IB MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME

 The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16 (grades six to ten in the Norcross Cluster of schools). It provides a framework of learning that emphasizes intellectual challenge and encourages connections between studies in traditional subjects and the real world. The MYP focuses on “learning how to learn” through the systematic development of approaches to learning (ATL) skills for communication, collaboration, organization, self-management, reflection, research, informational literacy, media literacy, creative and critical thinking, and transfer of learning. It also fosters intercultural understanding and global engagement —essential qualities for young people today. Interdisciplinary teaching and learning builds a connected curriculum that addresses the developmental needs of students and prepares them for further academic study and life in an increasingly interconnected world. The MYP uses concepts and contexts as starting points for meaningful integration and transfer of knowledge across eight subject groups (www.ibo.org).

MYP Personal Project

The MYP personal project is a student-centered practical exploration in which students consolidate their learning throughout the programme. This long-term project for tenth grade students is designed as an independent learning experience of approximately 25 hours. The personal project formally assesses students’ skills for self-management, research, communication, critical and creative thinking, and collaboration. The personal project encourages students to practice and strengthen their these skills, to connect classroom learning engagements with personal experience, and to develop their own interests for lifelong learning. Students completing the MYP Personal Project in tenth grade are eligible for formal certification from IB for the Personal Project.

The aims of the MYP projects are to encourage and enable students to:

• participate in a sustained, self-directed inquiry within a global context
• generate creative new insights and develop deeper understandings through in-depth investigation
• demonstrate the skills, attitudes and knowledge required to complete a project over an extended period of time
• communicate effectively in a variety of situations
• demonstrate responsible action through, or as a result of, learning
• appreciate the process of learning and take pride in their accomplishments.

Students must identify a global context for their MYP projects to establish their relevance and significance. The following global contexts direct learning towards independent inquiry.

• Identities and relationships
• Orientation in space and time
• Personal and cultural expression
• Scientific and technical innovation
• Globalization and sustainability
• Fairness and development.

MYP projects involve students in a wide range of student-planned learning activities that extend knowledge and understanding, and develop important academic and personal skills.