IB education

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep is an IB-World School for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and a candidate school for the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (CP). With the addition of the examination programmes, we ensure a complete IB learning pathway in which students can develop into well-informed, confident, and socially engaged global citizens.

Below you will find more information about IB education at our school.

Johan de Witt Scholengroep is a Candidate School* for the IB Diploma Program (DP) and Career-related Program (CP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Johan de Witt Scholengroep believes is important for our students.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programs: the Primary Years Program (PYP), the Middle Years Program (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Program (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programs, visit www.ibo.org.

IB education at the Johan de Witt School Group

The Johan de Witt Scholengroep is an authorized IB World School for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB). IB World Schools operate worldwide, educating young people to become inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring individuals who strive together for a better and more peaceful world.

Curious? Visit our open days or contact one of our MYP coordinators via for answers to all your questions.

IB-MYP

At the Johan de Witt Scholengroep we offer five years of the MYP (MYP 1 to 5).

MYP 1-ISK is intended for students who are still a little too early in their transition to secondary education. MYP 1-ISK serves as a bridge that eases the transition to regular secondary education. MYP 1-ISK combines intensive Dutch language support (NT2) with the broader curricular aspects of the IB-MYP. This hybrid form of education focuses on strengthening basic skills while simultaneously providing a challenging academic framework. The approach in MYP 1-ISK is specifically designed to give students the time and resources they need to bridge existing gaps and prepare them for a successful future in Dutch education and beyond. After MYP 1, students can progress to MYP 2 or to regular secondary education (kader, mavo, HAVO, vwo).

MYP 2–4 (the first three years of secondary education) are offered in a so-called extended bridging period. This means that students with different school recommendations are in the same class for three years. Our goal is to guide every student towards the highest achievable and most suitable further education after three years in the MYP, while shaping them into global citizens with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges and opportunities in society. We monitor our students' progress at various levels: we assess their learning based on the learning objectives per subject group prescribed by the IB, using the MYP assessment criteria. In addition, we use the Dutch national criteria (SLO core objectives), and finally, we use reference tests to monitor progress in the core subjects (Dutch, mathematics, English).

MYP 5 is the final year of the MYP. Students who want (and are able) to continue within the MYP can progress to MYP 5 after MYP 4. MYP 5 is a preparatory year for the IB Career-related Programme (CP) or the Diploma Programme (DP).

The Learner Profile

With our MYP education, we educate young people to become broadly oriented global citizens who understand that they are one humanity and share responsibility for our planet. We achieve this by paying close attention to the characteristics outlined in the Learner Profile. The IB's mission forms the foundation for our education and how we interact with each other at school. In addition to cognitive development, the MYP also focuses on the social, emotional, and physical development of students. The Learner Profile encompasses ten characteristics. Throughout the MYP, teachers actively encourage and support students in developing these characteristics.

View the Learner Profile (ENG) and the Student Profile (NL)

Integration in disciplines

Education within the MYP program is organized into eight subject areas. The program promotes interdisciplinary learning based on a strong knowledge base. This helps students make important connections between subjects. Integrated learning helps students analyze complex problems and develop the skills needed to participate in our globalized society. Subjects are not taught separately, but are interconnected, reflecting how the world works. Students learn to think conceptually, allowing them to apply their knowledge to various situations.

The MYP has 8 subject areas.

Global Context

In the MYP, we encourage you to connect learning at school with the real world. We do this through the use of Global Contexts. The MYP strives for a holistic approach to learning and encourages students to connect their knowledge and skills to global issues and diversity. By connecting learning to contexts of global significance, students learn that they are part of the global population and that they share responsibility for protecting our planet.

ATL skills 

The MYP emphasizes developing Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. These are skills such as research, communication, critical thinking, and self-regulation, which support students in their academic and personal growth. They form the foundation for independent learning.

Multilingualism and intercultural understanding

In the MYP, there's room for your home language. Multilingualism isn't seen as a barrier, but rather as a valuable asset in students' learning. Within the MYP, we recognize that multilingualism not only contributes to language skills but also fosters a deep understanding and appreciation of different cultures. We utilize the various languages ​​students speak to enrich their learning experience and support their learning. By embracing multilingualism, students can draw on the knowledge they've acquired in their native language, helping them better grasp new concepts and further develop the language of the school. Furthermore, recognizing and utilizing diverse languages ​​contributes to increased language awareness and intercultural understanding. We believe this not only enhances the learning process but also fosters social cohesion within the school. This teaches students to respect and appreciate the cultural diversity around them, preparing them for a globalizing world.

Community Projects

During the Community Project, you'll dedicate yourself to the community and humanity. It teaches you to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment. A core component of the MYP, the Community Project offers students the opportunity to engage with social issues in a practical way. You'll investigate a need within the community, take action to address it, and reflect on the process and results. This project helps you develop your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. You'll also develop a sense of responsibility and engagement with the world around you.

IB exam programmes

At the Johan de Witt Scholengroep, we aim to offer two IB examination programmes: the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (CP). Personal and academic growth are central to both programmes, with a focus on research skills, critical thinking, and reflection.

Both the DP and the CP provide access to higher education, but generally, the CP primarily prepares students for higher professional education (HBO), whereas the DP is more often aimed at progression to university education (WO)

Specific admission requirements for study programs may require certain subjects or conditions.

Diploma Programme (DP)

The DP is a two-year program that is broad and academic in nature, featuring six theoretical subjects and a strong focus on intellectual deepening. The DP is specifically designed for students who wish to develop broadly with academic depth, critical thinking, intercultural engagement, and preparation for further university studies worldwide. 

Career-related Program (CP)

The CP is a two-year program combining academic DP subjects with a vocational component. The CP is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue a career-oriented learning while simultaneously developing skills in applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and intercultural engagement.

More information about both programs can be found in our 'IB Upper-years Booklet' under downloads.