IB MYP explained

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) has become one of the most popular programmes worldwide for international schools. Data from IBO.org shows that 1,500 schools are now offering this learning pathway. Marymount International School London was an early adopter of the IB, and we have been offering this to our students for over 40 years. The school adopted IB as it recognises the value it gives, providing each and every student with individualised learning experiences to support both academic and personal growth.

The MYP is a five-year programme covering Grades 6 to 10 (Years 7-11) and, as the name suggests, it forms the middle of the full IB continuum. There is also a Primary Years Programme alongside the Diploma Programme for students in their final two years of school.

For Marymount London, an independent, Catholic, all-girls school, the MYP supports a broad and balanced approach to the curriculum while supporting our mission statement which empowers young women to be “firm in faith, vibrant in hope, rooted in love and one in service”. The design

ABOVE Pupils at Marymount International School of the MYP provides a framework from which all schools are able to develop learning programmes relevant to their local and individual context, while meeting internationally recognised standards. This is an inquirybased approach to learning and teaching, supporting students in developing their knowledge, skills and understanding. But it is what it at the core of the programme that provides its real points of difference.

Across all subjects within the MYP, content is contextualised to give meaning, embedding learning in real-world situations to explore concepts and the inter-connected nature of the themes and topics. The approach helps students to connect to content in meaningful ways, offering opportunities to reflect and explore their own experiences and interests and develop a growing sense of self. In practice, this approach broadens each student’s appreciation of the world, enhancing intercultural understanding, and developing appreciation of their duty as responsible citizens of the world. A STEAM programme creates further opportunities for meaningful links across and beyond subjects, and to engage students with this critical area of study. The development of skills to support selfregulation and lifelong learning runs through the veins of the MYP. Across all subject groups, skills of ‘learning how to learn’ are integrated into teaching and learning, focusing on a wide range of key skills, including critical thinking, effective research, evaluation, self-management and communication. These skills support students in enhancing their potential. They learn about taking reasonable risks, discover their learning preferences and develop and reflect upon their own personal identity.

Throughout the programme all students take an active role in the provision of service to others, in both organised and self-initiated ways, with each activity measured against meaningful and engaging outcomes. As students approach the final year, they undertake a substantial independent piece of work which demonstrates the skills and abilities they have developed during the programme.

As well as enabling Marymount International School London students to move on successfully to the IB Diploma, the MYP builds confidence and independence of thought. This, in turn, helps them to find their place in what is becoming an increasingly complex and challenging world.

Did you know your child does not need to speak French to join our school?

For over one hundred years, we have been at the forefront of international education Nurturing skills and inspiring ideas.

Fostering confidence, solidarity and ambition. Helping pupils to develop into accomplished world citizens. Together, we will explore your child’s talents and widen their horizons

South Kensington

South Kensington Primary School Nursery to Year 6

Collège-Lycée (Year 7-13) and British Section (Year 10-13)

French, Bilingual & British curricula

Ealing

André Malraux Primary School

Nursery to Year 6

Fulham

Marie d’Orliac Primary School

Nursery to Year 6

Clapham

Ecole primaire de Wix

Reception to Year 6 www.lyceefrancais.org.uk