Curricula July 29, 2019

What is the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)?

We asked an IB expert to explain what is the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and how it works. Learn more about this popular International Baccalaureate Programme in this article!

What is the IB Middle Years Programme(MYP)?
What are the Benefits of the IB Middle Years Programme(MYP)?
Is IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) right for my child?

What is the IB Middle Years Programme(MYP)?

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is one of the 4 IB Programmes (PYP, MYP, DP & CP) that focuses on the development of 11 -16 years old students, enhancing the practical connection between the between the concepts learned at school and the real world. The MYP encourages and supports young students to develop their personal understanding, their sense of self and their commitment to their community.
Experts Say:
The IB MYP is a curriculum framework encompassing 8 subject areas where students engage in hands-on learning and are encouraged to make connections between the subjects. This is further developed through interdisciplinary units. As in all IB programmes, in the MYP students don’t just learn isolated content, but they learn through the context of real world issues.


The IB MYP offers students and families a lot of benefits:

ARecognized programmes

It’s a recognized programme throughout the world;

BIndependent learning

It provides the foundation for independent learning and promotes the application of knowledge in unfamiliar contexts;

CInternational mindedness

It encourages a better world understanding and higher participation in advanced academics;


It guarantees transferability and continuity of learning;

EContinual research

It is supported by extensive and continual research into curriculum and pedagogy.

Experts Say:
The MYP challenges students to engage in higher order thinking. Students are able to apply what they have learned to different situations. They come up with innovative solutions to problems. Students learning in the MYP become well-balanced people who show empathy and learn to reflect on themselves and their learning. The MYP helps develop responsibility for learning and for the students’ community. In addition, the programme is strong academically and prepares students well for success in the Diploma.


As mentioned earlier, the IB MYP promotes an interdisciplinary study that helps students to embrace and understand the connections between subjects and the real world and encourages them to become critical and reflective thinkers.
Experts Say:
All types of students can benefit from the MYP, and as such, it is generally inclusive. Some schools may ask students to do an entrance exam to ensure they are able to access the programme and/or progress to the IB Diploma after the MYP.

KIS International School


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