses on academic excellence while promoting a supportive and open-minded environment. The IB programmes, from primary to secondary school, reflect our mission and vision. They not only impart curriculum knowledge in various subject areas but also foster a deeper understanding of the world and self-awareness as learners. Learning through action and making connections to everyday life are key pillars of the IB program.

The IB's Learner Profile attributes are integral to our teaching approach. Students develop ten key attributes throughout their IB journey:

1. Inquirers
2. Communicators
3. Caring
4. Open-Minded
5. Principled
6. Balanced
7. Knowledgeable
8. Risk-Takers
9. Reflective
10. Thinkers

These traits are essential for success both academically and personally, as identified by the IB organisation and universities worldwide.

Montgomery International School offers a comprehensive educational programme accredited by the International Baccalaureate. We provide both an English Programme, where all classes are taught in English with French as a second language, and an Advanced Bilingual Programme, which immerses students in both French and English. This bilingual approach helps students develop valuable academic competency in both languages, even if they are not perfectly fluent in French at the outset.

Our urban school is strategically located in the heart of Brussels, close to European institutions and NATO. This prime location allows us to leverage the city's cultural and multilingual environment, providing students with numerous opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. We organise trips to EU institutions, Parliament, university libraries, and other cultural and artistic venues throughout the year, enriching the students' educational experience.

In addition to the academic benefits, our location in Brussels offers students a unique perspective on international relations and global issues. The city's multicultural atmosphere and proximity to key international organisations provide students with firsthand experiences that enhance their understanding of the complexities of the modern world. This exposure to diverse cultures and ideas is an integral part of the IB philosophy, which aims to develop internationally-minded individuals who are capable of understanding and respecting different perspectives.

From Primary Years Program to Diploma Program

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At Montgomery International School, our educational journey begins with the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which caters to students from ages 5.5 to 11 years old (Grades 1 to 5). The PYP encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and acquire pivotal knowledge and skills. They develop natural curiosity and key traits such as empathy, resilience, and teamwork. The curriculum is explored through six trans-disciplinary themes:

1. Who we are?
2. Where we are in place and time?
3. How we express ourselves?
4. How the world works?
5. How we organize ourselves?
6. How we share the planet?

 These themes are integrated into subjects like English, French, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Studies, Drama, Visual Arts, Information & Communication Technologies, and Physical, Social, and Emotional Education.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16 (Grades 6 to 10). This five-year programme builds on the values, learning patterns, and skills developed in the PYP. Students are encouraged to engage actively in their learning journey. The MYP curriculum includes:

• Language & Literature
• Language Acquisition
• Individuals & Societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Arts
• Physical Education
• Design

A unique feature of the MYP is the Personal Project, where students investigate and learn more about a topic that sparks their interest, developing skills that prepare them for the Diploma Programme.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 19 (Grades 11 to 12). This globally recognised programme is an excellent stepping stone to university, developing skills in research, communication, self-management, and higher-order thinking. Students choose six areas of study, with three subjects at the standard level (SL) and three at the higher level (HL). They must complete an internally assessed research project in each subject and undertake the core elements of the IB diploma:

• Extended Essay (EE)
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

The transition from the PYP to the MYP and finally to the DP is designed to be seamless, providing continuity in the learning experience while progressively challenging students to develop more sophisticated and independent thinking skills. This structured progression ensures that students are well-prepared for the academic rigour of the DP, which is recognised worldwide for its high standards and comprehensive curriculum.

A Look at Montgomery International School's Excellent Results

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Montgomery International School consistently achieves outstanding results, particularly in the IB Diploma Programme. For six consecutive years, our students have achieved a 100% pass rate. The Class of 2024 continued this tradition of excellence, with the highest grade achieved being 41 out of a possible 45. Notably, 65% of our students earned the IB Bilingual Diploma, and among them, 20% received the Advanced Bilingual Diploma, giving them a significant advantage in university applications.

Our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in our students' university placements. They have been accepted to prestigious institutions worldwide, including University College London, University of Glasgow, King's College London, Sciences Po Grenoble, Université Libre de Bruxelles, KU Leuven, Delft University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Bocconi University in Milan. Our graduates pursue a diverse range of fields such as medicine, graphic design, law, engineering, international relations, digital design development, business engineering, physiotherapy, global sustainability science, biology, economics, and mathematical and computer sciences for artificial intelligence.

Our teachers play a crucial role in our students' success. They are dedicated to academic excellence and possess global mindsets, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence. Their professional and personal experiences enable them to connect with students from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering personalised pedagogy and mutual appreciation. A DP student tribute during a graduation ceremony highlighted the profound impact of our teachers:

"Mr. Jo is by far the most charismatic teacher we were fortunate enough to have this year. He always pushed me to reach my full potential and motivated me to do better. His dedication and patience taught us a lot and prepared us for what's yet to come."

Our students' success is also attributed to the school's nurturing environment and the strong bonds between teachers and students. Small class sizes allow for close monitoring and personalised attention, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to excel. The school's multicultural environment, represented by over 50 nationalities, encourages the exchange of ideas and mutual respect. Our teaching methods, both in and outside the classroom, promote tolerance, understanding, and the acquisition of a second language, preparing students for a globalised world.

The support system at Montgomery International School extends beyond academics. Our dedicated faculty and teachers are always available to assist students both academically and on a more personal level. We take bullying very seriously and implement modern methods of conflict resolution, such as restorative justice. This approach engages all students involved, encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions and understand how their behaviour impacts others. We believe that these methods help students develop the skills necessary to confront and resolve difficult situations effectively in their adult lives.

In addition to our academic and counseling programs, we also place a strong emphasis on community engagement and service. Our students participate in various community service projects throughout the year. These projects help students develop a sense of social responsibility and empathy, and they provide opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Through these experiences, students learn the importance of giving back to the community and the impact they can have on the lives of others.

Montgomery International School in Brussels stands out as a premier institution that provides a holistic and comprehensive education to students from diverse backgrounds. From the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme, our innovative curriculum, commitment to academic excellence, and nurturing environment ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges of university and beyond. The International Baccalaureate philosophy underpins our approach, fostering not only academic knowledge but also critical thinking, empathy, and global awareness. With a track record of outstanding results and prestigious university placements, Montgomery International School continues to empower students to achieve their highest potential and make a positive impact on the world.

Through our dedication to providing a well-rounded education, we ensure that our students leave Montgomery International School not only with excellent academic credentials but also with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference in the world. Our graduates are well-prepared to take on the challenges of higher education and to become leaders in their chosen fields. They carry with them the values and skills they have developed at our school, ready to contribute to a better and more just world.