Years 7-11 (MYP)

Language is central to both self-understanding and effective communication with others. At Dolphin, the MYP framework enables us to respond dynamically to students’ interests, questions and intellectual curiosities, exploring a truly wide-ranging canon of literature: international and domestic, contemporary and classic.

Discussion is deliberately open-ended, encouraging students to develop and justify their own interpretations rather than treating meaning as fixed or singular. This flexible yet rigorous approach develops critical thinking and analytical precision, while refining students’ ability to express themselves with clarity and confidence, and fostering a lasting habit of reading and a lifelong engagement with literature and ideas.

Through the study of both French and Spanish, pupils have the opportunity to explore different cultures and gain insight into global speaking communities. Communication sits at the heart of language learning, engaging students by encouring them to make connections and build intercultural understanding.

Students are able to reflect on the linguistic and cultural aspects of language learning within the context of their own community and cultural heritage. Communication and language is given purpose and context with an overarching goal to foster curiosity, inquiry and a lifelong interest in the acquisition of new language.

In the Sciences, students explore the natural world through inquiry, investigation and critical thinking. Learning is grounded in real‑world contexts, helping students make meaningful connections between scientific concepts and global issues.

Through practical work, data analysis and collaborative problem‑solving, pupils deepen their understanding of the Sciences while developing curiosity, resilience and scientific literacy. The MYP encourages students to ask thoughtful questions, evaluate evidence and apply their learning creatively, preparing them to engage confidently with an increasingly scientific and technological world.

Through an inquiry-based approach, students explore mathematical concepts such as number, algebra, geometry and statistics by investigating real-world problems, identifying patterns and explaining their reasoning. This approach develops deep understanding, critical thinking and confidence, ensuring students not only learn mathematical skills but also understand how to apply them in meaningful contexts.

Through regular, thoughtfully planned links with a variety of other subjects, trips and visits, the relevance and primacy of maths becomes a central motivating factor in ensuring all children see themselves as mathematicians.

This broad faculty encompasses the traditional disciplines of History and Geography, while also drawing on related fields such as Sociology, Philosophy and Religion. Alongside subject-specific teaching, students engage in integrated units of study that bring these disciplines into conversation, enabling them to explore complex themes from multiple perspectives.

The Individuals and Societies programme combines academic rigour with intellectual breadth, encouraging students to situate their learning within a rich international context and supporting them in developing as active, informed citizens of a global community.

Design inspires students to think creatively, tackle real-world problems, and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. Through hands-on projects, they research, design, and build innovative products, exploring materials, tools, and modern manufacturing techniques.

The course guides students through the full design process—from initial ideas to prototyping and final production—while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and evaluation. By emphasising experiential learning and real-life problem solving, this subject reflects the founding principles of Dolphin, showing how thoughtful design can shape the future.

The Arts are the beating heart of a school like Dolphin, because they are what guide children to discover who they are, what matters to them, and how they connect to the wider world. In Art, Drama, Music and Dance, pupils learn to explore new perspectives, analyse and respond to works of art, take creative risks, and reflect critically on their own creative processes and development.

They are encouraged to value experimentation as much as refinement, and to understand that artistic work is as much about process as it is about outcome. This journey nurtures confidence, imagination and emotional intelligence, leading to young people who can think, feel and express themselves with depth, integrity and originality.

In Physical and Health Education, we encourage students to grow as active, healthy and confident learners. Through a balance of physical performance, inquiry‑based learning and thoughtful reflection, pupils develop skills in movement, teamwork, leadership and personal wellbeing.

They explore how to train effectively, make healthy choices and set meaningful goals, while engaging in a broad range of sports and physical activities. The programme fosters independence, resilience and a lifelong appreciation of health and physical activity.