The IB MYP Personal Project

A Practical Exploration of Learning

IB attributes: open-minded, reflective, inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers

The IB Middle Years Programme culminates in the Personal Project at the end of the grade 10 year, a unique opportunity in the students’ academic journey that allows them the freedom to focus on an area of their choosing. Designed to be an individual learning experience, students consolidate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their high school years to complete a project that is significant to them, in fields ranging from coding to carpentry. As open-minded and reflective inquirers, they conduct research to acquire new knowledge, and then use their critical thinking skills to create their product.

Room renovation with sewing station

The variety of topics and diversity of student interests have led to the production of some exciting and creative projects. One student crocheted a skirt, while another renovated and redecorated a room in her house. Many students take risks by tackling challenging projects as complex as programming a video game. Students communicate with their Personal Project supervisor throughout the process and write a report outlining their process. They present their work at a showcase at the end of the school year. Ultimately, the Personal Project serves to foster the development of students as lifelong learners.

Mental health website

“The Personal Project was an opportunity to learn something completely new, and was an enjoyable experience because I was given a lot of freedom,” says Julie Lavigne ’23. “I created a website about mental health and discovered that this is a topic we still do not talk about enough today. I take great pride in knowing that my website is contributing to spreading awareness and that I am making an impact.”

MARIE-FRANCE PERRON, French and Spanish Teacher IB MYP Personal Project Coordinator

Coding a chess game