Developing Skills for Success: How the MYP Personal Project Prepares Students for Lifelong Learning

Developing the Skills for Success

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is one of the three programs offered by the International Baccalaureate at the MET. This is a forward-thinking educational framework implemented in school systems worldwide. In the MYP, students aged 11-16 (Grades 6-10) learn to transfer conceptual knowledge and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills between disciplines and to real world contexts. Students still learn many of the foundational skills found in a traditional classroom, but in the MYP there is an emphasis on critical thinking and “learning how to learn.”

The MYP shares many characteristics with the PYP (Primary Years Programme) (K-G5) as well as the Diploma Programme (G11-12) which allows students to fully benefit from the IB’s philosophy and methodology. Each MET student encounters several capstone projects throughout their learning journey in our school.

Beyond the Classroom: Building Skills for Lifelong Learning

The Personal Project is a year-long independent study of a personally selected topic by our 10th graders that culminates in an essay and exhibition. Through this project, our students demonstrated their ability to be risk-takers and inquirers, not just inside, but also outside the classroom. They reflected articulately on their learning process, celebrating their accomplishments, and growing from areas of struggle. They honed their self-management and communication skills through researching, note-taking, essay writing, and public speaking. This year, our students’ dynamic array of passion projects included but were not limited to work in equine therapy, an empathetic study into Asperger's Syndrome, the development of an invented language, the production of a full animated song, the sewing of dresses to donate to an orphanage, and the translation of songs into sign language. We are proud of our 10th graders who have shown they are ready to tackle the rigorous challenges of the Diploma Program next year.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

As Samuel Reyes, a Grade 10 student, reflects: “Embracing the MYP Personal Project requires self-management and perseverance. In my case, I attempted to tackle an imminent issue in my community: food waste. To do this, I decided to create a biodigester. I struggled tremendously to keep up with deadlines established by the school and by myself. Personal Project is not building a biodigester, but how to successfully accomplish a long-term goal, a skill which will help me in every aspect of my personal and academic life.”

It is not just about the final product, but the growth that takes place along the way. Students like Tamara Segebre discovered hidden strengths: "I learned organization and communication skills I never knew I had. The project pushed me to create something I'm truly proud of, something that mattered to me – helping underprivileged children in Panama."

Empowering Learners, Shaping Futures: The MYP Difference

The MYP Personal Project is a powerful example of how the MET empowers students to become independent learners and global citizens. It equips them with the skills and confidence to tackle the challenges that lie ahead, both in the classroom and beyond.

We are proud of our 10th graders who have shown they are ready to tackle the rigorous challenges of the Diploma Program next year.

Ready to See More? We invite you to learn more on our website, check the video posted on our Instagram or schedule a school tour to learn more about the MYP program and how it can benefit your child's journey.