The Middle Years Programme (MYP) at CISB

The MYP at the Canadian International School of Beijing serves as the critical transition point, seamlessly building on the foundational curiosity and inquiry skills developed in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). While PYP focuses on transdisciplinary themes, the MYP introduces greater academic structure through eight distinct subject groups, preparing students for subject specialiation. One of the core advantages of the MYP is its focus on Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills—such as critical thinking, communication, research, and self-management—which are taught explicitly across all subjects. This concept-driven, contextual learning framework ensures that students not only absorb content but understand its real-world relevance through the Global Contexts. Furthermore, the mandatory Service as Action component, or Service Learning, encourages students to apply their knowledge ethically within the community, fostering the global and civic mindedness valued in both the IB and Canadian educational standards.

As our students move into Grades 11 and 12, the MYP provides the perfect foundation for both the rigorous IB Diploma Programme (DP) and successful completion of the Canadian High School program. The capstone Personal Project (PP), completed in Grade 10, is the first major piece of sustained, self-directed academic work, directly mimicking the independent research skills needed for the DP’s Extended Essay (EE) and the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. Likewise, the deep focus on conceptual understanding and criteria-based assessment prepares students to meet and exceed the high standards of the Canadian curriculum, equipping them with the academic maturity, organisation, and analytical skills necessary to excel in university-level studies and become confident, well-rounded global citizens.