The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a balanced, holistic framework through which Year 7 to 10 students make connections between academic disciplines and develop interdisciplinary learning skills.
MYP Programme
Encouraging Students to Embrace and Understand
The Real World
The MYP encourages students to embrace and understand traditional subjects and their connection to the world today. Transitioning through adolescence, MYP students are at a crucial period of personal, social, physical, and intellectual development: a time of uncertainty and questioning. A core feature of the program is to help students become critical and reflective thinkers. Learning how to learn and evaluate information critically is as important as learning facts.
The Principles
The MYP is an inquiry-based programme. Similar to the Primary Years Programme (PYP), MYP teachers prepare lesson plans using an IB template that requires thoughtful integration of the elements of the MYP framework and application of a variety of teaching strategies. The Approaches to Learning skills are developed throughout the programme, fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, research, organization, and communication skills. These ‘learning to learn’ skills help students to become life-long learners.
Each subject area in the MYP uses Key Concepts. These concepts not only help students explore big ideas that matter but also help them make connections between different disciplines. Students in the MYP complete Service as Action on various local, regional, and global issues. Student learning is assessed using a variety of internally developed tasks such as projects, presentations, tests, essays, and investigations. These tasks assess student achievement against subject-specific objectives and their progress against interdisciplinary objectives, such as critical thinking and communication skills.
The Programme Components
In each year of the programme, MYP students take eight courses: Language and Literature (English, Chinese, Korean, French), Language Acquisition (English, Chinese and French), Individuals and Societies, Science, Mathematics, The Arts (Visual Art, Music, Theatre), Physical and Health Education, and Design. MYP teachers deliver subject-specific courses connected using Key Concepts and Global Contexts spanning subject areas.
eAssessments
UISZ is one of the few schools in Guangzhou where students complete the MYP eAssessments. These assessments provide external evaluation for students in Year 10 (15–16 years old) and lead to the internationally recognised IB MYP Certificate. To complement the highest standards of education taught by highly qualified staff, there is a strong community, action, and service commitment at UISG. This helps our students to apply their knowledge in more comprehensive settings. We provide volunteer and charity work opportunities, local and overseas study tours, and memberships in internationally recognised clubs.
Skill Development
Skill development, in tandem with building knowledge, is the key to learning in the MYP, as this prepares students better for an ever-changing world. Essential skills are integral to our curriculum and include researching, managing time, working in and with various media, and extending their communication skills. Integrating Action and Service into our daily school activities shows that UISZ students can contribute positively to our community. Our students can apply, practice, and develop their skills and knowledge.