International Middle Years Curriculum

Learning for students, more than ever, needs to be relevant and inquiry-based. The International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) is a unique curriculum for students aged 11-14 years offered in 103 schools, across 50 countries. It is a challenging, engaging, internationally-minded, concept-focussed curriculum designed specifically for the unique learning needs of students in this age group. The IMYC inspires these students during a time when many of them are overwhelmed by the combination of the transition from primary to secondary education and the changes in their bodies and brain. The IMYC engages active learners in the development of knowledge, skills and understanding at a time when they need particular support in organizing and connecting their thinking and learning and make meaning of their learning like never before. Hillel Academy is the only school in Jamaica that offers the IMYC. 

The Curriculum is unique because of the following elements:

  • Rigorous and Clearly articulated “Learning Goals”: Because knowledge, skills and understanding are learned differently, taught differently and assessed or evaluated differently, students, teachers and others need as much clarity as possible if activities are to be learning-focused.
  • International Mindedness: There are rigorous opportunities for students to become aware of the parts of a bigger world and how they can be proud of their own national heritage and culture and, at the same time, be deeply respectful of the heritage and culture of others.
  • Independence and Interdependence: There are opportunities for students to work both independently and interdependently/collaboratively. Moreover, although students of the IMYC still study individual subjects independently, subject areas are interlinked in a specific unit through the “Big Idea”.  over a six to seven-week period and develop multiple perspectives of concepts and ideas. How they can get along and how they can disagree in a constructive manner.
  • Engaging students aged 11-14: There are many changes that students aged 11-14 typically go through. For example, the onset of puberty changes the way their brains are wired (specialisation) and maturation of the pre-frontal cortex causes typical behaviours like increased risk-taking, increased sensation seeking, and high regard for validation by peers. The curriculum is research-based and focuses specifically on helping students in this age group engage with learning in new ways and responds to the group’s unique challenges.

Our IMYC Coordinator is Ms. Anmarie Anderson and she can be contacted directly by email at the link provided to discuss any queries or questions you may have.


Ms. Anmarie Anderson
IMYC Coordinator