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Frequently Asked Questions About The Middle Years Programme

For Parents and Students

What is the Middle Years Programme?


The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an educational framework that
requires students to study in eight subjects (literature taught in the
student’s native language, foreign language, social studies, science, math,
arts, physical education, and technology) in each of the five years the
programme lasts. Local, state, provincial, or national curriculum
requirements are the basis of each subject's content. Teachers present their
curriculum focused through the MYP’s Areas of Interaction, so that
instructional strategies change, rather than the subject content. The model
embodies three fundamental concepts: communication (valuing language
acquisition in at least two languages), holistic learning (finding the
connections across and within the subjects and grade levels), and
internationalism (a growing understanding of a student’s own culture
coupled with an understanding and appreciation of other cultures).

What grades does the Middle Years Programme encompass?


In most schools in North America, the IB Middle Years Programme is a fiveyear
programme that begins with grade 6 and continues through grade 10.
In some schools, such as those in Québec, the MYP begins with grade 7 and
continues through grade 11. The programme may be implemented in as
little as two consecutive grade levels following or preceding another IB
programme to as many as five grade levels. The decision for the length of
time of a MYP is determined by the local educational structures that exist.

Does the Middle Years Programme lead directly to the Diploma
Programme?


The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an excellent preparation for the
Diploma Programme. Many of the concepts, programme elements, and the
underlying philosophy found in the MYP are consistent with those found in
the Diploma Programme. Nevertheless, the MYP is not a prerequisite.
Indeed, schools and school districts may not offer both the MYP and Diploma
Programme.


Further, because schools and school districts establish their own enrollment
criteria for participating in the Diploma Programme, a student’s prior
involvement with the MYP is not a guarantee of entry into the Diploma
Programme.


Can students transfer easily from one Middle Years Programme
school to another?


In terms of continuity, certain aspects of the MYP, such as the areas of
interaction, assessment criteria, and the fundamental concepts of the
programme will be the same from school to school worldwide. However,
since the IB does not prescribe the content, the actual subject material
may vary.


Further, schools may begin their Middle Years Programmes at different
grade levels. In some states and provinces, the MYP begins in grade 6 and
goes through grade 10; in Québec, for example, it begins in grade 7 and
goes through grade 11.


Can students with special needs participate in an IB programme?


Yes. The IB has established policies for accommodating students with
special needs. A publication detailing these policies is available on the IB
website. Schools are asked to notify the IB of participating students whom

they have identified as having special needs.


Do Middle Years Programme students have to take IB examinations?


There are no IB examinations in the Middle Years Programme. Instead,
classroom teachers design their own examinations, using a common set of
IB-designed assessment criteria to mark the examinations. The classroom
teachers’ marks are reviewed by a team of specially trained MYP teachers
from around the world to ensure that the assessment criteria are applied
equally to the work of all MYP students.


Do Middle Years Programme students receive any acknowledgement
for their work?


Depending upon the way the school has implemented its Middle Years
Programme, students who complete the programme may receive an IB
certificate of achievement. While the certificate is not considered a
diploma or a school-leaving certificate, it is evidence of a student’s good
preparation for further studies, such as the IB Diploma or other rigorous
programmes. It represents significant achievement and takes into account
academic as well as non-academic aspects, such as community service and
the creation of a personal project.


How can my child enroll in the Middle Years Programme?


Only those students enrolled in and attending IB-authorized schools are
permitted to participate in the Middle Years Programme. Beyond that, the
IB permits each school to establish its own student enrollment policies.
Therefore, we encourage you to contact your school’s IB MYP coordinator to
learn how to enroll your child.

How can I get more information about IB in North America?


For additional information, or if you have any suggestions or comments
about the questions and answers that appear here, please contact the IBNA
office in New York (+1-212-696-4464) or Vancouver (+1-604-733-8980, or toll
free at +1-866-VAN-IBNA), or by email at ibna@ibo.org.