Middle Years Programme 4-5

A path of excellence, digitally augmented

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) 4-5 is an educational framework that aims to foster holistic development and critical thinking skills in students aged 15-16. Designed by the International Baccalaureate (IB), it offers a comprehensive curriculum that promotes academic rigor, creativity, and global-mindedness.
One of the distinguishing features of MYP 4-5 is the Personal Project. This student-driven initiative encourages learners to investigate a topic of their choice, enabling them to develop research, communication, and critical thinking skills. The project culminates in a presentation or exhibition, where students showcase their learning journey and accomplishments.

The MYP curriculum

The Middle Years Programme 5-5 consists of 24 IB Academy lessons plus 16 H-FARM Academy lessons.

IB Academy includes the educational pathways that are traditionally known as “subjects”: Italian, English, Maths, Science, History and Physical Education for a total of 24 lessons.

The subjects are designed and taught according to the approach that the IB requires of its schools and teachers: a focus on academic learning, units-based learning and structured assessments according to rigorous academic criteria.

The H-FARM Academy Journey

H-FARM Academy educational paths aim at developing formal and informal learning by supporting passion and talent.

There are 18 lessons divided into H-Labs (Startup Lab, Ignition Lab, H-Skills and Service as Action) to improve personal development and relational skills; PLUS Subjects lessons focusing on passion development, and 6 Electives lessons selected by students to complete their school curriculum.

This is more than a course in entrepreneurship, in a classic sense; it is here that we give students the confidence and the metacognitive strategies needed to ‘fail better’.

THE H-FARM EDUCATIONAL APPROACH enhances the first two years of the high school curriculum with the H-LABS that develop soft skills such as team building, content design, problem-solving and design thinking. To inspire students to dream big, work hard, build relationships, and surround themselves with people who will help them realize their ideas.

Core Subjects

40 lezioni

MATHS

5 lessons

ENGLISH

5 lessons

ITALIAN

4 lessons

SCIENCE

4 lessons

INDIVIDUAL & SOCIETIES

4 lessons

P.E.

2 lessons

H-LABS

Ignition Lab
Startup Lab
Human Skills Lab
Service as Action

PLUS

STEM+
Performing Arts+
Creative Humanities+

Electives

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

French, Spanish, German, Mandarin

VISUAL ARTS

ECONOMICS

DESIGN&TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN

PHYSICS

COMPUTER SCIENCE

BIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

International-mindedness

The MYP aims to develop global citizens who appreciate and understand diverse cultures, perspectives, and global issues. It promotes open-mindedness, empathy, and respect for others.

Curriculum Framework

The MYP is structured into eight subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical Education, and Design. Within these subject groups, interdisciplinary learning is encouraged, allowing students to explore global contexts and make connections across various disciplines.

Personal Project, Service as Action, Community Project

At the heart of the MYP is the Personal Project, where students showcase deep exploration, research, and creativity through a self-directed project that demonstrates acquired skills and knowledge. The ‘Service as Action’ component instills a sense of civic responsibility, encouraging students to translate their learning into positive actions, promoting empathy, and global citizenship. Community projects engage students in collaborative activities, addressing real-world issues and promoting collective problem-solving, enabling them to make tangible contributions to their local and global communities.

Approach to Learning & Approach to Teaching

The Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills are a fundamental component of the MYP and are embedded within the curriculum to develop students as learners. These skills encompass various categories such as communication, social, self-management, research, and thinking skills. The aim is to provide students with the tools necessary to become effective, independent, and lifelong learners.
Furthermore, the MYP emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding throughout the curriculum. This involves engaging students in exploring key concepts that transcend subject boundaries, enabling them to establish connections and deeply comprehend their learning.

IB Learner Profile

The development of the 10 qualities of the learner profile is a central element of the MYP program. The entire school community plays an important role in nurturing, valuing, appreciating, and monitoring the student’s holistic growth.

What happens if my child is not ready for an international high school?

We support all High School students who have not had an international education and/or whose level of English needs reinforcement before commencing the IB Diploma Programme with a bespoke programme, based on a personalised approach to learning. An individualised 6-month or 1-year plan is discussed and created with an expert in school to meet the wishes of the student for his career aspirations.
Conversations take place in April or May and start by acknowledging the academic history of the student, his passions and strengths, and their goals for the future. This information will be used as a springboard for a coaching like conversation aiming at creating a tailored study plan that meets the needs and the potential of the student.

To learn more about requirements and the entrance exam, visit our Procedures and Requirements page.

Discover the procedures and requirements

Daily Timetable

08.30

Lessons start

10.10

Break

12.00

Lunch break

15.15

End lessons

16.15

End after school

Meet the Head of Programme

The IB Personal Project fosters essential project management skills, promoting independent learning. This experience equips students with practical skills and cultivates self-discipline, preparing them for future academic and professional success.

Giles Isbell

Head of MYP 4-5

Meet our students

I became passionate about the concept of the metaverse and digital art (NFTs). After exhaustive research, I created an interactive online guide that provides insights on how to begin with these technologies and articles on how they can evolve in the future.

Filippo

Student, Venice

Since the day I started practising rhythmic gymnastics, three years ago, I fell in love with this sport. It’s the perfect combination between elegance and power and although it may be exhausting at times, there is a lot of satisfaction after you achieve a nice result. For this competition, I trained without wasting a single minute, and I focused on completing each element in my routine one at a time, just like I did throughout the competition.

Gioia

Student, Venice