ks3 LAB learner
LAB Learner, aligning with the values of the Middle Years Programme (MYP), is a curriculum designed to develop metacognition and character development, equipping students for effective independent study and ethical decision-making. Rooted in the principles of Learning, Service, and Community, it evolves across year groups to emphasise key aspects of personal and academic growth.
Year 7: Cultivating a Love of Learning, integrating the IB Learner Profile and ATL skills.
Year 8: Emphasising charity and service, encouraging students to engage meaningfully with social initiatives.
Year 9: Leading into the Community Project, where students collaborate to address real-world challenges.
SPIRITUAL
The MYP Learner Profile: Students reflect on their personal values and attributes, linking to the IB Learner Profile (e.g., being open-minded, reflective, and principled).
Critical thinking: The Death Penalty – Encourages ethical reasoning, empathy, and respect for different beliefs on justice and punishment.
Exploring identity: Students analyse how personal experiences and backgrounds shape perspectives.
MORAL
The Forgetting Curve: Teaches responsibility in learning, ethical memory retention, and personal growth.
Research skills: Focuses on ethical sourcing of information, integrity in academia, and distinguishing between truth and misinformation.
Moral dilemmas in literature: Explores right vs. wrong through fables and fictional narratives.
SOCIAL
Feedback & communication: Encourages constructive criticism, peer interaction, and collaboration.
Community & service: Introduces students to social responsibility through school and local engagement.
Social justice & equality: Analyses historical and modern movements advocating for equal rights.
Cultural
Exploring diversity & inclusion: Celebrates different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and identities.
Historical influences on identity: Examines how culture shapes societal norms, traditions, and beliefs.
Storytelling across cultures: Analyses myths, folklore, and oral traditions from around the world.
SPIRITUAL
Metacognition: Focuses on self-reflection, learning strategies, and developing curiosity about the learning process.
Exploring Philosophy & Religion: Students critically examine different belief systems, their values, and how they shape human experience.
Creativity & personal expression: Encourages self-exploration through writing, discussion, and the arts.
MORAL
Celebrating fictional worlds: Analyses moral conflicts in literature and film, helping students explore ethical themes.
Ethical consumerism & global responsibility: Examines the impact of choices on the environment and society.
Law & Justice: Studies the moral implications of legal systems and the difference between law and morality.
SOCIAL
First Give – MYP Service in Action: Hands-on social action project encouraging teamwork and leadership in addressing community issues.
Democracy & youth activism: Examines student voice, political engagement, and how young people influence social change.
Conflict resolution & teamwork: Develops problem-solving skills, negotiation techniques, and leadership abilities.
Cultural
LAB Literacy Festival preparations: Introduces literature and poetry from diverse cultures, fostering cultural appreciation.
The influence of global cultures on Music & Art: Explores how different societies contribute to modern creative expression.
Migration & multiculturalism: Examines historical and contemporary migration trends and their effects on national identity.
SPIRITUAL
Critical literacy: Challenges students to question media, texts, and social narratives, fostering deeper reflection on truth and bias.
Ethical debates on society: Discusses issues such as freedom of speech, human rights, and moral responsibility.
Mindfulness & self-reflection: Encourages students to explore personal values, resilience, and well-being.
MORAL
ATL Thinking: Develops students’ ability to evaluate moral dilemmas and form reasoned ethical arguments.
Moral philosophy & decision-making: Engages students in discussions on ethical leadership, moral responsibility, and decision-making in personal and professional life.
The role of ethics in media & technology: Explores issues such as AI bias, digital ethics, and the responsibilities of tech companies.
SOCIAL
Transforming lives through creativity: Encourages using the arts to tackle social issues and inspire change.
Debating modern society: Students discuss and develop perspectives on social issues such as immigration, gender equality, and economic disparity.
Preparing for the workplace: Focuses on collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence in professional settings.
Cultural
LAB Literacy Festival & reflections: Encourages deep engagement with multicultural literature and art.
Media representation & cultural identity: Analyses how different cultures are portrayed in media and the impact of stereotypes.
Global citizenship & interconnectedness: Encourages students to think critically about their role in a globally connected world.