Starting in 2016, the MYP can be implemented in partnerships between schools or by individual schools in abbreviated formats. A rule change allows schools to implement the MYP in any consecutive two-, three-, four- or five-year form, regardless of other IB programmes offered. Schools that apply for MYP authorization from October 2016 will be able to use the flexibility of the new rule to initiate their MYP implementation. Authorized IB World Schools interested in offering the newly flexible MYP can contact their respective regional IB office for more information.
What benefits can my school realize from this rule change?
The MYP, a high-quality education program for 11-16 year old students, is part of the IB continuum that begins with the Primary Years Programme and culminates in the Diploma Programme or the Career-related Programme. Schools can flexibly implement the MYP in connection with a variety of educational structures, including student pathways that include both IB programmes and/or other curriculum choices.
The MYP can accommodate flexible models of implementation that reflect unique local contexts and that meet a wide range of state and/or national requirements.
Newly possible scenarios for flexible implementation of the MYP include:
- A school district or group of schools might offer the MYP for four or five years, in partnership with multiple campuses. The MYP strengthens teacher collaboration and curriculum alignment and helps create a consistent educational experience for students aged 11-16.
- An IB World School that enrols students for four years of secondary education might implement two years of the MYP for 14-16 year-olds. The MYP prepares students effectively for the Diploma Programme, Career-related Programme or other challenging senior secondary curriculum options. Additionally, MYP eAssessment for 15-16 year-olds provides an internationally recognized qualification that helps inform university admission decisions.
- A stand-alone middle school might provide a two- or three-year MYP for students aged 11-14. In this way, the school provides a framework for an international education that addresses all 16 research-based characteristics of an effective middle grades education and conforms to the same, as described in the Association for Middle Level Education’s This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents.
- A public or independent school that provides secondary--or both primary and secondary-- education as a single legal entity might use the MYP for two, three, four or five years, alone or in combination with other IB programmes, national or school-based curriculum frameworks, or additional qualifications that meet community needs or local/ national requirements. This approach covers the spectrum of student options while providing a superior international education.
