Middle Years Programme (MYP)
At St Brendan’s School, we implement the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) as a bilingual educational proposal that supports students during a key stage of their personal, social and academic development. The MYP promotes a rigorous, meaningful and learner-centred education, preparing young people to understand the world and act responsibly within it.
Mission
To promote students’ conscious ownership of their learning and the development of an autonomous, transformative personal approach to reality as future citizens. This process is guided by the desire for discovery and self-improvement, shared values, and a strong sense of personal identity.
Core Components of the MYP
Componentes Fundamentales del PAI
Student-centred curriculum
Learning is built upon each student’s interests, experiences and needs. We foster autonomy, reflection and active participation, encouraging students to take an active role in their own learning process.
Holistic education
The MYP supports the balanced development of the whole student, integrating intellectual, emotional, social and ethical growth. Our aim is to develop well-rounded, empathetic individuals who are committed to their communities.
Global contexts
Learning takes place within meaningful contexts that connect academic content with local and global realities. This enables students to better understand the world, reflect on their place within it and develop an international mindset.
Interdisciplinary teaching
We promote learning experiences that integrate different subject areas, helping students establish connections, transfer knowledge and approach complex issues from multiple perspectives.
Inquiry and student agency
Inquiry is a central pillar of the MYP. Students develop research, critical thinking and communication skills as they learn to formulate questions, analyse information and construct well-founded conclusions.
Collaborative learning
Collaborative learning strengthens the exchange of ideas, respect for diverse viewpoints and the co-construction of knowledge. Working with others becomes an opportunity to learn, grow and develop socially.
Action and Service
The MYP encourages students to move from learning to action. Through action and service experiences, students engage with their community, develop social awareness and understand that they can generate a positive impact.
Community Project
The Community Project course invites students to identify a real need within their environment and to design, plan and carry out a concrete action. This experience strengthens social commitment, collaborative work and the application of learning in authentic contexts.
Personal Project
As the culmination of the MYP, the Personal Project allows each student to explore a personal interest, apply skills developed throughout the programme and reflect on their learning process. It is a meaningful experience that promotes autonomy, perseverance and learning throughout the student’s life.
Practical Information
Levels
Grade 7 to 1º EMS
Schedule
Full day (compulsory): starting at 7:45
Main Campus
- Av. Rivera 2314
- 2409 4939
Flexible Curriculum
Subjects, activities, and projects that respond to students’ diverse interests, encouraging them to explore their passions and develop both cognitive and socio-emotional skills.
Sports
We offer a variety of sports activities that promote teamwork, personal growth, and healthy habits.
Camps and community-building experiences
Camps and participation and integration days are key moments in the life of St Brendan’s School, spaces where connection, shared experiences and joy strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community. The annual generational camp, integration days, Churrock (featuring school bands and soloists), St Brendan’s Day inspired by Irish philosophy, Family Day, and Halloween celebrations provide opportunities to share, express ourselves and celebrate together, while also learning to value cultural diversity and creativity.
These carefully designed experiences help students feel a sense of belonging, create meaningful memories and develop a strong community identity. At the same time, they reinforce motivation for learning, commitment to school life and the desire to grow within a community that supports, celebrates and acts together, both inside and outside the classroom.
Chill Brendan
Chill Brendan is a recreational space for students in Grade 7, 8 and 9, held on Fridays from 15:30 to 17:30 pm and facilitated by the recreation team and year coordinators. Its purpose is to offer a relaxed, outdoor, out-of-classroom space for social connection. Through proposals from both staff and students, the programme aims to strengthen relationships and promote enjoyment and wellbeing.
“Towards a Healthy Adolescence” Workshops
Organised by the psychopedagogical team, these workshops support students throughout their growth and development, offering spaces for listening, reflection and guidance. By addressing topics relevant to this stage of life, students find a safe environment to access information, express themselves and develop tools that support their emotional, social and personal wellbeing.
Portuguese
Learning Portuguese offers students the opportunity to acquire a third language and open new doors to the world. Beyond language learning, it is an invitation to explore other cultures, broaden perspectives and develop greater sensitivity to diversity. Mastering a third language strengthens communication, confidence and autonomy, preparing students for future academic, professional and personal pathways in an increasingly connected world.
SEL – Social and Emotional Learning
A space dedicated to developing social and emotional skills, where students strengthen communication, collaboration, and self-awareness, as well as awareness of others.
Design Technology
Students are encouraged to observe the world with curiosity and sensitivity, identifying real needs and transforming them into learning opportunities. Through meaningful challenges, they imagine, create, and test solutions, developing creativity, critical thinking, and confidence in their own ideas.
Mathematics Support
A supportive and trusting space designed to reinforce, deepen, and extend learning, respecting each student’s individual pace and needs. Each session aims not only to support understanding, but also to strengthen autonomy, self-confidence, and trust in one’s own ability to learn and continue growing.
TAF – Taking Action Further
A student-chosen space where ideas are transformed into meaningful action in service of the community, fostering empathy and social responsibility. Guided by genuine interests and a desire to engage with their environment, students identify real needs, develop proposals, and bring them to life with commitment and care.
Model United Nations (MUN)
A simulated United Nations debate where students develop global awareness, research skills, teamwork, and strong oral communication.
The MUN workshop provides an inclusive and supportive space for students to practice both spoken and written English. It is also a place to connect with others, collaborate, and engage in meaningful debates, while learning to think critically about global issues.
Chess
Students are invited to challenge themselves by developing logical and creative thinking, strengthening concentration, and learning to make responsible decisions.
Science Club
A workshop that fosters a love for science through curiosity, enthusiasm, and a spirit of inquiry, encouraging students’ ideas and creativity through research projects. Students understand the value of science in society and are introduced to scientific and technological research in our country.
Mathematics Olympiad Workshop
A space for exploration, active participation, and problem-based mathematics learning. Students engage with challenges inspired by Mathematics Olympiads and the team competition “Mateclubes” from Argentina. The objectives are clear: to challenge themselves with mathematical problems for enjoyment, overcome fear of mathematics, and prepare for a complex future where creative problem-solving will be essential.
World Affairs
A debate workshop on global issues where students explore international conflicts, social movements, scientific advancements, and cultural trends, fostering curiosity, media literacy, and critical thinking.
Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship course invites students to develop an active, creative, and analytical mindset to generate ideas and projects. Throughout the year, students learn to identify opportunities, transform ideas into concrete proposals, and understand how entrepreneurial initiatives can create value for themselves and their communities.
Scottish and Irish Dance (optional)
An optional activity that connects students with Irish and Scottish cultural traditions through traditional dance.
School Play
DESEM
A business and entrepreneurship development program that complements students’ education by fostering business skills and leadership abilities.
Would you like to learn more about our Secondary School programme?
Discover how we prepare young people for the world.