IB Middle Years Programme

The Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) is part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, which also includes the Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) for younger learners and the Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Career-related Programme (IBCP) for older students. Each program builds on the previous one, developing students’ skills and knowledge to prepare them for the next level of learning.

The IBMYP, designed for students aged 11 to 16, bridges the foundational, enquiry-based approach of the IBPYP with the rigour and specialisation of the IBDP and IBCP. It offers a challenging framework that encourages students to make meaningful connections between their studies and the real world. Through the IBMYP, students develop critical thinking skills, a sense of international-mindedness, and an appreciation for learning across disciplines, setting them up for success in the final stages of the IB continuum and beyond.

Unlike traditional curriculums focused primarily on content and exams, the IBMYP emphasises a holistic, interdisciplinary approach designed to cultivate critical thinking, global awareness, and personal growth. Through this structure, students connect their learning across subjects, building skills that extend beyond academics and preparing them for real-world challenges.

The IBMYP focuses on…

Interdisciplinary Learning: Students explore connections across subjects, helping them apply their learning to real-life contexts. This interdisciplinary approach deepens their understanding, encourages problem-solving, and equips them with the analytical skills needed to tackle complex issues—fostering an adaptable, big-picture mindset not typically emphasised in more traditional curriculums.

International-Mindedness: With a strong focus on global issues and cultural understanding, the IBMYP encourages students to broaden their perspectives and appreciate diverse viewpoints. This emphasis on international-mindedness helps students see beyond their immediate environment, fostering empathy and a sense of responsibility in an interconnected world.

Personal Development: The IBMYP values personal growth as much as academic achievement, emphasising skills like resilience, empathy, and communication. By engaging students in reflection, goal-setting, and service, the program nurtures individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and active in their communities.

The core components of the IBMYP are specifically designed to support these goals, making it distinct from some other curriculums:

Approaches to Learning (ATL): The ATL framework teaches essential skills for success, such as organisation, collaboration, and communication. By learning how to learn, students become self-directed and confident in managing their own academic and personal growth.

Global Contexts: Each IBMYP unit is anchored in a global context, encouraging students to connect their studies with relevant real-world issues. This approach helps students understand the broader purpose of their learning and its implications, reinforcing both global awareness and personal relevance.

Service as Action: The IBMYP integrates service-based learning, encouraging students to take action based on their studies. Through service, students develop empathy and social commitment, gaining a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for the impact they can make within their communities.

Project-Based Learning: The IBMYP culminates in a personal project where students independently explore a topic of interest, conducting research and creating a final product. This experience promotes independence, self-management, and resilience, as students take ownership of their learning and apply it in a meaningful way.

The IBMYP requires students to study eight subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design.

IBMYP assessment is criterion-related, meaning students are evaluated against specific, predefined criteria for each subject area rather than being compared to their peers. This ensures that students focus on meeting clear learning goals and understand exactly what is expected to succeed.

The IBMYP includes both formative assessments (ongoing, providing feedback to support learning) and summative assessments (final evaluations at the end of a unit). Together, these assessments offer students continuous insight into their progress, encouraging reflection and improvement.

The IBMYP Personal Project is a student-led enquiry project completed in the final year of the IBMYP (Grade 10/Year 11). It allows students to explore a topic and product of personal interest, develop greater understanding of how they learn, strengthen critical skills, and demonstrate what they have learned during the programme. To celebrate their work, students present their Personal Project to the ACS community, further promoting their communication and presentation skills.

Yes, the IBMYP serves as an excellent foundation for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Career-related Programme (CP). It encourages independent learning, critical thinking, and a global perspective, which are key skills needed for the IBDP. There is research supporting the conclusion that MYP students score higher in the DP than non-MYP students.

Yes, since the IBMYP is internationally recognised, it enables students to transfer between different national and international systems. However, students may need to adapt to local curriculums and assessment methods, depending on where they transfer.

Yes, the IBMYP framework is flexible and allows teachers to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students, including those with additional learning support needs or those who may require extra challenges.

The IBMYP encourages students to be globally aware through international-mindedness, intercultural understanding, and engagement with global issues. The curriculum is designed to promote ethical responsibility and active participation in local and global communities.

At ACS Egham, students take IBMYP eAssessments at the end of Grade 10/Year 11, which can provide internationally recognised certification. Maths and English are required but students can opt to do eAssessments in the other subjects. Students who complete all the eAssessments and an ePortfolio are eligible to receive an IBMYP Certificate. The IBMYP eAssessment is recognised by Ofqual, and provides students with evidence of achievement when moving into post-16 education, such as the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).

It is a modern, tech-driven evaluation system that tests students’ ability to apply their learning in dynamic ways, rather than just focusing on memorisation. It’s part of the IB’s broader mission to develop well-rounded, globally minded learners.

The IBMYP is widely respected by universities and employers for its emphasis on developing critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural awareness. It also provides excellent preparation for further study, including the IB Diploma Programme.

International recognition: It offers an official qualification from the IB, which is highly regarded by schools, universities, and employers around the world.

Holistic assessment: It goes beyond traditional exams by assessing skills such as inquiry, reflection, and problem-solving.

Preparation for future studies: The skills and knowledge gained through eAssessment provide a strong foundation for students who plan to pursue the IB Diploma Programme or IB Career-related Programme.