IB MYP Subjects Explained for Parents

IB MYP subjects comprise a rigorous, five-year educational framework that serves students aged 11 to 16 (Grades 6–10). These subjects bridge the inquiry-based Primary Years Programme and the academic rigor of the Diploma Programme.

At ISHCMC, we leverage our 30-year legacy as Ho Chi Minh City’s first IB World School to deliver an MYP experience that nurtures critical thinkers, global citizens, and resilient learners.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) requires students aged 11–16 to study eight core subject groups. Each group needs at least 50 hours of teaching time per year, though in the final two years, students can choose to focus on six of the eight.

Our Language and Literature curriculum extends beyond basic reading and writing to develop six critical communication skills. We train students in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and presenting to ensure they communicate effectively in any medium.

By exploring diverse texts, we mold globally-minded critical thinkers who deeply analyze culture, identity, and pressing global issues.

At ISHCMC, our delivery model maximizes this growth through targeted, personalized attention:

• We maintain an average class size of 20 students and a highly supportive 1:8.5 teacher-to-student ratio.
• We facilitate inquiry-based learning utilizing multimedia suites and technologically advanced classrooms that bring literature to life.

Our Language Acquisition courses build linguistic proficiencies and intercultural awareness through sustained, multi-year instruction. We develop effective communication, cultural competence, and identity affirmation across multiple languages.

While our core offerings include Vietnamese, Korean, German, Spanish, and French, our flexible pathways allow students to learn from over 10 additional languages, including Mandarin, Japanese, and Dutch.

All MYP students study at least one additional language alongside English. Specialist teachers guide learners using differentiated instruction and scaffolded activities, ensuring every student gains lasting confidence and fluency in their chosen language.

This subject group integrates history, geography, economics, and psychology to help students evaluate human behavior and global challenges. We use authentic, inquiry-based frameworks to explore global contexts like globalization, identities, and power. Students do not just memorize historical dates; they actively investigate how past events shape modern societies.

Our approach includes:

• Interdisciplinary units that seamlessly link Individuals and Societies with other IB MYP subjects to provide holistic perspectives.
• Integrated service learning where students apply humanistic theories directly to local environmental or social issues in Ho Chi Minh City.

Our Sciences curriculum merges biology, chemistry, and physics to focus on key concepts like change, systems, and energy. We move away from rote memorization to emphasize practical investigation and scientific literacy. Our 1-to-1 laptop program from Grades 5 through 12 empowers students to collect digital data, run complex simulations, and analyze research in our state-of-the-art science laboratories.

We assess student progress using four specific IB criteria:

• Knowing and understanding.
• Inquiring and designing.
• Processing and evaluating.
• Reflecting on the impacts of science.

Furthermore, we offer optional eAssessments to accurately benchmark student progress against rigorous international standards.

We replace rote memorization with a dynamic, inquiry-based approach that emphasizes practical problem-solving. Students actively engage in student-led activities that demonstrate math’s real-world value.

A prime example is the Grade 9 “Chance Carnival,” where students calculate probability through games they design themselves, such as modeling entrepreneurial budgets for school fundraisers. We integrate math concepts with other IB MYP subjects, including science for sustainability projects.

Furthermore, we offer IB-moderated eAssessments to ensure our students meet and exceed rigorous international mathematical standards.

Students explore visual arts, music, drama, and media to develop their artistic identities and understand global contexts. Our experiential delivery utilizes specialized Secondary Campus facilities to foster creative expression.

We provide extensive enrichment and wellbeing support through:

• A professional theater, recording studios, music practice rooms, and dedicated visual arts studios.
• The ISHCMC Performing Arts Academy (IPAA), which offers 26+ programs guided by 24 dedicated professional performing arts teachers.
• Our POSISH (Positive ISHCMC) wellbeing framework, which actively nurtures empathy, integrity, and resilience during complex creative projects.

Our PHE curriculum focuses on both learning about and learning through physical activity, covering movement science and biomechanics. Inquiry-driven modules balance various physical pursuits to build holistic health and personal resilience. Students participate in team and individual sports, aquatics, gymnastics, and alternative activities like yoga and martial arts.

We strongly support this comprehensive curriculum with purpose-built athletic facilities, including but not limited to:

• NBA-size basketball courts and expansive rooftop sports fields.
• An 8-lane 25m swimming pool designed for competitive and recreational training.
• Our active, school-wide participation in Cognita’s Global Be Well Day to prioritize mental and physical health.

Our Design course challenges students to apply practical and creative thinking to solve authentic problems using the design cycle. Students navigate the rigorous design cycle: Inquire, Plan, Create, Evaluate.

We offer specialized units in both Digital Design and Design Technology, utilizing purpose-built design suites, robotics labs, and hands-on maker spaces. Students complete real-world application projects that stretch their abilities.

For example, they interview actual clients to create physical products, utilize industry-grade equipment, and critically explore the ethical implications of advanced robotics and software development.

Choosing ISHCMC for your child’s MYP journey guarantees exceptional academic results driven by our innovative framework. We consistently deliver measurable growth across all disciplines, proving the effectiveness of our personalized, high-impact instruction.

Our exceptional Secondary School outcomes include:

• Math Conditional Growth Percentiles of 85–99, with mean scores above both Vietnam and global IB school averages.
• Reading growth percentiles ranging from 92 to 99, consistently outperforming local and global benchmarks.

Furthermore, our UCL-accredited Cognita Innovation Fellowship project demonstrated exactly how innovative teaching translates to measurable growth. In this four-month study, EAL students utilizing multimedia reflection outperformed their peers, reaching the 68th percentile in Reading and the 65th percentile in Language Usage on MAP tests.

Finally, students synthesize skills from all IB MYP subjects into the Grade 10 Personal Project, a significant independent inquiry that prepares them for the Diploma Programme.

Starting your child’s academic journey at ISHCMC equips them with critical thinking and social-emotional skills for lifelong success. IB MYP subjects provide a robust, inquiry-driven framework that prepares students for future academic challenges.

At ISHCMC, our proven academic outcomes, expert faculty, and holistic POSISH framework ensure your child receives an unparalleled IB continuum experience.

Contact our admissions team today to schedule a campus tour and apply to ISHCMC, giving your child the foundation they need to thrive and secure placements at the world’s top universities.

Parents often ask us specific questions about how IB MYP subjects function in a real school environment.

We warmly welcome students from various educational backgrounds into our MYP cohorts. Our teachers provide targeted support to help new learners quickly adapt to our inquiry-based framework.

We view parents as essential partners in their child’s educational journey. ISHCMC provides regular communication and portal access to keep families involved in student progress.

The Middle Years Programme builds strong study habits and critical thinking skills through concept-based learning and independent research. It connects classroom topics to the real world, helping students develop the academic discipline and problem-solving abilities needed for university success.