IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The Middle Years Programme is a five-year programme for students aged 11 to 16. It builds on the values, learning patterns and skills developed in Primary. Students are encouraged to engage in their learning and to take an active part in their educational journey.

MYP 1-5 / Grade 6-10

What is the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)?

The Middle Years Program (MYP) is a comprehensive educational framework designed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) for students aged 11 to 16. It aims to provide a challenging and enriching education that fosters critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and personal development. At Montgomery International School, the MYP is integral to our mission of nurturing responsible global citizens who can navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.

The MYP at Montgomery International School emphasises a holistic approach to education, encouraging students to make connections between their studies and the real world. Our curriculum is designed to develop students' intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being. Through the MYP, students engage in a rigorous academic program that includes eight subject groups:

Language Acquisition
Language and Literature
Individuals and Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
Arts
Physical and Health Education
Design

This diverse curriculum ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for future academic and personal success.

Subject	MYP1	MYP2	MYP3	MYP4	MYP5
Language & Literature English and/or French	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk
Language Acquisition English and/or French	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk
Individuals and Societies**	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	3 hrs/wk	3 hrs/wk
Sciences***	3 hrs/wk	3 hrs/wk	3 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk
Mathematics	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk	4 hrs/wk
Arts (Theatre)	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk
PE	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk
Design	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk	2 hrs/wk	N/A	N/A
IT	1 hr/wk	1 hr/wk	1 hr/wk	1 hr/wk	1 hr/wk
Personal Project	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	1 hr/wk
Advisory	1 hr/wk	1 hr/wk	1 hr/wk	1 hr/wk	1 hr/wk

MYP by subject

Studies in Language and Literature

Language Acquisition

Individuals & Societies - MYP 1-3

Individuals & Societies - MYP 4-5

Arts

MYP Personal Project

The MYP Personal Project is the culmination of the MYP programme. It is an opportunity to investigate and learn more about anything that sparkles the students’ interest, any new skill they want to develop or topic they want to explore. It allows students to incorporate and develop all traits of the IB Learner Profile, making it an exciting and rewarding journey and preparing students for their future as Diploma Programme (DP) learners.

The Personal Project is an IB requirement. We will celebrate the students’ achievements at the end of the school year at the Personal Project exhibition.

Past Personal Projects:

Designing and sewing a leotard for gymnastics
Designing and sewing a flamenco dress
Creating a Polish cookbook
Building the model of an eco-house
Creating a discord bot
Creating a manga about a personal experience
Designing and building a solar system in scale
Cooking and sharing Burundian recipes
Filming and editing a video about life in North Korea
Creating a photography exhibit to show the personality of the subject
Designing and building a robotic hand

MYP Advisory

In addition to academic subjects, we offer Advisory classes. During those sessions, students develop other skills as well as reflect and grow through personal development activities. These skills will be useful in the classrooms but also in their current and future personal life.

Skills developed will include: resilience, listening, self-management, etc. The advisory teacher will facilitate sessions on key and age relevant matters such as drug prevention, bullying, etc. These classes help students grow and experience their teenage years with tools that will be useful throughout their life.

What I like the most about Montgomery International School is that it is a small community that makes for a safe and friendly learning environment. Even if you are not close with everyone, you see them on a daily basis, and everyone helps each other out. This is unique since most international schools are normally huge and have several hundreds of students.

MYP student

Service As Action

In order to give students the opportunity to engage in real-life situations, two full days are dedicated to service activities.

The first session takes place at school with workshops and activities organised by professionals and experts of a particular field of global importance. The second one happens outside of school - it has a more practical focus in order to give students a real opportunity for action.

Following those sessions, students will be encouraged to reflect on their actions in order to optimise these experiences.

IB Curriculum: Primary and Diploma Years

Montgomery International School offers a continuum of IB education, starting with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and culminating with the Diploma Programme (DP). This seamless transition ensures that students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success at each stage of their education.

What is the IB?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognised educational organisation that offers four high-quality educational programmes designed to develop the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills needed to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalising world. The IB's mission is to create a better world through education by developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.

The IB programmes include the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP)*. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

* as of September 2024, the CP is not offered at Montgomery International School

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The PYP is designed for students aged 3 to 12* and focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. The PYP curriculum framework emphasises inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions, think critically, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. At Montgomery International School, the PYP lays a strong foundation for the MYP, fostering a love of learning and preparing students for the challenges of middle and high school education.

PYP - MORE INFO

*At MIS our PYP starts at 5.5 years old

The Diploma Programme (DP)

The DP is designed for students aged 16 to 19 and is recognised by universities worldwide for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, research, and intercultural understanding. The DP curriculum includes six subject groups and three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

At Montgomery International School, our DP students consistently achieve high academic results and gain admission to prestigious universities around the world. The DP prepares students for higher education and life beyond school, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a globalised world.

DP - MORE INFO

Preparing students for success

MYP students at Montgomery International School are well-prepared for a variety of opportunities following their time at the school. The skills and knowledge acquired during the MYP provide a strong foundation for success in higher education and beyond. Some of the key areas of development are listed below.

Higher Education

MYP graduates are well-prepared for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and other rigorous pre-university programmes. The MYP's emphasis on critical thinking, research, and intercultural understanding equips students with the skills needed to excel in higher education.

Personal Development

The MYP fosters personal development by encouraging students to take risks, embrace challenges, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Our graduates are confident, resilient, and adaptable, ready to make a positive impact on the world. They leave Montgomery International School with a strong sense of global citizenship, equipped to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.

Community Engagement

The MYP encourages students to engage with their local and global communities through service learning and other community-based projects. Our graduates are compassionate and socially responsible individuals who understand the importance of giving back to their communities and making a difference in the world.

The MYP at Montgomery International School offers a comprehensive and enriching education that prepares students for future academic and personal success. Through a challenging curriculum, supportive environment, and emphasis on holistic development, we empower our students to achieve their full potential and become responsible global citizens.

In This Section

What is the IB MYP curriculum?

For more information about the MYP curriculum framework, please visit the IB Middle Years Programme in the IBO webpages

MYP CURRICULUM

Grades

At Montgomery International School, the MYP is divided into five grades, corresponding to the student's age and educational development. These grades are:

MYP 1 (Grade 6): Typically for students aged 11-12
MYP 2 (Grade 7): Typically for students aged 12-13
MYP 3 (Grade 8): Typically for students aged 13-14
MYP 4 (Grade 9): Typically for students aged 14-15
MYP 5 (Grade 10): Typically for students aged 15-16

Each grade level builds upon the previous year's knowledge and skills, ensuring a coherent and progressive learning experience. The curriculum is designed to be challenging yet accessible, allowing students to explore their interests and develop their strengths within a supportive environment.

Age Range

The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. At Montgomery International School, we recognise that students at this age are undergoing significant developmental changes, both academically and personally. Our programme is tailored to meet the unique needs of middle school students, providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth.

The MYP at Montgomery International School helps students transition smoothly from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP), ensuring continuity in their education. By addressing the specific needs of this age group, we help students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in higher education and beyond.

What is the Equivalent of the MYP?

The MYP corresponds to Middle School and early High School years in other educational systems. Here's how it equates to the systems in the US, UK, and France:

UNITED STATES
MYP 1 to MYP 5 corresponds to Grades 6 to 10.

UNITED KINGDOM
MYP 1 to MYP 5 corresponds to Year 7 to Year 11.

FRANCE
MYP 1 to MYP 5 corresponds to 6^èmeto Seconde (2^nde).

This equivalency ensures that students transferring to or from Montgomery International School can seamlessly continue their education without disruption, benefiting from the internationally recognized MYP framework.

Advanced bilingual vs English in MYP

ENGLISH PROGRAMME

All classes are taught in English except for French (Language Acquisition or Language and Literature)

ADVANCED BILINGUAL
PROGRAMME

In addition to French Language and Literature, students will have to take one subject taught in French.

MYP1-MYP3
History and Civics in French
MYP4-MYP5
History in French
Physical Education in French
All other classes in English

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MYP at Montgomery International School is based on a holistic evaluation of each student's academic background, language proficiency, and personal qualities. We welcome students from diverse educational backgrounds and nationalities, reflecting the international character of our school community.

Our admission requirements include:

Academic Records: Previous school reports and transcripts to assess the needs of our students.
Language Placement Test: Assessment in English and/or French, depending on the chosen programme (English or Bilingual).
Teacher Recommendation: We ask for a reference from at least one previous teacher to see if our school is the right fit for the new student.
Interview: An interview with the student and their parents to discuss their educational goals and how Montgomery International School can support them.

Our inclusive admissions process ensures that we cater to a diverse student body, fostering an environment where students from various cultural and academic backgrounds can thrive.

Admissions

MYP school trip

Every year our MYP students go for a school trip abroad. Learning beyond the classroom is an important part of our pedagogy.

Learn more