What is the Middle Years Programme?

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a curriculum framework designed for learners aged 11-16 by the International Baccalaureate (IB). The MYP is a five-year programme.
In an MYP classroom, you’ll notice that the students are at the center of learning. They are drawing connections between all subject areas, learning is explicitly linked to the world around them, participation in a foreign language is required, and a variety of formal and informal assessments are used to inform teaching and learning. MYP learning experiences infuse global points of view wherever possible in order to promote understanding of other cultures, and awareness of the human condition, and an understanding that there is a commonality of human experience. The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents. Students take the core courses of language and literature, individuals and societies, mathematics, sciences, physical and health education, language acquisition, arts, and design. A unique feature of the programme is that it extends the traditional curriculum to include immersion in four themes-approaches to teaching and approaches to learning, global contexts, and concepts. Students also complete a personal project, which is an independent piece of work that may be an essay, artistic production, or any other form of expression.

What are the advantages of IB education?

• IB World Schools (the only schools authorized to offer IB programmes) are subject to a strict accreditation process monitored by the IB, ensuring that schools provide a high-quality education.
• IB teaching methods and curriculums are research-based and draw from the best educational practices from systems around the world.
• IB teachers are required to participate in many professional development opportunities to continually promote their awareness of current educational practices and new thinking.
• IB programmes are recognized internationally and ease the educational transition of mobile students so that their education is not adversely affected if their families relocate.

Do IB teachers receive special training?

All MYP teachers receive professional development in the IB’s approaches to teaching and approaches to learning from certified IB workshop leaders. This is a requirement for IB World Schools implementing the MYP.

Are IB programmes considered “gifted” programmes?

In most cases, the MYP requires schoolwide implementation and therefore encompasses all students. All teachers who teach in MYP classrooms are required to participate in collaborative planning and reflection to make their teaching practices consistent and to foster a holistic approach to education. A growing body of evidence suggests a positive relationship between teacher collaboration and student achievement.
Students who complete the MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme.

Does implementing an IB programme mean my child’s school will not teach local or national standards such as the Common Core?

The IB is committed to making sure that students in IB programmes meet and exceed local or national standards. With the implementation of any IB programme, schools are required to examine their curriculum carefully to ensure that there is alignment with local, state, or national standards.

Have studies been done on the impact of the MYP?

The IB places great value on external validation of its programmes, curriculums, and professional development. A recent study found that Middle Years Programme students in a US public school district were more likely to achieve a proficient or advanced performance level on state mathematics and science assessments than their counterparts in five comparison schools.

Are there external assessments in the MYP like in the Diploma Programme?

In the final year of the programme, the optional MYP eAssessment provides a balanced and age-appropriate strategy that schools can use to validate student achievement: Students demonstrate their understanding and skills through classroom performance, onscreen final examinations and a personal project conducted over an extended period of time. Students who undertake external assessment are eligible for IB Course Results and the IB MYP Certificate.

How can I learn more about IB and MYP?

• Attend school meetings and events
• Speak with your school’s MYP coordinator
• Speak with your child’s MYP classroom teacher.

What is the Cambridge IGCSE?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a comprehensive two-year programme, distributed over Class 9 and 10. The final examination will be taken at the end of Class 10.
It is a globally recognized qualification, similar to the Class 10 examinations of the SSC, ICSE, CBSE, British GCSE, International GCE O Level examinations or the Middle Years Programme of the IB.
All Indian Boards and Universities accept IGCSE as equivalent to SSC/ICSE/CBSE.
The IGCSE programme has worldwide status and credibility. In India, the course is delivered in over 130 schools with the number rising each year.
Worldwide, it is delivered in schools in over 160 countries and is recognized by colleges and universities in India and everywhere, more so in the USA, UK, and other Commonwealth countries.

How is an international curriculum beneficial?

The world is moving towards globalization in every sphere and there is a need for a Global education to enable global citizens.
Additionally, students need to learn different skills and have awareness of humanity and social concepts.
Teaching methodologies need to evolve and keep in sync with the latest to be able to capture the potential of the student
Students today need to be out of the box thinkers, creative doers, open to taking risks, and thinking differently to manage in today’s corporate world.
They need to have excellent communication skills and manage people effectively
The way that students learn today needs to be revisited and adapted to the current trends. They need to be well rounded and well-adjusted individuals

Why IGCSE (Cambridge Curriculum)?

IGCSE is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education.
It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being of students.
It gives exposure to different and innovative learning methodologies as compared to the other systems.
Many international universities prefer students from this stream of education.
This curriculum is suited for students wanting a global perspective.
This curriculum is not only suited for those wishing to go abroad for higher education, but for anyone who wants an international stream of education.
It helps develop knowledge, understanding, and skills in:
Subject matter
Application in new and unfamiliar situations
Intellectual enquiry
Flexibility and responsiveness to change
Communication in English
Enabling and Influencing outcomes
Increasing Cultural awareness.

What does CIE offer?

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) lead the way worldwide in raising educational standards with the introduction of their IGCSE and A level study program.
CIE have structured their teaching methods with planning and precision to align the requirements at a global level.
Quality assurance is provided with ongoing teacher training workshops and regular evaluation and support.
It thus aims to be a world leader in offering students and parents the very best of modern education.

What is the next step after IGCSE?

After IGCSE, a student is eligible for any 10+2 level qualification like Local Boards – Class 12 CBSE/ ISC /HSC. Or International pre-university programs like IBDP and AS/A levels(UK)

Advantages of IGCSE?

It gives an international perspective to studies
It is a well-recognized qualification in the world.
The assessment techniques check the problem-solving skills, time-management skills, practical and oral skills, initiative and application of skills, knowledge, and understanding.
The curriculum steers away from rote memory and mugging.
A wider range of subjects to choose from
IGCSE is a balanced curriculum and a flexible course of study.
It encourages high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning.

Is the staff well trained to conduct Cambridge Programmes?

Cambridge provides online and face-to-face training courses for their teachers so that they have complete knowledge and skills to deliver Cambridge curricula successfully. It is mandatory for every teacher to go through the training.
The recruitment process of teachers is stringent with three rigorous steps which include – questionnaire session, demo classes, and interactive session with subject experts. Recruited teachers undergo intensive training.

What is the Diploma Programme?

The Diploma Programme (DP) is a curriculum framework designed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) for students in the last two years of high school. IB students graduating with the IB diploma are able to study at universities all around the world, often with advanced credit. Students report that their involvement with the IB has given them the tools needed to succeed at college. In particular, students comment on their sense of preparedness, self-confidence, research skills, and ability to manage their time. Even more important, they have developed a sense of the world around them and their responsibility to it.
Diploma Programme students study six subjects (three at standard level and three at a higher level) over two years and complete three additional requirements: the theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay, and at least 150 hours of CAS-creativity, activity and service tasks outside of the classroom. In addition to these requirements, students must earn a minimum of 24 points out of a possible 45 points on the final assessments which are externally marked and moderated by the IB, in order to receive an IB Diploma.

Theory of knowledge (TOK)

TOK is an interdisciplinary course designed to help students question and understand how they know what they know. Students study how individuals from various disciplines view the world in order to develop their own ways of thinking. By stimulating analysis of knowledge across disciplines, TOK seeks to help students make sense of school and the world.

Creativity, activity, service (CAS)

CAS is an experiential learning component of the DP. Students complete a wide variety of extracurricular activities, community service and athletic options to fulfil this requirement.

Extended essay

The extended essay introduces students to the demands and rewards of independent work. Emphasis is placed on doing personal research and communicating ideas effectively in order to write a 4,000-word essay in an area of personal interest.

How do colleges and universities view the Diploma Programme?

The DP is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparatory education. More than 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide have recognition policies on how they weigh it in admissions, advanced standing, college credit, and scholarships.
A list of colleges and universities that grant credit, scholarships and/or advanced standing for DP diplomas and certificates is available at www.ibo.org.

What kind of student is a good candidate for the DP?

The DP is a rigorous course of study for motivated students. That said, prior academic success is less an indicator of ability to earn the diploma than are a student’s determination to do his or her best, willingness to be organized in order to complete the work while leading a full, balanced life, and a strong commitment to learning in and beyond the classroom.

Do DP students have time for anything beyond academics?

Absolutely. Most successful Diploma Programme students lead very full lives. They are often members of athletic teams and involved in a wide range of activities. Time management and organization are key skills the IB develops in students.

Are IB programs considered “gifted” programs?

The IB does not control how schools designate their Diploma Programme. In some instances, schools choose to designate the program as selective enrolment via the application or as a magnet program. In other cases, the program is open to any student.

Do DP teachers receive special training?

All DP teachers receive professional development in the IB’s approaches to teaching and approaches to learning from certified IB workshop leaders. This is a requirement for IB World Schools implementing the DP.

Does implementing an IB program mean my child’s school will not teach local or national standards such as the Common Core?

The IB is committed to making sure that students in IB programs meet and exceed local or national standards. With the implementation of any IB program, schools are required to examine their curriculum carefully to ensure that there is alignment with local, state or national standards. More information on the IB and the Common Core is available at www.ibo.org.

What’s the difference between the diploma and certificates?

Not all students choose to take the full course load leading to a diploma. Instead, some take a few DP courses in areas where they have a particular interest or strength, similar to honors and Advanced Placement classes. Certificates are awarded on a course-by-course basis to students who choose not to do the full program. Students who satisfactorily complete a DP course earn a certificate and may be eligible for university credit.

How does the IB DP differ from other university-preparatory programs such as Advanced Placement and Cambridge?

The IB DP is a two-year comprehensive curriculum with a culminating set of externally graded final exams. IB, Advanced Placement (AP), and other college-preparatory curriculums like Cambridge are all universities preparatory, academically rigorous programs. There are important differences, however, in the content and exams. The DP is a cohesive and comprehensive program, not a collection of individual courses as is the case with Advanced Placement. The most important distinguishing factor is the core of the IB Diploma Programme – CAS, TOK, and the extended essay.

Can you give a specific example of how the DP prepared students for college?

A 2012 study by the Consortium for Chicago School Research found that Diploma Programme students who graduated from 12 Chicago public schools were more likely to attend college, attend a selective college, and persist in college for 2 years than a matched comparison group.

How can I learn more about the IB and DP?

• Attend school meetings and events
• Speak with your school’s DP coordinator
• Speak with your child’s DP classroom teachers.