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Middle Years Programme

The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world. It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement—essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders. 

At the International School of Hamburg, the MYP consists of eight subject groups: language acquisition, language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical and health education, and design. In grades 9 and 10, we allow students to make subject choices to gain knowledge and experience in specialist areas.

Our MYP teachers organize the curriculum with appropriate attention to:

Teaching and learning in context

Students learn best when their learning experiences have context and are connected to their lives and the world that they have experienced. Using global contexts, MYP students explore human identity, global challenges and what it means to be internationally minded. 

Conceptual understanding

Concepts are big ideas that have relevance within specific disciplines and across subject areas. MYP students use concepts as a vehicle to inquire into issues and ideas of personal, local and global significance and examine knowledge holistically. 

Approaches to learning (ATL)

A unifying thread throughout all MYP subject groups, approaches to learning provide the foundation for independent learning and encourage the application of their knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Developing and applying these skills help students learn how to learn. 

Service as action (community service)

Action (learning by doing and experiencing) and service have always been shared values of the IB community. Students take action when they apply what they are learning in the classroom and beyond. IB learners strive to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a commitment to service — making a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Service as action is an integral part of the programme, especially in the MYP community project. 

At ISH ‘Service as action’ is highlighted through our successful Sri Lanka and Tanzania projects where students have been fundraising and volunteering to help rebuild communities.

Language and identity

MYP students are required to learn at least two languages. Learning to communicate in a variety of ways is fundamental to their development of intercultural understanding and crucial to their identity affirmation.  

At ISH we do this through offering classes in German and English as well as supporting students mother tongue.

Service at ISH

Service is a significant component in our Middle Years Programme, providing our learners the opportunity to engage in our local and global community and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Service activities at ISH evolve beyond doing for others to engaging with others in a shared commitment towards the common good. Service activities at ISH are interesting, challenging and fun for our learners. Learners are able to engage in experiences that meet the requirements of the Service Programme. Our Service Programme is an avenue to fulfil ISH’s mission statement and work with learners to pursue service activities that they are passionate about. 

ISH has a variety of service activities operating including many student-led activities. Our service activities are showcased twice a year in our Service Expo, held in conjunction with the Diploma Programme. Students are able to join new activities and to see the progress and successes of our service projects.


For more information about the MYP click the official IBO website.