IB Middle Years Programme
hero-banner
Our IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) redefines learning for Grades 6-10 (ages 11-16) by embracing students' personal passions, encouraging true intellectual curiosity, and developing the skills to interrogate knowledge.
Our student-centred approach places learning in real-world contexts, robustly preparing our students for successful and fulfilling futures. Students develop key skills for the future, particularly: productive collaboration, effective self-management, and intercultural understanding. Through our 'Passion Projects', Explorations programme and bespoke integration of technology, students learn research skills, informational and media literacy, creative and critical thinking, and the transfer of learning to real-world contexts.
Our Middle Years Programme
At Halcyon, we are committed to offering a dynamic and personalised MYP experience that meets the unique needs of every student, empowering them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Our MYP students engage in an interdisciplinary curriculum covering Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Design, PE, and rotating Arts (Music, Visual Arts, Theatre).
In Grade 10, students can customise their studies to prepare for the Diploma Programme.
- Group 1: Language and Literature
- Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Group 4: Sciences
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: Arts
- Group 7: Design
- Group 8: Physical and Health Education (PHE)
- The Core: Mandatory Components
- IB Learner Profile
Group 1: Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: Arts
Group 7: Design
Group 8: Physical and Health Education (PHE)
The Core: Mandatory Components
IB Learner Profile
Halcyon's Bespoke Approach to the MYP
Innovation is a core value at Halcyon, and the MYP is greatly enhanced by bespoke opportunities.
Explorations
Our unique Explorations Programme invites Grade 6-9 students to select up to four electives per year to explore in weekly two-hour periods as part of their timetable.
Personal Learning
Personal learning – the ability to define and shape one’s own enquiry and one’s own learning – is central to the MYP at Halcyon.
Linked Learning Days
Halcyon consciously organises the core interdisciplinary unit into two full days, allowing staff and students to immerse themselves totally in this innovative academic pursuit.
IB MYP Curriculum
The MYP moves beyond memorisation, balancing deep subject knowledge with the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills — research, communication, self-management, and critical thinking, that carry through to the Diploma Programme and beyond. At Halcyon, this comes to life through real project work: students build 3D museum exhibits, design and code robots in Science, use immersive digital tools in Theatre, and create their own documentaries. As a Google Reference School, Halcyon integrates technology thoughtfully, including guiding students to use AI critically, as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut around it.
Middle Years Programme Framework
The Middle Years Programme framework provides the structure for this inquiry-based approach. It consists of eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced foundation. Halcyon families frequently praise the school’s ability to offer breadth and depth through a variety of subjects that equally prioritise conceptual and contextualised learning experiences.
Differences Between MYP and GCSE
A common question from families comparing curricula is how the MYP differs from GCSEs. GCSEs are assessed primarily through content-heavy, high-stakes final exams in each subject. The MYP instead uses continuous, criteria-related assessment across the year, prioritising how students apply and connect knowledge over how much they can recall under exam conditions. Neither approach is inherently better, the right fit depends on how your child learns, but the MYP tends to suit students who thrive with sustained project work and cross-subject thinking.
IB MYP Global Contexts
At Halcyon, units across every subject are framed by one of six IB MYP global contexts, ensuring students see the real-world relevance of what they're learning rather than treating subjects in isolation. The six contexts are:
- Identities and relationships
- Orientation in space and time
- Personal and cultural expression
- Scientific and technical innovation
- Globalisation and sustainability
- Fairness and development
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover More
Entry Requirements & Applying
Starting a new school is an important step in your family’s journey into the future. Whatever your circumstances, our knowledgable and welcoming Admissions Team stand ready to provide you with the guidance and information you need.
Arrange A Visit
Halcyon welcomes enquiring minds, challenging questions and unique perspectives. Arrange a visit, see it in action and experience a Halcyon welcome.
Academics
An innovative curriculum that encourages academic curiosity. Classrooms where challenging questions deepen understanding. Students welcomed for who they are.
Join Our Team
We provide a creative and professional space for our team to contribute and learn to their full potential. Ours is a collaborative culture where all are welcome.
Wellbeing
At Halcyon, we integrate the Wellbeing Programme throughout all aspects of school life, fostering a supportive environment for social and emotional learning. We empower students to bring their unique perspectives to their learning, enriching the intellectual, social and intercultural environment for everyone.
Our Community
Community is a foundational value for us. Our parents, students, teachers, support staff and alum are at the core of our vibrant, welcoming International Baccalaureate learning environment.
