What is IB MYP?

The IB MYP is a five-year educational programme (though many schools offer it for 2–4 years) intended for learners aged 11–16. It encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, emphasizing conceptual understanding, global contexts, and the development of lifelong skills.

MYP Subject Groups
  • Language & Literature
  • Language Acquisition
  • Individuals & Societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Arts
  • Physical & Health Education
  • Design
The Personal Project

In the final year, all students complete a Personal Project showcasing their skills, interests, and learning. This independent project demonstrates ATL skills and deep personal inquiry.

Assessment & Grading Structure
The Assessment Criteria (A–D)

Each subject is assessed using four criteria, scored from 1–8. Combined (max 32 points), these convert into an IB MYP grade (1–7).

Criterion A

Knowing & Understanding
Application and explanation of knowledge.

Criterion B

Investigating / Developing Skills
Research, design and skill development.

Criterion C

Communicating / Applying
Clear communication and real-world application.

Criterion D

Thinking Critically / Reflecting
Evaluation and reflection.

External vs Internal Assessments

Most assessments are school-based. Final-year students may opt for eAssessment (on-screen exams, ePortfolios), and the Personal Project is externally moderated.

MYP Certificate Requirements

To qualify for the optional MYP Certificate, students must:

  • Register for eAssessment in six subject groups
  • Achieve at least Grade 3 in all subjects & the interdisciplinary exam
  • Score a minimum of Grade 3 in the Personal Project
  • Achieve a total of at least 28 points overall
Subject-by-Subject Criteria Overview
Mathematics Key Criteria:
A: Knowing & Understanding – select and apply mathematics, solve problems in familiar/unfamiliar situations. (Thomas Jefferson)
B: Investigating Patterns – use problem-solving techniques to discover relationships, generalise rules. (Thomas Jefferson)
C: Communicating – use appropriate maths language, notation, represent information logically. (Thomas Jefferson)
D: Applying in Real-life Contexts – apply strategies, justify accuracy, consider if solution makes sense. (Thomas Jefferson)

How to Prepare:
  • Regular practice of concepts and procedures in unfamiliar settings.
  • Pattern-recognition tasks: sequences, algebra, series.
  • Encourage writing mathematical explanations.
  • Real-world problems: modelling, reasoning about accuracy.
  • Use past MYP tasks, timed quizzes, reflections.
  • Build vocabulary of notation and representation.
  • Develop metacognition: review and fix mistakes.
Sciences Key Criteria:
A: Knowing & Understanding – scientific knowledge, apply understanding to solve unfamiliar problems. (Ramallah Friends School)
B: Inquiring & Designing – define testable questions, design investigations, identify variables. (Ramallah Friends School)
C: Processing & Evaluating – present data, interpret and evaluate results. (Ramallah Friends School)
D: Reflecting on Impacts – ethical & environmental implications. (Ramallah Friends School)

How to Prepare:
  • Focus on real-life applications and conceptual understanding.
  • Practice designing investigations with hypothesis + variables.
  • Use lab/virtual simulations and write reports.
  • Discuss ethics, sustainability, scientific impacts.
  • Use tasks: experiments, reports, quizzes, graphs.
Individuals & Societies Key Criteria:
A: Knowing & Understanding – concepts, explanations, examples. (Ramallah Friends School)
B: Investigating – research question, plan, collect data. (Ramallah Friends School)
C: Communicating – present ideas effectively. (Ramallah Friends School)
D: Thinking Critically – analyse sources, consider perspectives. (Ramallah Friends School)

How to Prepare:
  • Build strong vocabulary and explain concepts clearly.
  • Guide research questions + planning + data collection.
  • Use citations; practice presentations.
  • Analyse biases, reliability, alternate perspectives.
  • Use maps, timelines, primary/secondary sources.
Language & Literature / Language Acquisition Key Criteria:
A: Analysing – identify aspects of texts, justify opinions. (Thomas Jefferson)
B: Organizing – structure ideas, referencing. (Thomas Jefferson)
C: Producing Texts – creative & purposeful writing. (Thomas Jefferson)
D: Using Language – vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure. (Thomas Jefferson)

How to Prepare:
  • Read diverse texts; analyse writer choices.
  • Practice structured writing.
  • Creative writing: reports, speeches, storytelling.
  • Language acquisition: build vocabulary, listening/speaking.
  • Frequent grammar + expression improvement.
Arts / Design / PHE Key Criteria (Arts Example):
A: Knowing & Understanding – art form, context. (Ramallah Friends School)
B: Developing Skills – techniques and application.
C: Thinking Creatively – intention and exploration.
D: Responding – critique and transferring learning.

How to Prepare:
  • Practice skills and techniques regularly.
  • Set creative intentions and reflect on purpose.
  • Explore alternatives and reflect on process.
  • Present work and use critiques.
  • Maintain skill-growth portfolios.
ATL Skills & Global Contexts Cross-Cutting Skills:
Thinking, research, communication, self-management, and social skills. (IB®)
Global Contexts give meaning to learning: identities, relationships, sustainability, time/place, fairness. (Wikipedia)

How to Strengthen:
  • Metacognitive reflection after tasks.
  • Improve research and referencing.
  • Time-management and planning (important for Personal Project).
  • Strong communication skills and digital tools.
  • Ethical awareness and real-world connection.
Personal Project A self-directed project demonstrating ATL skills and personal interest. (Faria Education)

Tips:
  • Select a topic early.
  • Create clear success criteria + plan.
  • Document research + product creation.
  • Reflect and evaluate outcomes.
  • Show independence and initiative.
Practical Tips
  • Know the assessment criteria; ask for rubrics.
  • Use formative tasks as practice.
  • Keep a feedback portfolio.
  • Review feedback and set improvement goals.
  • Weekly goals per subject (e.g., perspectives, techniques).
  • Reflection prompts after each task.
  • Schedule ATL skill-building time.
  • Practice on-screen tasks for MYP eAssessment.
  • Use past-paper style tasks (Maths + Sciences).
  • Cross-subject connections: Maths ↔ Science, I&S ↔ Design.