What is MYP?
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) is a globally recognized educational framework designed for students aged 11 to 16. It focuses on developing critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and real-world problem-solving skills. The MYP emphasizes inquiry-based learning across eight subject groups, encouraging students to make connections between their studies and the world around them. A key feature of the program is the Personal Project, where students explore a topic of personal interest, fostering independent research and creativity. The MYP prepares students for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or other advanced academic pathways while promoting a holistic approach to education. Best wishes,
MYP in SIS
Shekou International School (SIS) is currently a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is actively progressing through the authorization process. As an institution that has successfully implemented the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), SIS views the MYP as a crucial bridge between these two established programs. By adopting the MYP framework, SIS is committed to fostering student-centered learning, where inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world connections play a central role in education. The school believes that through the IB Learner Profile Attributes, students will develop into well-rounded individuals who are not only academically capable but also socially responsible and globally minded.
As part of the MYP implementation, SIS offers a diverse and comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the program’s interdisciplinary and holistic approach. Students engage in Language and Literature (English and Chinese), Language Acquisition (English, Chinese, and French), Individuals and Societies, Integrated Sciences, Mathematics, Arts (Music, Visual Arts, and Drama), Physical and Health Education, and Design. These subject groups encourage students to explore different perspectives, develop creative problem-solving skills, and make meaningful connections across disciplines. Through this well-rounded curriculum, SIS ensures that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for success in both the IB DP and their future academic and personal endeavors.
Personal Project
The Personal Project (PP) is a key element of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), allowing students to dive into a topic of personal interest while developing important skills such as research, time management, and self-reflection. At Shekou International School (SIS), the PP journey begins in Grade 9, Semester 2, where students first complete a mini Personal Project in small groups, focusing on a Service as Action theme. This introductory project helps them familiarize themselves with the process and the importance of community impact.
Afterward, students move on to their individual Personal Project, starting with a proposal outlining their chosen topic and goals. Over the course of Grade 10, they independently research, develop, and create their projects, with the final report submission due in Semester 2. To celebrate the students’ hard work and accomplishments, SIS hosts a Personal Project Exhibition, where students have the opportunity to present their projects and share their learning experiences with the school community.
Service as Action
Service as Action (SA) is an integral part of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), encouraging students to engage in meaningful community service while reflecting on the impact of their actions. At Shekou International School (SIS), the Week Without Walls program for Grade 6-10 serves as a key component of SA, offering students the chance to participate in various service-learning activities outside the classroom. This program helps students connect with real-world issues and allows them to actively contribute to their local and global communities. By the time students reach Grade 10, they are expected to reflect on all the SA Learning Outcomes, demonstrating their growth in areas such as ethical understanding, teamwork, and personal responsibility.
At SIS, students in Grades 6-8 are primarily offered opportunities for Direct Services, which involve hands-on involvement with communities in need. These experiences encourage students to develop a deeper sense of empathy and social responsibility. For Grade 9 students, the focus shifts to encouraging them to design and execute their own Service Projects, allowing for greater autonomy and leadership in addressing a specific community need. This progression of SA activities at SIS aims to foster a lifelong commitment to service, helping students understand the significance of their actions and the positive impact they can have on the world around them.
IBO Required Statement
Shekou International School is a Candidate School* for the Middle Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Shekou International School believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
