With a diverse community spanning over 50 nationalities, our school nurtures each student’s unique talents through a variety of hands-on, experiential learning opportunities—from Service Learning in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to innovative projects in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP).
This rich educational tapestry not only builds academic excellence but also cultivates empathy, creativity, and lifelong skills in our students.
Learning by doing: service learning in the Primary Years Programme
At Montgomery International School, learning extends far beyond textbooks. For example, in the Primary Years, Service Learning is an integral part of the curriculum, allowing young learners to develop real-world skills early on. Every Friday during the last period, students choose a service project that resonates with their interests. Projects such as the Polish Club, which introduces children to the language, traditions, and cuisine of Poland, or the Climate Warriors initiative, where students create art from reusable materials and explore the pressing issues of climate change, are just two examples of how our students learn by doing.
This hands-on approach fosters student agency—empowering each child to take ownership of their learning journey. Whether they select a teacher-proposed project or design one of their own, our students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills.
Experiential learning in the Middle Years Programme
In the Middle Years Programme (from 11 to 16 years old), students have the opportunity to explore innovative projects, challenging them to think outside the box. Beginning in MYP1 (Grade 6), they are introduced to Design classes, where they learn to identify real-world problems, develop potential solutions—whether manually or digitally—to eventually reflect on the success of their project. This early exposure to design thinking not only ignites creativity but also encourages critical problem-solving abilities.
As students progress into MYP4 and MYP5 (Grades 9 and 10), they participate in the “Mini-Entreprise” project. Working in teams, they develop a product from concept to market, guided by teachers who help them understand the intricacies of business, marketing, and communication. From creating an energy drink to inventing an e-fork that detects food temperature, the imagination of our students is boundless. This project is a formative experience where leadership, teamwork, and creativity converge, preparing students for future academic and professional endeavors.
Additionally, the MYP5 Personal Project stands as a cornerstone of the Middle Years curriculum. Here, students are encouraged to delve deeply into a subject of personal interest. Over the course of the year, they plan, execute, and ultimately present a project that reflects both their passions and academic skills. Past projects have included building an eco-house model, creating a robotic hand, and writing and recording an EP. These initiatives challenge students to balance creativity with critical analysis. Through this process, they also develop essential time management skills, learning to set goals, meet deadlines, and manage long-term projects.
Developing well-rounded individuals in the Diploma Programme
The CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program is at the heart of personal development in the DP (from 16 to 18 years old), challenging students to engage in experiences that foster creativity, physical well-being, and social responsibility. In DP1, students collaborate with Serve the City in Brussels, volunteering in kitchens that prepare meals for homeless individuals—an experience that builds empathy, teamwork, and a strong sense of community service.
For the creativity strand, students develop their communication and diplomacy skills by participating in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, where they take on the role of delegates representing different countries in global debates.
Additionally, all DP students complete a collaborative project as part of their CAS requirements, developing essential teamwork and leadership skills. Some examples of these projects include organizing an art show, coordinating a sponsored run, and hosting charity bake sales to raise funds for local and global causes. These initiatives encourage students to take action, work towards a shared goal, and contribute positively to their community.
Curriculum-related field trips: learning beyond the classroom
Montgomery International School takes full advantage of its central Brussels location to create immersive learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Our students regularly participate in field trips that transform academic concepts into tangible experiences, including visits to international institutions, museums, galleries, and theatres.
These field trips are designed to bring academic studies to life, allowing students to make real-world connections and deepen their understanding. For instance, Business Management students attend the Oxfam - Atelier d'immersion, where they explore ethical business practices and sustainability. Science students visit the Museum of Natural Sciences to examine biodiversity, evolution, and environmental conservation firsthand. In the arts and languages, students expand their literary and cultural appreciation through experiences such as watching Hamlet at the Théâtre National for English, Drama, and French Language & Literature, while French B students immerse themselves in Belgian cultural heritage at the Comic Arts Museum in Brussels. These experiences not only reinforce classroom learning but also encourage curiosity, adaptability, and critical thinking.
Beyond single-day excursions, we also organize extensive trips, offering experiences such as mountain biking, rock climbing, and cultural explorations in destinations like New York, Portugal, Sicily, and Scandinavia. This year, our students will even embark on a whale-watching adventure in Iceland!
A school culture promoting academic and personal growth
The diverse range of projects, field trips, and experiential learning opportunities provided across the PYP, MYP, and DP are carefully designed to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and culturally aware.
These enriching experiences are guided by our five core principles—commitment to academic growth, an innovative curriculum, knowing our students, strong student-teacher connections, and a culture of care—ensuring that every student is empowered to thrive academically and personally.
Montgomery International School is located in the heart of Brussels, close to international institutions and cultural landmarks.
To learn more about our programmes and experience our unique approach to education, join us for our virtual open house on April 24th from 8pm to 9.30pm.
To register, visit www.mischool.be/virtual-open-house.
