The IB Middle Years Programme at Gonzaga International School Palermo: Empowering Students Aged 11–16

What is the IB Middle Years Programme?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a globally recognized educational framework designed for students aged 11 to 16. It fosters intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. 

At Gonzaga International School Palermo, the MYP is implemented to cultivate active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning.

A Curriculum designed for holistic development

The MYP curriculum comprises eight subject groups, ensuring a broad and balanced education:

1. Language Acquisition

2. Language and Literature

3. Individuals and Societies

4. Sciences

5. Mathematics

6. Arts

7. Physical and Health Education

8. Design

Each subject group requires a minimum of 50 hours of instruction per academic year. In the final two years, students have the option to focus on six of the eight subject groups, allowing for greater flexibility to meet local requirements and personal learning goals.

Core components enhancing the learning experience

Beyond the subject groups, the MYP includes essential elements that support and extend student learning:

1. Approaches to Learning (ATL)

ATL skills help students "learn how to learn" by developing skills for research, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-management.

2. Global Contexts

Students explore six global contexts—such as identities and relationships, globalization and sustainability—to understand the relevance of their studies and to develop an international mindset.

3. Conceptual Understanding

The MYP emphasizes big ideas that have relevance across disciplines, encouraging students to inquire into issues and ideas of personal, local, and global significance.

Personal and community projects

In the final year of the MYP, students undertake a Personal Project, an independent piece of work that showcases their ability to initiate, manage, and reflect on a project over an extended period. This project encourages students to consolidate their learning and develop important skills for further education and life beyond school. 

Additionally, the Community Project allows students to explore their right and responsibility to implement service as action in the community, fostering a sense of social responsibility.

Assessment in the MYP

Assessment in the MYP is designed to support student learning and provide meaningful feedback. It includes:

• Internal Assessments: Conducted by teachers using criteria established by the IB for each subject group.

• Optional eAssessment: In the final year, students may opt for external assessments, including on-screen examinations and ePortfolios, leading to the IB MYP Certificate.

Preparing for the future

The MYP at Gonzaga International School Palermo prepares students for success in further education, including the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and the IB Career-related Programme (CP). It equips them with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

Join the Gonzaga International School Community

Located in the heart of Palermo, Gonzaga International School offers a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners.

Contact Us:

• Address: Via Piersanti Mattarella, 38/42 – Palermo

• Email: comunicazione@gonzagapalermo.it

• Phone: +39 091 302093

Discover how the IB Middle Years Programme at Gonzaga International School Palermo can make a difference in your child's education.