Teenagers with
(a positive)
attitude
(towards learning)

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What is the
IB Middle Years
Programme?

The MYP at Mark Twain IS is designed for students ages 11 to 16. It
provides a framework that encourages them to become creative, critical
and reflective thinkers. It emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging
students to make connections between their studies and the real world. It
fosters the development of skills for communication, understanding and
engagement.

The programme accommodates
most national or local curriculum
requirements. It builds upon the
knowledge, skills and attitudes
developed in the IB Primary Years
Programme and prepares students
to meet the academic challenges of
the IB Diploma Programme.
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The IB Middle Years
Programme:
  • Addresses holistically students’ intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being;
  • Requires the study of at least two languages (language of instruction and additional language of choice) to support students in understanding their own cultures and those of others;
  • Provides students opportunities to develop the
    knowledge, attitudes and skills they need in order
    to manage complexity and take responsible action
    for the future;
  • Empowers students to participate in service within the community;
  • Ensures breadth and depth of understanding through study in eight subject groups;
  • Helps to prepare students for further education, the workplace and a lifetime of learning.
The curriculum

The MYP consists of eight subject groups: language acquisition, language
and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical
and health education and design. Student study is supported by a minimum
of 50 hours of instruction per subject group in each academic year.

Mark Twain IS teachers organize the
curriculum with appropriate attention to:
  • Teaching and learning in context;
    Students learn best when their learning experiences have context and
    are connected to their lives and the world that they have experienced.
  • Service as action (community service);
    IB learners strive to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a commitment to service.
  • Conceptual understanding;
    Students use concepts as a vehicle to inquire into issues and ideas of
    personal, local and global significance and examine knowledge
    holistically.
  • Language and identity.
    Students are required to learn at least two languages. Doing so is fundamental for intercultural understanding and crucial to their identity affirmation.
  • Approaches to learning (ATL);
    These approaches provide the foundation for independent learning and encourage the application of their knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

The personal
project at
Mark Twain IS

The MYP personal project is a student-centred and age-appropriate practical
exploration in which students consolidate their learning throughout the
programme. This long-term project is designed as an independent learning
experience of approximately 25 hours. The personal project formally
assesses students’ ATL skills for self-management, research, communication,
critical and creative thinking, and collaboration.

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