A Journey of Growth: Supporting International School Riga in Developing Their MYP Programme
Education is a journey, not just for students, but for institutions as well. This week, I had the privilege of visiting International School Riga (ISR), a school that is on an inspiring journey of growth and development. ISR, already renowned for its excellent Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), is now setting its sights on a new milestone: achieving authorisation for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). My visit was centered around supporting their efforts in this critical phase of their journey, and it was an experience that left me both impressed and inspired.
International School Riga is a school that lives and breathes its mission to nurture global citizens through a holistic and inclusive education. Located in the heart of Latvia's vibrant capital, ISR has established itself as a cornerstone of international education in the region. The school's commitment to fostering a diverse and supportive learning environment is evident in every corner of the campus, from the bustling classrooms to the collaborative staff meetings.
As ISR approaches the authorisation of the MYP, it's clear that they are not just adding another programme to their offerings; they are expanding their vision for what education can be. The MYP will serve as a bridge between the foundational years of the PYP and the challenging academic environment of the DP, providing students with a seamless and well-rounded educational journey.
The Middle Years Programme is designed to challenge students aged 11 to 16, encouraging them to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. It promotes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a sense of responsibility towards the global community—values that ISR has long championed.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with the dedicated team leading this initiative. Their enthusiasm for the MYP was palpable. From the Head of School to the MYP Coordinator, every member of the team shared a deep commitment to ensuring that the programme would be implemented with the same level of excellence that characterizes the PYP and DP at ISR.
We discussed the various aspects of the MYP framework, from its rigorous assessment strategies to the integration of global contexts in the curriculum. The team at ISR is focused on creating a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, think critically, and develop a strong sense of self within a global context. This approach aligns perfectly with the MYP's mission to develop active learners and internationally-minded young people.
My role during this visit was to provide support and guidance as ISR prepares for the MYP authorisation process. We reviewed the school's current practices, discussed areas of alignment with the MYP requirements, and explored opportunities for further development. It was heartening to see how well-prepared the school already is, thanks to its strong foundation in the PYP and DP.
One of the key focus areas was ensuring that the school's culture of collaboration and reflective practice extends into the MYP. We worked on strategies to enhance professional development for teachers, ensuring they are fully equipped to deliver the MYP curriculum. We also explored ways to engage the broader school community—students, parents, and staff—in the journey towards MYP authorisation.
My visit to International School Riga was a reminder of the importance of continuous growth and development in education. Supporting ISR in their MYP journey was not just about helping them meet a set of requirements; it was about contributing to a vision of education that is holistic, inclusive, and globally-minded. As ISR moves closer to MYP authorisation, I am excited to see how they will continue to shape the future of international education in Latvia and beyond.
