The IB Philosophy

Montgomery International School, located in Brussels, Belgium, is a prestigious institution offering the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) is a nonprofit foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1968. The IB offers three educational programmes:

the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 to 12
the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16
the Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16 to 19

Montgomery International School is proud to be authorised to offer these comprehensive and rigorous programmes, which are designed to foster intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills in students.

History of the IB

The history of the IB is rooted in a vision of international education and understanding. When Marie-Thérèse Maurette wrote "Educational Techniques for Peace. Do They Exist?" in 1948, she laid the foundation for what would eventually become the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). In the mid-1960s, a group of teachers from the International School of Geneva created the International Schools Examinations Syndicate (ISES), which evolved into the International Baccalaureate Organization. Officially established in Geneva in 1968, the IB headquarters have since been pivotal in developing and maintaining the IB Diploma Programme. The aim was to provide an internationally acceptable university admissions qualification suitable for the growing mobile population of young people whose parents were part of the world of diplomacy, international organisations, and multinational corporations.

The IB's global reach expanded rapidly. International Baccalaureate North America (IBNA) was established in 1975, International Baccalaureate Africa, Europe and Middle-East (IBAEM) in 1986, and International Baccalaureate Asia Pacific (IBAP) around the same time. Today, the IB operates as a global organization with centres in Geneva, Washington D.C., The Hague, Cardiff, and Singapore. The organization's name and logo were updated in 2007 to reflect new structural arrangements, and "IB" now refers to the organization itself, any of the four programmes, or the diploma or certificates awarded at the end of a programme.

Benefits of the IB

The IB curriculum offers many benefits that extend beyond academic achievement, fostering a holistic development of students and preparing them for the complexities of the modern world.

Academic Rigour

The IB programmes are known for their challenging curriculum that encourages students to think critically and independently. The rigorous academic standards and assessment methods ensure that students are well-prepared for higher education and professional success. This emphasis on academic excellence helps students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in any field.

Global Recognition

The IB Diploma is recognised by leading universities worldwide, offering students excellent opportunities for higher education. This global recognition makes IB graduates attractive candidates for prestigious universities and colleges, providing them with a competitive edge in the admissions process. Universities appreciate the depth and breadth of knowledge that IB students possess, as well as their ability to engage in independent research and critical thinking.

Holistic Development

The IB's emphasis on creativity, activity, and service (CAS) alongside academic studies ensures that students develop well-rounded personal and professional skills. The CAS component encourages students to engage in a variety of activities beyond the classroom, promoting physical health, creativity, and community service. This balanced approach to education helps students develop important life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and time management.

Intercultural Understanding

The IB curriculum encourages students to appreciate and understand different cultures, fostering international-mindedness and empathy. This global perspective is cultivated through the study of diverse subjects, exposure to multiple languages, and participation in international projects and exchanges. Students learn to respect and value different viewpoints, which is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world.

Lifelong Learning

IB programmes promote a love of learning, inspiring students to be curious, knowledgeable, and motivated to make a difference. The inquiry-based approach to education encourages students to ask questions, seek out answers, and engage in continuous learning throughout their lives. This commitment to lifelong learning prepares students to adapt to changing circumstances and to pursue their passions with confidence and enthusiasm.

Grades Offered at MIS

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Montgomery International School caters to children aged 5.5 to 11 years, spanning PYP1 to PYP5 (Grade 1 to Grade 5). This programme encourages students to take responsibility for their learning, fostering natural curiosity and key traits such as empathy, resilience, and teamwork. The PYP curriculum is organised around six trans-disciplinary themes explored via key subjects such as English, French, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Studies, Drama, Visual Arts, Information & Communication Technologies (ICT), and Physical, Social, and Emotional Education.

The six trans-disciplinary themes are:

Who We Are
An inquiry into the nature of the self, beliefs and values, personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.
Where We Are in Place and Time
An exploration of our orientation in place and time, personal histories, and the discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind.
How We Express Ourselves
An examination of the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values.
How the World Works
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world and human societies.
How We Organize Ourselves
A look into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities, the structure and function of organizations.
Sharing the Planet
An exploration of rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things.

Through these themes, students gain a comprehensive understanding of various subjects while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16, covering MYP1 to MYP5 (Grades 6 to 10). This five-year programme builds on the foundations laid in the PYP, promoting active learning and personal development. The MYP curriculum includes subjects such as Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts (Theatre), Physical Education, Design, and ICT. The programme aims to develop students' abilities to make connections between their studies and the real world, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and reflective learning.

The MYP culminates in a Personal Project, an independent research project that allows students to investigate and explore topics of personal interest. This project helps students develop essential skills such as research, organisation, time management, and self-reflection. It also encourages them to incorporate and develop all traits of the IB Learner Profile, preparing them for the rigorous demands of the Diploma Programme.

Past Personal Projects at Montgomery International School have included:

Designing and sewing a leotard for gymnastics
Creating a Polish cookbook
Building the model of an eco-house
Developing a photography exhibit to show the personality of the subject
Creating a manga about a personal experience
Designing and building a robotic hand

In addition to academic subjects, the MYP includes Advisory classes, where students develop personal skills such as resilience, listening, and self-management. These classes address key and age-relevant matters such as drug prevention and bullying, helping students navigate their teenage years with confidence and support.

The Diploma Programme (DP)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 19, offering a robust preparation for university. The DP is recognised globally for its rigorous curriculum and its emphasis on developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills. At the beginning of the two years, students choose six subjects from six areas of study, with three at a Higher Level (HL) and three at a Standard Level (SL). Each subject requires an internally assessed research project and culminates in final examinations.

The six areas of study are:

Studies in Language and Literature: Students can choose from English Language & Literature HL/SL, French Language & Literature HL/SL, and School Supported Self-Taught Language & Literature SL.
Language Acquisition: Options include French SL/HL, French Ab Initio SL, and English SL/HL.
Individuals and Societies: Subjects offered are Business Management SL/HL and History SL/HL (in French only).
Sciences: Choices include Biology SL/HL, Chemistry SL/HL, and Physics SL/HL.
Mathematics: The options are Analysis & Approaches SL/HL.
Arts: Students can choose Theatre SL/HL or replace Arts with another subject from a different area of study.

In addition to these subjects, students must complete three core elements:

Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research paper on a topic of the student's choice, supervised by a mentor. This project develops research and writing skills essential for university-level work.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course that encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know. It fosters critical thinking and an understanding of different perspectives.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): This component encourages students to engage in various activities outside the classroom, promoting creativity, physical health, and community service. Students create a portfolio of their activities and reflections over an 18-month period.

Two tracks: English or Bilingual

Montgomery International School offers two distinct programmes starting in PYP2: the advanced bilingual track and the anglophone track. Both tracks aim to provide a high-quality education while accommodating the diverse linguistic backgrounds of students.

ENGLISH TRACK
In the English track, all subjects are taught in English, with the exception of French as a second language. This track is suitable for students at various levels of English proficiency, as it allows them to improve their language skills over time. Until the DP programme, students can join even if they're not fluent in English, ensuring they can fully engage with the curriculum and develop a strong academic foundation.

Advanced Bilingual Track
The advanced bilingual track provides an immersive experience with instruction in both French and English. In the PYP, instruction is split 50% in French and 50% in English. As students progress to the MYP, the balance shifts to 70% English and 30% French. In the DP, students pursuing the Advanced Bilingual Diploma study a second language as Language and Literature and another subject in the same language (e.g., History in French).

The bilingual programme is designed to encourage students to develop academic competency in both languages, even if they are not initially fluent in French. This immersive approach helps students become proficient in multiple languages, enhancing their cognitive abilities and cultural understanding.

Excellence at Montgomery International School

Results

Montgomery International School stands out for its exceptional academic results, dedicated teaching staff, and comprehensive support for students. The class of 2023 achieved an outstanding average of 34 points in the IB DP, with a 100% pass rate and top scores of 41 points. In 2022, the average score was 37 points, the best among IB schools in Brussels, with a top score of 45 points, historically achieved by less than 1% of international IBDP graduates. These impressive results are a testament to the school's commitment to academic excellence and student success.

The school's small class sizes allow for individualised teaching methods and personalised attention, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to thrive. The dynamic teaching team comprises experienced educators who are passionate about their subjects and dedicated to fostering a love of learning in their students.

Extracurricular Activities

Montgomery International School also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service projects, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop their talents outside the classroom. These activities help students build essential life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and time management while promoting physical health and emotional well-being. To read more about MIS extracurricular activities click here.

State of the Art Equipment

The school has a wide range state-of-the-art equipment such as smart boards, a 3D printer, and a well-equipped science lab. As an urban school, we benefit from our central location, offering students access to excellent external facilities, including the VUB sports centre, the ULB library, and various cultural venues for field trips, such as museums, theatres, and exhibitions. These resources enrich our educational experience and help create a dynamic learning environment.

Homework Club and Supervised Study

Montgomery International School is dedicated to fostering a supportive community, as demonstrated through its after-school support programmes. In Primary, students can attend Homework Club from 16:00 to 17:00, where they can review class material, work on their homework, and receive assistance from the supervisor. For secondary students, we offer a supervised study session after school hours, providing the opportunity to seek help from teachers in completing homework and clarifying any topics that were unclear during the day.

In This Section

IB's Learner Profile

Students will develop 10 key attributes throughout their IB journey.

Inquirers
Communicators
Caring
Open Minded
Principled
Balanced
Knowledgeable
Risk Takers
Reflective
Thinkers

If you wish to learn more about the programme, its requirements and recognition, please consult the following webpages:

The International Baccalaureate
Recognition of the IB

Why the IB?

The IB programmes, from primary to secondary school, reflect our mission and our vision. They not only allow students to gain curriculum knowledge in various subject areas but also to develop a deeper understanding of the world and of themselves as learners. Learning through action and making connections to day-to-day life are also key pillars of the IB programme.

Each subject at MIS is taught through the prism of the IB's learner profile attributes. They are specific intellectual, cognitive and psychological/personal traits identified by the IB organisation and universities as fundamental to the students' success on an academic and a personal level.