Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Middle Years Programme (MYP) at ISB | Ages 11–15

At the International School of Brescia (ISB), we offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), a dynamic curriculum for students aged 11 to 16.

Building on the foundations of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the MYP is student-centred and concept-driven, encouraging critical thinking, creativity and global awareness. Through interdisciplinary learning and real-world connections, students develop the skills and mindset needed for success in school and beyond.

The MYP at ISB begins with MYP 1 (age 11), corresponding to 1° anno Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado, and continues through MYP 5 (age 15), equivalent to 2° anno di Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado. Upon completion, students are fully prepared to begin the IB Diploma Programme, a globally recognised two-year pre-university course.

ISB has been an authorised MYP school since 2017.

How ISB’s MYP Matches Italian and U.S. Grades

At ISB, the MYP is structured across five years and is compatible with both the Italian and American education systems, offering clear grade-level equivalencies for families transitioning between systems:

ISB GRADE	AGE	EQUIVALENT IN THE ITALIAN SYSTEM	EQUIVALENT IN THE USA SYSTEM
MYP 1	11–12	1° anno Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (Media)	Grade 6
MYP 2	12–13	2° anno Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (Media)	Grade 7
MYP 3	13–14	3° anno Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (Esame di Stato)	Grade 8
MYP 4	14–15	1° anno Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado	Grade 9
MYP 5	15–16	2° anno Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado	Grade 10

What Do Students Learn in the Middle Years Programme?

The MYP at International School Brescia (ISB) provides a broad and balanced education, covering eight subject groups with at least 50 hours of teaching per subject each year. In the final two years, students have flexibility to align their studies with personal learning goals and national requirements.

At ISB, the MYP curriculum includes:

Language & Literature: English and Italian
Language Acquisition: Spanish and Italian
Individuals & Societies: Humanities subjects
Sciences: Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
Mathematics
Arts: Visual Arts and Music
Physical & Health Education
Design

How Do Students Learn at International School Brescia?

The Middle Years Programme at ISB follows an inquiry-based, student-centered approach, encouraging exploration, collaboration, and real-world application. Lessons are concept-driven, focusing on deep understanding rather than memorization.

Students engage in hands-on projects, research assignments, and presentations, guided by the IB Learner Profile. Assessment is both formative and summative, incorporating performance tasks, essays, and project-based evaluations.

In MYP 5, students complete the Personal Project, an independent research project that showcases their skills and interests, preparing them for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and university.

Why the International Baccalaureate (IB) at ISB?

The MYP at ISB is fully aligned with the Italian education system, allowing for an easy transition between local and international schools. At the same time, it follows the IB’s globally recognized framework, ensuring students are well-prepared for university pathways both in Italy and abroad.

Key benefits of the MYP’s international approach:

Bilingual Advantage: English is the primary language of instruction, with strong support for Italian and additional language learning.
Globally Recognized Curriculum: Students develop a skill set that is valued by top universities worldwide.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Unlike traditional national curricula, the MYP integrates subjects for a deeper understanding of complex, real-world issues.

At ISB, the MYP seamlessly integrates international perspectives with a strong foundation in core academic subjects, equipping students to thrive in a fast-changing world. With a focus on individual learning, English immersion, and personalized learning, we ensure that every student is challenged, supported, and inspired throughout their MYP journey.

Preparing for University: Transitioning from the Middle Years Programme to the Diploma Programme

Students completing MYP 5 (age 16) are at the same stage as those finishing the second year of Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado in the Italian system. Instead of choosing a specialized academic track, students continue with a broad, balanced curriculum, ensuring they are well-prepared for any future path.

After the MYP, students move on to the IB Diploma Programme (DP), a globally recognized qualification for university entrance. The MYP Personal Project, completed in the final year, helps students develop the research and self-management skills needed for the rigorous coursework and assessments of the DP.

With a strong foundation in critical thinking, global awareness, and academic discipline, MYP graduates transition smoothly into the DP and beyond, whether pursuing university studies in Italy or internationally.

Why Choose Our Secondary?

Internationally Recognized Curriculum

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) at ISB provides a dynamic, concept-driven education that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness.

Students benefit from a world-class framework that bridges local and international standards, preparing them for success anywhere in the world.

Bilingual & Multicultural Advantage

English is the primary language of instruction, complemented by strong Italian support and additional language options such as Spanish.

With students from over 24 nationalities, ISB offers a safe, inclusive, and multicultural environment where diversity is celebrated and global perspectives are embedded in daily learning.

Pathway to the IB Diploma & University Success

Structured across five years (ages 11–16), the MYP builds a strong foundation for the IB Diploma Programme.

Through hands-on projects, interdisciplinary learning, and the culminating Personal Project, students gain the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to excel at university and beyond.

Rachel Bestow

Head Of School

Rachel Bestow

Head of School

"

Our nurturing and experienced team of international teachers provide enriching and stimulating learning experiences, guiding our young students to reflect on their learning and the world around them.

I look forward to welcoming you and your family to visit us, discover more about ISB and become part of our community.

"

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Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Middle Years Programme (MYP)