Middle Years Programme

Teaching and learning in the MYP

Students study all eight MYP subject areas. In addition, students complete one interdisciplinary unit, which involves at least two subject areas, every year. All MYP students are also required to submit a coursework project on a topic of their choice.

According to the IB, the “MYP aims to help students develop understanding, their emerging sense of self and responsibility in their community.”

The MYP is taught according to guiding principles such as teaching and learning in context; conceptual understanding; approaches to learning (ATL); and service as action, through community service.

Teaching and learning in context

Learning is provided context, and connected to students’ own lives and their experience of the world. With the application of global contexts, MYP students are encouraged to develop an understanding of “their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet” by exploring identities and relationships; personal and cultural identity; orientations in space and time; scientific and technical innovation; fairness and development; and globalisation and sustainability.

Conceptual understanding

MYP students use concepts to explore issues and ideas of personal, local and global significance, and examine knowledge holistically. The MYP prescribes 16 key interdisciplinary concepts, along with related concepts for each discipline.

Approaches to learning (ATL)

ATL helps students to “learn how to learn”. A common theme to all MYP subject groups, ATL provides a basis for independent learning, and encourages the application of knowledge and skills in previously unfamiliar contexts, thereby encouraging the development and application of students’ social, thinking, research, communication and self-management skills.

Service as action

All IB students are encouraged to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a commitment to service: a desire to positively impact the lives of others and the environment. Students “take action” when they apply what they learn in the classroom – and elsewhere – to everyday life.