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Frequently asked questions about the Middle Years Programme
What is the Middle Years Programme?
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a curriculum
framework designed for learners aged 11–16 by theInternational Baccalaureate (IB). The MYP is a five-year
programme, which can be implemented in a partnership between schools or in abbreviated two-, three- or
four-year formats.
In an MYP classroom, you’ll notice that the students areat the centre of learning. They are drawing connections
between all subject areas, learning is explicitly linked tothe 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 understandingof other cultures, an awareness of the human condition
and an understanding that there is a commonality ofhuman experience.

What are the advantages of an IBeducation?
• IB World Schools (the only schools authorized tooffer IB programmes) are subject to a strict accreditation process monitored by the IB, ensuring thatschools provide a high-quality education.
• IB teaching methods and curriculums are research-based and draw from the best educational
practices from systems around the world.
• IB teachers are required to participate in many professional development opportunities to continuallypromote their awareness of current educational
practices and new thinking.
• IB programmes are recognized internationally andease the educational transition of mobile students
so that their education is not adversely affected if
their families relocate.

The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced educationfor early adolescents. Students take the core coursesof language and literature, individuals and societies,
mathematics, sciences, physical and health education,
language acquisition, arts, and design. A unique feature of the programme is that it extends the traditional
curriculum to include immersion in four themes—
approaches to teaching and approaches to learning,
global contexts and concepts. Students also complete
a personal project, which is an independent piece ofwork that may be an essay, an artistic production
or another form of expression.

ibo.org

Do IB teachers receive special training?
All MYP teachers receive professional developmentin the IB’s approaches to teaching and approaches tolearning from certified IB workshop leaders. This is a requirement for IB World Schools implementing the MYP.

Are IB programmes considered “gifted”
programmes?
In most cases, the MYP requires schoolwide implementation and therefore encompasses all students. Allteachers who teach in MYP classrooms are required toparticipate in collaborative planning and reflection to
make their teaching practices consistent and to foster aholistic 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 toundertake the IB Diploma Programme or Career-relatedProgramme.

Does implementing an IB programme mean
my child’s school will not teach local or national standards such as the Common Core?
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 that there is alignment with local, state ornational standards. More information on the IB and theCommon Core is available at www.ibo.org.

Have studies been done on the impact of
the MYP?
The IB places great value on external validation of
its programmes, curriculums 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 scienceassessments than their counterparts in five comparison
schools. Additional studies on programme impact, quality assurance, programme development and assessment research are available at www.ibo.org/research.

Are there external assessments in the MYPlike in the Diploma Programme?
In the final year of the programme, the optional MYPeAssessment 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
MYP assessment.

How can I learn more about the IB and MYP?
••••

Visit the IB website at www.ibo.org
Attend school meetings and events
Speak with your school’s MYP coordinator
Speak with your child’s MYP classroom teacher.