MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME

Average class size

12

Languages Offered

English, Urdu, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic & French

Nationalities

23

Ages

11-15

Sheikh Zayed International School is Your Perfect Choice

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (MYP)

MYP Year 1 - MYP Year 5

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Sheikh Zayed International Academy is a rigorous five-year program (MYP Year 1 – MYP Year 5) designed to empower students for the IB Diploma Programme (DP). By fostering creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary connections, the MYP encourages students to become active learners and engaged global citizens. The curriculum emphasizes real-world relevance and inquiry-based learning, nurturing students’ personal growth, empathy, and commitment to their community. Through a strong foundation in academic subjects and the development of essential communication, collaboration, and research skills, the MYP equips students for success in the DP and beyond.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program: Authorised School Sheikh Zayed International Academy (SZIA) is proud to be an authorized IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) school, actively preparing for the evaluation process to become a full IB World School. We uphold the IB’s commitment to delivering high-quality, challenging, international education, believing it is fundamental to our students’ holistic development.
As an authorized MYP school, we offer a rigorous and engaging curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness in students aged 11 to 16. Our students participate in official MYP assessments at the end of the program, ensuring they meet international benchmarks and are well-prepared for further academic pursuits. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and adhere to the IB’s stringent standards and practices. For more information about the International Baccalaureate (IB) and its programmes, please visit [IBO website link].

DISCOVER THE MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME AT SZIA

Broad Range of Subject Groups

Flexibility to specialise and extend learning within 8 subject groups.

IB eAssessments

At Szia, we offer the full IB eAssessments in Grade 10.

Conceptual Learning in a Real-World Context

We teach big ideas (concepts) to foster interdisciplinary connections.

8 groups: Language & Literature, Language Acquisition: Urdu, Arabic/Chinese, Mathematics; Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology; Integrated Humanities, Design, Arts Physical & Health Education. Flexibility to specialise and extend learning within these groups.

IB eAssessments empower our students to achieve their best, solidifying their knowledge and skills through a variety of enriching experiences. In the final year of the programme, optional MYP eAssessment provides IB-validated grades based on examinations and course work. Students who undertake external assessment are eligible for MYP course results and the IB MYP Certificate.

Our units go beyond textbook knowledge, immersing students in real-world contexts to reveal the 'why' behind their learning, fostering deeper understanding and engagement.

ATL Skills

We foster independent learners by teaching and assessing Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills.

Service as Action

Students are involved in Service as Action experiences and projects.

Transition Between Programmes

The MYP supports students transitioning from PYP to DP.

Our students develop proficiency in Communication, Self-management, Research, Social, and Thinking skills, equipping them to apply their knowledge effectively and navigate real-world challenges with confidence.

Through curriculum integration and hands-on Service as Action initiatives, we cultivate young people who are caring, responsible contributors to their communities, demonstrating empathy and global awareness.

As a full IB continuum school, the MYP serves as a vital bridge, seamlessly guiding our students from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and equipping them for the rigors of the Diploma Programme (DP). We offer a comprehensive range of activities and events designed to support both students and families during these crucial transitional periods.

IB MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (MYP) PERSONAL PROJECT EMPOWERING STUDENT-LED EXPLORING

At Sheikh Zayed International Academy, the culminating experience for our Grade 10 MYP students is the externally moderated Personal Project. Each student is paired with a dedicated supervisor who provides guidance and feedback throughout this exciting journey of self-discovery.

The Personal Project empowers students to delve into a topic of genuine interest, whether a new passion or an existing curiosity. They take ownership of their learning, choosing their focus, defining their goals, and setting their own criteria for success. This project is a unique opportunity for students to:

  • Showcase Creativity: Create a truly personal and often innovative product that reflects their unique talents and interests.
  • Consolidate Learning: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their MYP journey.
  • Prototype and Refine: Embrace the design cycle to experiment, iterate, and improve their ideas.
  • Reflect and Grow:Deepen their understanding of themselves as learners and individuals.

The Personal Project is a testament to our commitment to student centered learning, fostering independence, resilience, and a passion for lifelong exploration.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

The MYP is open to any student aged 11 to 16, at schools that have been authorized to implement the programme. The MYP is inclusive by design; students of all interests and academic abilities can benefit from their participation. Implementation of the MYP is a whole-school endeavour, although the programme can accommodate academically selective models.

A TYPICAL MYP DAY AT SZIA

Whether they’re expressing creativity, getting active on the sports field, or giving back to our community, our students enjoy an exciting breadth of learning experiences.
Taking the Lead

To kickstart each day, our students gather for morning assemblies, sharing their successes, experiences, and plans for the upcoming week. This shared space strengthens bonds and unveils exciting opportunities.

Taking the Lead
Innovating the Future

Tackling challenges crafted by subject experts, our students unleash their creativity and problem-solving skills. From pondering the mysteries of outer space to exploring the intricacies of the brain, they embark on a journey of intellectual growth.

Innovating the Future
Music Melodies

Our curriculum includes music education, where students learn to play instruments, express themselves creatively, and appreciate the diverse world of music.

Music Melodies
Inspired Minds

Esteemed guests and authors visit our school, leading engaging talks and workshops that ignite inspiration in our students. During Open Mind Week, parents and community leaders share their career journeys, sparking curiosity and ambition.

Inspired Minds
Chilling Together

Our students relax in the school cafeteria lounge, enjoying delicious food and lively conversations with friends. This friendly atmosphere builds camaraderie and prepares them for the afternoon's collaborative projects.

Chilling Together
Cultivating Change

Student-led clubs drive positive change within our school. These initiatives foster a sense of purpose as students work together to support causes they care about, paving the way for a brighter future.

Cultivating Change
  • Become a life-long learner

    Learn 'how to learn' using communication, research, self-management, collaboration and critical thinking skills.

  • Learn by doing and experiencing

    Through the MYP community project you learn to service the community and connect what you learn In the classroom to teal life.

  • The MYP encourages critical thinking

    It teaches to analyse and evaluate issues, generate novel ideas and consider new perspectives.

  • Explore global challenges

    The MYP helps you increase oi the world by exploring globally significant ideas ard issues.

  • Learn for understanding

    Not just tc facts cr topics and prepare for exams.

  • Seeing Things from Different Perspectives:

    Our MYP students are naturally inquisitive, approaching challenges with open minds and a willingness to consider multiple viewpoints. Through critical and creative thinking, they develop a deep understanding of diverse subjects and their interconnectedness.

  • Students Take Action:

    SZIA students are empowered to take ownership of their learning and make a positive impact on their community. They understand the importance of personal responsibility and make informed choices that contribute to their growth and the well-being of others.

  • Thinking About Issues:

    Our students are encouraged to think critically about global issues and local challenges. Creative learning experiences foster agility and imagination, equipping them to respond effectively to unexpected situations in an increasingly globalized world.

  • It Involves the Whole School Learning Community:

    At SZIA, learning is a collaborative endeavor. Our entire community – students, teachers, parents, and staff – work together to celebrate our shared humanity and foster a belief in the power of education to create a better world.

  • It Encourages International Mindedness and Caring, Responsible Citizens:

    SZIA students are openminded global citizens who appreciate diversity and actively seek to understand different cultures and perspectives. They develop empathy, compassion, and a strong sense of social responsibility, taking action to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Personal Project Timeline

Service as Action Handbook

MYP Design Timeline