MYP - or the Middle Years Programme - originated in the 1980s as an answer to education in a changing world. The introduction of learning skills, world-wide communication and curriculum flexibility required a break away from what was a more traditional education.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) adopted the MYP in the 1990s and developed the beginnings of the programme which we have today.

The fundamental ideas behind the MYP are that it the curriculum can be designed to suit every school in every land whilst adhering to the high standards and academic credibility associated with the IBO.

It does this through three main ideals:

• Intercultural Awareness: Important in a world that is becoming smaller. This includes a sense of one's own culture, an openness to others, ability to be involved in useful dialogue and to be able to reflect.
• Holistic Learning: The traditional subjects form one body of knowledge. Within this body there is great emphasis on personal development in addition to academic development.
• Communication: Being able to communicate fully with everyone: expressing your ideas and to listening to others.

But how is this actually done?

• A flexible curriculum is in place where lessons are taught with a full awareness of individual learning.
• Links between subjects are made and subjects are linked with the outside world.

This is enabled by using five common themes which weave between every subject.

These themes are:

• Approaches to learning: How do I learn?
• Community and Service: How do I contribute to the Community?
• Health and Social Education: How do I take care of myself and others?
• Environments: Where do I live? What resources do I have or need?
• Human Ingenuity: How are thing made? What are consequences?

And how is the work assessed?

• Assessment is criterion based - looking at different skills within a piece of work.
• Feedback is given to students which informs them of their strengths, weaknesses and, of course, how to improve.
• After strict moderation by the IBO itself students in their final year (MYP5) are awarded a summative grade out of 7 for each of their subjects. A minimum of 2 in each subject group, as well as a grade total of 36 (including the personal project) is required to achieve an MYP certificate.

What subjects can be taken?

Each student must take at least one subject from each of the following groups:

• Language A: English, Dutch
• Language B, English, Dutch, French
• Humanities: Integrated Humanities (compulsory) and Business Studies
• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Mathematics
• Technology
• Visual Arts
• Physical Education

To achieve an IBO accredited certificate students must also attend the final two years of an approved MYP programme and comply in full to the Community and Service requirements laid down by the school.