We are a Middle School where everyone finds success!

At our Middle School, Grades 6 to 8 or MYP 1 to 3, we teach our students how to learn, how to advocate for themselves and their learning as well as support their success during a time in which they are developing more rapidly than any stage other than the first two years of life. Small class sizes. Committed and talented teachers. Strong academics. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. Extensive co-curricular options. Inquiry-based learning. A holistic and balanced approach.

The MYP is a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. Students who complete the 5-year MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents.

In the final year of the programme, optional MYP eAssessment provides IB-validated grades based on examinations and course work. Students who undertake external assessment are eligible for MYP course results and the IB MYP Certificate.

MYP eAssessment is purposely designed to reflect the flexible curriculum framework in the MYP. Its flexible nature means it effectively suits the wide variety of school contexts globally. As an assessment for learning tool, it informs a student’s next steps in their education journey, builds their ability to apply their thinking to new situations, stimulates their learning of skills, and matches the three types of performances that suit a 21st century adolescent mind:

milestone performance (Personal Project),
assisted performance (ePortfolio),
and individual performance (On-screen Assessment).

As an assessment of learning tool, it functions as a summative assessment to complete a middle school career with externally IB validated results. This is executed through a series of world-leading, innovative, digital assessments that both ensure a high standard of academically rigour, and inform learning, teaching and creative teacher professionalism.

ABA Oman International School

is the only INTERNATIONAL IB World Continuum School in Oman

ABA is the leading international school in Muscat to offer three levels of the International Baccalaureate program - the IB Primary Years (PYP), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programmes (DP) - the gold standard in University preparation.

Since 2004, ABA had been officially authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The MYP teaches our students to think critically and ask fundamental questions. The learning environment challenges them to strive for their personal best and develop a zest for learning. Our MYP graduates leave the program as confident, capable learners who relish the process of discovery, thrive in interdisciplinary studies, and show commitment to improving our global classroom.

At ABA, the MYP is both an approach to learning as well as a rigorous academic programme. Developed specifically for Grades 6 to 10, the MYP does more than teach facts, figures, and formulas; it shows students how their interests and inquiries shape the process of their learning and how what they learn explains the world around them, the world they are eager to understand and eager to enjoy.

The MYP centres on the philosophy that students learn their best when their natural curiosity guides them. It follows that students in an IB classroom are prompted to ask challenging questions that will direct their research and learning, in addition to showing them the value of being a stakeholder in their own education.This inquiry-based approach fits in well at the Middle School level, particularly as students are coming into an age where they become more aware of society and how everything fits together, including their current roles and the roles they will carve out for themselves over the course of their lives.

The Global Context

Identities and relationships

Who am I? Who are we?

Students will explore identity; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; what it means to be human.

Orientation in space and time

What is the meaning of “when” and “where”?

Students will explore personal histories; homes and journeys; turning points in humankind; discoveries; explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between, and the interconnectedness of, individuals and civilizations, from personal, local and global perspectives.

Personal and cultural expression

What is the nature and purpose of creative expression?

Students will explore the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

Scientific and technical innovation

How do we understand the worlds in which we live?

Students will explore the natural world and its laws; the interaction between people and the natural world; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on communities and environments; the impact of environments on human activity; how humans adapt environments to their needs.

Globalization and sustainability

How is everything connected?

Students will explore the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the relationship between local and global processes; how local experiences mediate the global; reflect on the opportunities and tensions provided by world interconnectedness; the impact of decision-making on humankind and the environment.

Fairness and development

What are the consequences of our common humanity?

Students will explore rights and responsibilities; the relationship between communities; sharing finite resources with other people and with other living things; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

The MYP Programme Model

The student is at the centre of the programme, followed by the features that help students develop understanding (Learner Profile, Approaches to Teaching, Approaches to Learning, Global Contexts, Concepts). The second ring describes some important outcomes of the programme (Action, Service, Community Project, Personal Project). The third ring describes the MYP’s broad and balanced curriculum.

All of these components cultivate a desire to be a lifelong learner which paves the way for our children to find success in High School and on their journeys beyond ABA.

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What Student Support Does ABA Have?

How does ABA help children whose first language is not English?

The English as Additional Language program (EAL) at ABA – An IB Continuum School falls under the umbrella of the Student Support Services department. It is a service provided to students in grades 1-10 who have English as an additional language. Our mission is to help students develop English language skills, cultural awareness and learning strategies which will enable them to become successful learners and positive contributors to the wider community in which they live.

can ABA accommodate my child who has extra learning needs?

ABA admits students with learning needs who are able to access and benefit from the educational program in a mainstream environment. To ensure optimum student-teacher ratios and service to a high standard, placement for students requiring Learning Support shall not normally exceed 10% of the enrolment at any grade level. ABA is equipped to provide moderate support for a managed number of students normally not exceeding 5% of the total school enrollment and not more than four students requiring moderate support per grade level.

We require that parents provide any and all formal documentation identifying diagnosed areas of need (strength and challenge) to the school, in order to give their child the best chance of success at ABA.

The Learning Support Program falls under the umbrella of the Student Support Services department. The program provides support to students, teachers and parents. Learning support teachers are available as resources to support in-class interventions, to help identify areas of need and to provide specialised support, including early literacy intervention. ABA is an IB World Continuum School, and as such values and models inclusion. Our collaborative approach to support uses an evidence, data and strengths-based model with a focus on growth, progress and learning. We aim to increase independent access and success for students at ABA.

What is ABA's child protection policy?

ABA seeks to be a safe haven for all our students. Child Protection procedures derived from Child Protection Policy 7.6.3 will be stated in the ABA Child Protection Handbook. This handbook is communicated to all who work with ABA students. All staff employed at ABA must report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect whenever the staff member has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse or neglect. Reporting and follow up of all suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect will be in accordance with Omani Law and the child protection procedures resulting from this policy statement. The ABA administration shall be responsible for ensuring that screening and criminal background checks for staff are provided.

Does ABA have Student Counselling?

As an IB World Continuum School, we believe that counselling students extends beyond academic and emotional support. We aim to develop student achievement incorporating leadership, access to opportunities, collaboration and advocacy. We maintain a culturally sensitive, safe environment for all members of the school community, and ensure that students have someone to turn to if they need help. Our school counsellors assist all students through planning and prevention and are also available for intervention for immediate or unplanned needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the school day look like?

Grade Placement By Age

As an International School, we accept students from all over the world. ABA’s practice is to place students with their age-appropriate peers. We are a non-selective School, providing a genuine opportunity to all students who seek to achieve more than they believe they can, with the right guidance and support. With this in mind, we cater for students with a variety of academic backgrounds, which means it is necessary for our Admissions Team to assess each child’s application.

MS Afterschool Activities

The school offers a wide range of activities outside school hours. These range from athletics to yearbook, badminton to volleyball, and many others. There are a wide range of activities to choose from during the school year. An updated list of activities will be provided with the weekly Newsletter and on the Parent and student portals activities section of the school website. The program on offer varies seasonally, at the mercy of the weather, as well as from year to year depending on supply and demand. A few of the more specialized clubs may require a fee but most are provided within the school framework at no extra charge. The success of each activity depends very much on the enthusiasm and commitment of the students and their parents. Students are encouraged to attend at least one activity per semester.

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