In Grades 6-10, our IB Middle Years Program (MYP), aims to shape the leaders of the future, who are internationally minded, lifelong learners, and who see the world as one community for which we are all responsible for.
We promote our students to think critically from different perspectives to solve issues that may have local, national or international implications. Our students stand out as knowledgeable, creative and reflective who value emotional, physical wellbeing of themselves and others.
What is MYP?
The MYP integrates an international curriculum framework that is uniquely adapted to the context and culture of our school, in line with our core values. There are 8 core subjects that are taught within broader organizing concepts and ideas, that help students to connect learning to real-life situations. In addition, content is taught within global contexts to give increased meaning to learning experiences. We aim to empower our learners by teaching them the skills of how to learn both implicitly and explicitly, called approaches to learning (ATL) skills. Finally, the MYP incorporates the 10 IB learner attributes to develop global-minded individuals who share the responsibility of looking after our planet, its inhabitants, and resources, with an ethos of peace and mutual respect for differences.
Our Unique Approach to Preparing Students for the Diploma Programme
At King Abdulaziz Schools, our Middle Years Programme (MYP) is carefully designed to prepare students not only for academic success today, but for excellence in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and beyond.
From MYP Year 1 (Grade 6), students are gradually introduced to the expectations, skills, and assessment styles required at Diploma level. At the end of each term, students complete IB-style examinations that reflect key elements of DP assessment, including extended responses, analytical thinking, and structured evaluation. This approach develops strong exam technique, resilience, and confidence from an early stage.
In addition, we place strong emphasis on project-based learning and independent inquiry. To prepare students for the Personal Project in MYP 5 (Grade 10), our students are encouraged to participate in:
· The Community Project
· Mini Personal Projects from MYP 1 to MYP 4 (Grades 6–9)
These voluntary projects introduce students to the criteria, format, research skills, reflection process, and academic honesty expectations required for the final Personal Project. By engaging in these experiences early, students develop a deep understanding of the assessment process and build strong self-management and inquiry skills.
Through this structured and progressive approach, our students enter MYP 5 and the Diploma Programme with:
· Strong academic foundations
· Well-developed exam and study skills
· Confidence in independent learning
· Experience with IB assessment criteria
· A clear understanding of long-term academic expectations
Our model ensures that learning in the MYP is not isolated, but forms a purposeful pathway towards DP success, university readiness, and lifelong learning.