What is the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)? The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a framework of learning which encourages students to become creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and to the real world. It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding, and global engagement, qualities that are essential for life in the 21st century.

The MYP is flexible enough to accommodate the demands of most national or local curriculums. It builds upon the knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and prepares students to meet the academic challenges of the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career Programme (IBCP).

The IB Middle Years Programme

• addresses students’ intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being 
• enables students to understand and manage the complexities of our world, and provides them with the skills and attitudes they need in order to take responsible action for the future
• ensures breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding through the study of eight subject areas
• requires the study of at least two languages to support students in understanding  their own culture and that of others
• provides the opportunity for students to undertake an independent project into an area of interest

The Curriculum
The IB Middle Years Programme consists of eight subject groups integrated through six global contexts for learning.

Students are required to study at least two languages (as part of their multilingual profile), humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education, and technology. In their final year, students will also undertake an independent ‘personal project’ to demonstrate the development of their skills and understanding.

Assessment
MYP assessment standards are consistent around the world. In order to maintain the rigor 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.

For more information on the International Baccalaureate Programme, go to http://www.ibo.org/

The Sophomore Personal Project