Middle Years Programme Overview

Bridging Curiosity and Capability

MYP at Cologne International School

At Cologne International School, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a five-year academic framework for students in Grades 6 to 10. The programme follows a structured curriculum designed to support educational development. It aims to provide foundational knowledge and skills that would help for further studies and future career paths. The MYP includes standard subject areas and encourages basic competency in various disciplines. While it is part of secondary education, it also intends to foster general personal growth. The programme aligns with conventional educational standards and seeks to prepare students for subsequent academic stages.

We are proud to be Cologne’s first IB Continuum School. That means our students benefit from a perfect educational journey across all three IB programmes—MYP and DP— which offers consistent values, teaching approaches, and a clear path toward future success.

What Is the MYP?

The Middle Years Programme (MYP), developed by the International Baccalaureate, follows the Primary Years Programme (PYP) as the next stage in the IB continuum. It provides a structured and comprehensive curriculum designed to meet standard academic requirements while incorporating practical applications. The framework emphasizes the relationship between theoretical learning and general real-world contexts.

Within this programme, students engage in incremental cognitive development, assume increased academic responsibilities, and are exposed to a standardized international perspective. The MYP adheres to established educational objectives aimed at preparing learners for subsequent academic progression.

Why MYP at CIS

Strong academics with depth and relevance
Students study eight subject groups, including sciences, math, language acquisition, arts, and more — all designed to stretch their understanding and application.
Future-focused learning
MYP students explore global contexts, develop research and collaboration skills, and learn how to evaluate information critically — a powerful toolkit for their future studies and careers.
Inquiry meets action
Through interdisciplinary units and personal projects, students take ownership of their learning and apply it to topics that matter to them.
Support every step of the way
With dedicated advisors, small class sizes, and our bilingual environment, each student receives the guidance they need to grow confidently.
Preparation for success in Grades 11–12
The MYP leads directly into the IB Diploma Programme (DP), one of the world’s most respected pre-university qualifications.

The MYP Personal Project

In Grade 10, every student takes on the Personal Project, a hands-on, independent challenge based on their passions. A project like coding an app, writing a novel, crafting a product, or exploring an idea, it’s their chance to dive deep into something they truly care about. Guided by their own curiosity, they apply skills from across their studies, turning creativity into real-world results. The best part? They get to showcase their hard work and celebrate what they’ve accomplished!

Assessment That Supports Growth

Instead of just testing facts, MYP assessment focuses on how students think—not just what they know. Through skill-based tasks and open-ended challenges, students demonstrate their ability to analyze, problem-solve, and innovate.

Every subject follows IB criteria, measuring growth in key areas like:

Knowledge & Understanding
Critical & Creative Thinking
Communication & Collaboration
Real-World Application

Feedback is ongoing, which helps students refine their work and grow as learners. It’s less about grades, more about mastering the skills that matter.

Ready for What’s Next

By the end of the MYP, students are equipped not only with a solid academic base but with the confidence, awareness, and skills to take on the IB Diploma Programme and life beyond school.

Learn More

To learn more about the PYP at CIS or explore how it fits into our full IB Continuum, contact us or visit the IB PYP website.

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
08:15 - 09:45	Targeted Learning	Spanish / French / EAL	Math	The Arts	Humanities
09:45 - 10:15	Snack & Break
10:15 - 11:15	Humanities	The Arts	English	English	Personal Growth
11:15 - 12:15	Math	English	Science	Science	German / GAL
12:15 - 13:15		Science
13:15 - 13:45	Lunch & Break
13:45 - 14:15	Spanish / French / EAL	Homeroom	German / GAL	Sport	Math
14:15 - 15:15	German / GAL	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs
15:15 - 16:45	Clubs	Cubs	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
07:00 - 08:00	Early Supervision	Early Supervision	Early Supervision	Early Supervision	Early Supervision
08:00 - 09:30	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry
09:30 - 10:00	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess
10:00 - 10:30	Instrumental	Kung Fu	Instrumental	Tai Chi	Instrumental
10:30 - 12:00	Unit	Unit	Unit	Unit	Tai Chi + Unit
12:00 - 13:30	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess
13:30 - 14:30	Unit Math, German, English, Social Studies	Swimming	Library	Music	Unit
14:30 - 15:30	Spanish	Clubs	Art	Unit	Clubs
15:30 - 16:30	Spanish		Spanish	Spanish
16:30 - 18:00	Late Clubs	Late Clubs	Late Clubs	Late Clubs