12 to 16 years old
Middle Years Programme
Next Steps in Learning
An Introduction to the Middle Years Programme
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) offers a coherent and challenging curriculum for students aged 11 to 16, designed to support both academic growth and essential life skills. These formative years are crucial in shaping young people’s personal, social, and emotional development.
Success in school is closely linked to wellbeing. As students navigate the development of their identity and self-esteem, the Middle Years Programme encourages motivation and equips them to achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.
The programme helps students build on personal strengths while embracing challenges in areas that may be less familiar. It provides opportunities to explore learning preferences, take measured risks, reflect on experiences, and develop a strong sense of identity—all while cultivating the essential skill of “learning how to learn.”
Why Choose ISS Madeira?
Evidence Supporting the Middle Years Programme
Research highlights the effectiveness of the Middle Years Programme (MYP). A 2021 study by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) found that MYP students consistently outperformed peers from non-IB schools across several grade levels in ISA focus areas, demonstrating strong academic results.
MYP learners excelled particularly in Narrative Writing, Expository Writing, and Scientific Literacy, with grade 10 students achieving especially notable outcomes in Scientific Literacy.
Additionally, independent analyses comparing the MYP with GCSE assessments show that both qualifications are comparable in terms of cognitive challenge, skill range, and level of rigor, confirming the Middle Years Programme’s strong academic foundation.
Developing Lifelong Learners
Approaches to Learning in the Middle Years Programme
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) places a strong emphasis on Approaches to Learning (ATL), helping students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and self-management.
These skills empower learners to take charge of their own education and prepare them for continued success throughout life.
Communication
How do students express themselves through interactions and demonstrate effective communication using language?
Self-Management
How do students show organisational skills, regulate their emotions, and engage in reflective practices?
Social
How do students collaborate, build relationships, and work effectively with others in a group setting?
Research
How do students demonstrate proficiency in information and media literacy, finding and interpreting knowledge effectively?
Thinking
How do students apply critical and creative thinking, and transfer skills and knowledge across different disciplines and subjects?
The IB Approach
Global Contexts in the Middle Years Programme
In the Middle Years Programme, learning is framed around global contexts to promote international-mindedness and engagement with worldwide issues. These contexts guide students to think critically, make meaningful connections, and apply their knowledge as responsible, proactive citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.
Identities & Relationships
Students explore personal identity and the complexities of relationships within communities, reflecting on who they are and how they connect with others.
Orientation in Space and Time
Learners consider their place in the world and their role in it, studying history, geography, and traditions to understand how societies and cultures evolve.
Personal & Cultural Expression
Students examine how individuals express themselves through art, communication, and creativity, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity and human expression.
Scientific & Technical Innovation
Learners investigate the impact of science and technology on society, exploring how innovation shapes human life and contributes to global progress.
Globalisation & Sustainability
Students explore the interconnections of global systems and ecosystems, studying environmental sustainability, economics, and the effects of globalisation.
Fairness & Development
Learners examine the conditions necessary for a fair and sustainable society, considering social justice, human rights, and factors that support or hinder development.
“I find it important that we focus on critical thinking and understanding different cultures, which makes a positive impact in the world.”
As someone who loves sports and thrives on resilience and confidence, I appreciate what the Middle Years Programme has to offer. It provides a well-rounded education that allows students to explore their interests while also embracing their individuality. At ISS, I connect with the school’s focus on teamwork, communication, and shared experiences. Working collaboratively and having discussions helps us to teach and learn and enriches our personal and academic lives.
The programme’s emphasis on social and emotional growth prepares students well for future challenges. It ensures that they’re not just gaining academic knowledge but also becoming well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to society. At ISS, I feel motivated to grow alongside my colleagues and students as we support each other through this journey.
– Afonso Franco, Coordinator of Middle Years Programme
Middle Years Subjects
Exploring Learning Across Disciplines
The Middle Years Programme at ISS Madeira provides a broad spectrum of subjects, from sciences to the arts, supporting the holistic development of each student. Every subject is designed to cultivate critical thinking, spark creativity, and deepen intercultural understanding.
Language & Literature
Students develop linguistic, analytical, and communication skills. They learn to listen, speak, read, write, watch, and present both individually and collaboratively, supporting interdisciplinary understanding.
Language Acquisition
Students study additional languages to understand the structure, use, and cultural context of language, helping them appreciate diverse ways of living and thinking in different communities.
Individuals & Societies
Students develop respect and understanding of the world. They investigate historical, geographical, political, social, and economic topics while learning to connect knowledge across disciplines.
Sciences
Students explore the relationship between science and daily life. They investigate ethical, cultural, economic, political, and environmental implications of scientific developments.
Mathematics
Students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, explore patterns and relationships, and practice problem-solving techniques that can be applied in and outside the classroom.
Arts
Students cultivate curiosity and creativity through artistic exploration. They create, perform, and present work that communicates ideas and emotions while developing problem-solving skills.
Physical and Health Education
Students learn the value of physical activity and healthy living. They develop skills and knowledge to make informed lifestyle choices that promote wellbeing and balance in life.
Design
Students apply practical and creative thinking to solve design challenges. They explore design in historical and modern contexts while considering its social, cultural, and global implications.
Learning Through Experience
Service as Action in the Middle Years Programme
Service as Action is a core value of the IB Framework. The programme encourages students to become caring individuals who show a personal commitment to helping others and positively impacting their community and environment.
The Middle Years Programme supports students in developing self-awareness, a sense of personal responsibility, and an understanding of their role within their communities.
As students grow in understanding and awareness of their context and responsibilities, they are empowered to make thoughtful choices about how to act. These actions will vary depending on the student and the specific situation, allowing for personalised and meaningful contributions.
Final Year Challenge
Independent Learning Through the Personal Project
The Personal Project is a core component of MYP5, acting as the concluding experience of the Middle Years Programme. It helps students build independence, strengthen their Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, and prepare to become lifelong learners and proactive contributors to society.
Each student chooses a topic that inspires them and sets both a learning goal and a product goal, including clear success criteria. They follow a cycle of inquiry, action, and reflection, consolidating learning gained throughout the programme. This independent project typically takes around 25 hours and allows students to apply the attributes of the IB learner profile.
The Personal Project also provides a structured opportunity to develop ATL skills, enhancing creativity, confidence, and self-directed learning while enabling students to take meaningful and thoughtful action in the world.
