How the MYP IB Programme Supports Holistic Student Development

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed to advance students’ development across a broad spectrum of skills, fostering both academic and personal growth.

This article explores the structure and core elements of the MYP IB programme, highlighting how it prepares students for the challenges of a dynamic world while nurturing their intellectual, social, and emotional well-being.

Table Of Contents

What is the MYP IB Programme?
MYP IB Programme Curriculum and Subject Groups
Core Elements of the MYP IB Programme
Assessment in the MYP
How the MYP IB Programme Prepares Students for the Future
Foster Holistic Development with UNIS Hanoi’s MYP IB Programme

What is the MYP IB Programme?

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a five-year framework for students aged 11-16, promoting real-world connections in learning. It follows the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and precedes the Diploma Programme (DP).

Since its establishment in 1994, the MYP IB programme has aimed to provide comprehensive education, emphasising academic and personal development. The programme covers a diverse curriculum with eight subject groups that foster critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural understanding.

Today, the MYP is globally recognised, with more than 1,000 schools offering it in over 110 countries. In 2022, the MYP reached over 89,000 students worldwide, underscoring its popularity and growing significance.

MYP IB Programme Curriculum and Subject Groups

The IB MYP programme curriculum encompasses a range of subject groups, each designed to enhance specific skills and cultivate students’ intellectual and personal growth:

Language and Literature: This subject group immerses students in the complexities of language development. They engage with various literary works, exploring themes, characters, and literary techniques, which fosters a deep appreciation of language and storytelling.
Language Acquisition: This segment encourages students to learn additional languages, enabling them to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a new language. Exposure to diverse cultures broadens students’ horizons, fostering intercultural understanding.
Individuals and Societies: Students explore historical, geographical, and social issues, cultivating an understanding of human societies and the forces that shape them. By critically analysing social issues, students build empathy and a global perspective.
Sciences: The Sciences group emphasises scientific inquiry, hands-on experimentation, and data analysis. Students gain a scientific mindset, which enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Mathematics: Mathematics in the MYP stresses logical reasoning and practical application. Students study algebra, geometry, and other branches of mathematics, honing their analytical skills through real-world applications.
Arts: This area allows students to explore visual arts, music, drama, and dance. Artistic expression is encouraged, helping students build creativity, self-confidence, and an appreciation of the arts.
Physical and Health Education: Through physical activity, students develop motor skills, teamwork, and strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum also includes personal well-being and nutrition education.
Design: Design teaches problem-solving and creativity through practical projects. Students learn the design process, engage in hands-on activities, and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

MYP IB Programme Curriculum and Subject Groups

These subject groups collectively offer a comprehensive education, supporting students’ intellectual growth, cultural appreciation, and physical development.

Core Elements of the MYP IB Programme

The IB MYP programme integrates core elements that contribute to a well-rounded educational experience:

Global Contexts: The MYP connects students’ learning with real-world themes like identities and relationships, scientific and technical innovation, and globalisation. These contexts make learning meaningful and encourage students to consider global challenges.
Approaches to Learning (ATL): These skills include communication, research, self-management, and social skills, which support students’ academic achievements and personal development.
Service as Action: Students apply their learning to community service, developing responsibility and compassion as they contribute to real-life projects and community improvement.
Personal Project: In their final year, students undertake a Personal Project, allowing them to explore their interests and apply MYP principles through independent research and self-reflection.

Assessment in the MYP

The MYP IB programme incorporates a diverse assessment system that gauges students’ understanding, skills, and abilities across subject areas.

Types of Assessment

Assessment in the MYP includes two main types:

School-based Assessment: Conducted by teachers, these assessments evaluate student achievement using rigorous criteria tailored to each subject group. Teachers implement diverse strategies to measure students’ progress accurately.
External Assessment: In the programme’s final year, students can undertake the optional eAssessment. This assessment includes on-screen examinations and ePortfolios, validated externally by the IB, allowing students to achieve a globally recognised IB certificate if they meet the success criteria.

MYP Grading System

The IB MYP programme employs a grading system that completes programme requirements, including the eAssessment, leading to the prestigious IB MYP certificate.

Key points include:

Students must complete eight eAssessments, covering subjects such as language and literature, sciences, and the personal project.
A maximum score of 56 is achievable, with grades ranging from 1 to 7 assigned to each component.
To obtain the MYP certificate, students must achieve a minimum total of 28 points and secure a grade of 3 or higher in each assessment.

How the MYP IB Programme Prepares Students for the Future

The MYP equips students with vital skills for navigating the complexities of contemporary society.

Key outcomes include:

Fostering Holistic Development: The MYP promotes intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth, preparing students for a well-rounded life.
Promoting Intercultural Understanding: With its emphasis on global contexts, the program nurtures empathy and a sense of global citizenship.
Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Students develop these skills through inquiry-based learning, invaluable for academic and professional success.
Encouraging Personal Growth and Well-being: The MYP prioritises personal development through service learning and social-emotional skills.
Preparing for Higher Education: The rigorous standards of the MYP make it a recognised pathway to higher education institutions worldwide.

At UNIS Hanoi, we are committed to equipping students for future success through our MYP IB programme. Designed for learners aged 11 to 16, our curriculum promotes creativity, critical thinking, and reflective practices, enabling students to respond effectively to intellectual challenges.

By providing a student-centred approach to education that encompasses a diverse range of subjects, we ensure that our students are well-prepared to tackle the complexities of higher education and beyond.

Foster Holistic Development with UNIS Hanoi’s MYP IB Programme

The MYP IB programme at UNIS Hanoi fosters holistic development by integrating various learning experiences that cultivate intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Our nurturing environment supports independent projects and collaborative learning, ensuring our students are actively engaged and appropriately challenged.

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are open. To learn more, book a tour or contact our Admissions team at admissions@unishanoi.org for personalised guidance!