IB MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME
Preparing students to be successful in school and to be active, lifelong learners.
The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasises intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world. It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement — essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders.
MYP aims to develop students who are:
MYP aims to develop students who are:
Active learners
Internationally minded
Able to empathize with others
Wish to pursue lives of purpose and meaning
- MYP Classroom & LearningIn an MYP classroom, students are at the centre of learning. They draw connections between all subject areas, learning is explicitly linked to the world around them, participation in a foreign language is required, and a variety of formal and informal assessments are used to inform teaching and learning.
MYP learning experiences infuse global points of view wherever possible in order to promote understanding of other cultures, awareness of the human condition and an understanding that there is a commonality of human experience.
- Curricullum FrameworkThe MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents. Students take courses in language and literature, individuals and societies, mathematics, sciences, physical and health education, language acquisition, arts, and design. In years 4 and 5, students have the option to take courses from six of the eight subject groups, which provides greater flexibility.Learn More
A unique feature of the programme is that it extends the traditional curriculum to include approaches to teaching and learning, global contexts and concepts.
- MYP AssessmentMYP assessment standards are consistent around the world. In order to maintain the rigour for which the IB is renowned, the MYP assessment model is criterion-related. Teachers structure varied and valid assessment tasks so that students can demonstrate achievement according to objectives defined by the IB. Tasks are assessed against established criteria, not against the work of other students.Learn More
Typical MYP assessment tasks include open-ended, problem-solving activities and investigations, organised debates, tests and examinations, hands-on experimentation, analysis and reflection.
IB MYP:
- Addresses holistically students’ intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being
- Empowers students to participate in service within the community
- Provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need to manage complexity and take responsible action for the future
- Requires the study of at least two languages (the language of instruction and an additional language of choice) to support
students in understanding their own cultures and those of others - Ensures breadth and depth of understanding through study in eight subject groups
- Helps to prepare students for further education, the workplace and a lifetime of learning
A unifying thread throughout all MYP subject groups, approaches to learning provide the foundation for independent learning and encourage the application of their knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Developing and applying these skills helps students learn how to learn.
Action (learning by doing and experiencing) and service have always been shared values of the IB community. Students take action when they apply what theyare learning in the classroom and beyond. IB learners strive to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a commitment to service — making a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Service as action is an integral part of the programme, especially in the MYP community project.
MYP students are required to learn at least two languages. Learning to communicate in a variety of ways is fundamental to their development of intercultural understanding and crucial to their identity affirmation.
MYP Projects
MYP projects provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned in the MYP. The community project encourages students to explore their rights and responsibilities to implement service as action in the community. Students may complete the community project individually or in small groups. Each student develops a personal project independently, producing a truly personal and creative piece of work that stands as a summative review of their ability to conduct independent work.
FAQ
- IB World Schools (the only schools authorised to offer IB programmes) are subject to a strict accreditation process monitored by the IB, ensuring that schools provide a high-quality education.
- IB teaching methods and curricula are research-based and draw from educational best practices from systems around the world.
- IB teachers are required to participate in professional development opportunities to continually promote their awareness of current educational practices and new thinking.
- IB programmes are recognised internationally and ease the educational transition of mobile students so that their education is not adversely affected if their families relocate.
All MYP teachers receive professional development in the approaches to teaching and approaches to learning from certified IB workshop leaders. This is a requirement for IB World Schools implementing the MYP.
In most cases, the MYP requires schoolwide implementation and therefore encompasses all students. All teachers who teach in MYP classrooms are required to participate in collaborative planning and reflection to make their teaching practices consistent and to foster a holistic approach to education.
A growing body of evidence suggests a positive relationship between teacher collaboration and student achievement.
Students who complete the MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme.
A growing body of evidence suggests a positive relationship between teacher collaboration and student achievement.
Students who complete the MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme.
The IB is committed to making sure that students in IB programmes meet and exceed local or national standards. With the implementation of any IB programme, schools are required to examine their curriculum carefully to ensure alignment with local, state or national standards. More information is available at www.ibo.org.
The IB places great value on external validation of its programmes, curricula and professional development. A recent study found that Middle Years Programme students in a US public school district were more likely to achieve a proficient or advanced performance level on state mathematics and science assessments than their counterparts in comparison schools.
Additional studies on programme impact, quality assurance, programme development and assessment research are available at www.ibo.org/research.
Additional studies on programme impact, quality assurance, programme development and assessment research are available at www.ibo.org/research.
In the final year of the programme, the optional MYP eAssessment provides a balanced and age-appropriate strategy that schools can use to validate student achievement. Students demonstrate their understanding and skills through classroom performance, onscreen final examinations and a personal project conducted over an extended period of time.
Students who undertake external assessment are eligible for IB Course Results and the IB MYP Certificate. Find out more about the MYP assessment.
Students who undertake external assessment are eligible for IB Course Results and the IB MYP Certificate. Find out more about the MYP assessment.
- Visit the IB website at www.ibo.org
- Attend school meetings and events
- Speak with the school's MYP coordinator
- Speak with your child's MYP classroom teacher