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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Middle Years Program?

The Middle Years Program (MYP) is an educational framework that requires students to study in eight subjects (literature taught in the student’s native language, foreign language, social studies, science, math, arts, physical education, and technology) in each of the five years the program lasts. County, state, and national curriculum requirements are the basis of each subject's content. Teachers present their curriculum focused through the MYP’s Areas of Interaction, so that instructional strategies change, rather than the subject content. The model embodies three fundamental concepts: communication (valuing language acquisition in at least two languages), holistic learning (finding the connections across and within the subjects and grade levels), and internationalism (a growing understanding of a student’s own culture coupled with an understanding and appreciation of other cultures).

How is MYP different?
The IB Middle Years Program is a broad framework for middle school educations which encompasses many of the attributes of highly effective middle schools, outlined by the National Middle Schools association. The International Baccalaureate is recognized worldwide. Their approval differentiates us from other middle schools in our area, by providing another respected, independent review of our program. Designation as an IB Middle Years Program further enhances Westland’s reputation in our community.



What grades does the Middle Years Program encompass?

In most schools in North America, the IB Middle Years Program is a five-year program that begins with Grade 6 and continues through Grade 10. The program may be implemented in as little as two consecutive grade levels following or preceding another IB program to as many as five grade levels. The decision for the length of time of a MYP is determined by local educational authorities.


Does the Middle Years Program lead directly to the Diploma Program?

The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) is an excellent preparation for the Diploma Program. Many of the concepts, program elements, and the underlying philosophy found in the MYP are consistent with those found in the Diploma Program. Nevertheless, the
MYP is not a prerequisite. Indeed, schools and school districts may choose not to offer the MYP or the Diploma Program. Further, because schools and school districts establish their own enrollment criteria for participating in the Diploma Program, a student’s prior involvement with the MYP is not a guarantee of entry into the Diploma Program.


Can students transfer easily from one Middle Years Program school to another?

In terms of continuity, certain aspects of the MYP, such as the areas of interaction, assessment criteria, and the fundamental concepts of the program will be the same from school to school worldwide. However, since the IB does not prescribe the content, the actual subject material may vary. Further, schools may begin their Middle Years Programs at different grade levels.


Can students with special needs participate in an IB program?

Yes. The IB has established policies for accommodating students with special needs. A publication detailing these policies is available on the IB website. Schools are asked to notify the IB of participating students whom they have identified as having special needs.


Do Middle Years Program students have to take IB examinations?

There are no IB examinations in the Middle Years Program. Instead, classroom teachers design their own examinations, using a common set of IB-designed assessment criteria to mark the examinations. The classroom teachers’ marks are reviewed by a team of
specially trained MYP teachers from around the world to ensure that the assessment criteria are applied equally to the work of all MYP students.


Do Middle Years Program students receive any acknowledgment for their work?

Depending upon the way the school has implemented its Middle Years Program, students who complete the program may receive an IB certificate of achievement. While the certificate is not considered a diploma or a school-leaving certificate, it is evidence of a
student’s good preparation for further studies, such as the IB Diploma or other rigorous programs. It represents significant achievement and takes into account academic as well as non-academic aspects, such as community service and the creation of a personal project.


How can my child enroll in the Middle Years Program?

Only those students enrolled in and attending IB-authorized schools are permitted to participate in the Middle Years Program. All students attending Westland Middle School are enrolled in the Middle Years Program.

More Frequently asked Questions directly from IBO