At CIS, our Middle Years Programme (MYP) is more than just an education—it’s a transformative journey of self-discovery, growth, and impact. Our students are not only learners; they are architects of their own path, shaping their unique identity through rigorous academics, meaningful service, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place.
In our dynamic learning environment, students cultivate curiosity and critical thinking, challenged by a curriculum designed to push the boundaries of excellence. With integrity at the core of their learning, they develop a strong moral compass, taking responsibility for their actions and standing up for what is right. They learn to see the world through multiple perspectives, fostering empathy, resilience, and a sense of duty to both their communities and the planet, as well as through an ethical use of technology and its resources.
Beyond the classroom, our students engage in real-world experiences—leading initiatives, giving voice to causes they care about, and taking action that makes a tangible difference. Through service-learning, environmental stewardship, and active participation in their local and global communities, they develop the confidence and conviction to be changemakers.
At CIS, we don’t just prepare students for the future—we empower them to shape it with purpose and integrity. With inclusivity, innovation, technological skills, digital citizenship, and a commitment to excellence, our MYP students grow into leaders who embrace challenges, drive progress, and inspire others. Their story is not written for them; they author it themselves—with courage, character, and a dedication to making a meaningful impact.
Students lead with purpose and courage—creating initiatives, driving progress, and making a meaningful impact locally and globally. Learners are empowered to shape their own paths—becoming architects of their identity, learning, and future.
Through service, environmental action, and ethical technology use, students care for their communities and the planet.
Students value diverse perspectives, cultivate empathy, and build a culture where everyone belongs and thrives.
Through curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to high standards, students pursue personal and academic excellence in all they do.
At CIS, our Middle Years Programme (MYP) offers a dynamic five-year journey from Grade 6 through Grade 10. Designed for students ages 11–16, the MYP empowers learners to make meaningful connections between their studies and the world around them.
The programme culminates in Grade 10 with three significant milestones: the Personal Project, the ePortfolio, and the IB eAssessment exams. Throughout the MYP, students grow into confident changemakers who embody respect, tolerance, and international mindedness. They also build essential technological skills, guided by a strong focus on ethics and wellbeing.
The MYP at Cologne International School is an engaging, inquiry-based curriculum for students aged 11–16 (Grades 6–10). As an IB World School, we deliver a framework that encourages students to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners.
Our MYP curriculum is structured around:
Service as Action: Community service is integrated into the curriculum, empowering students to engage meaningfully with their local and global communities.
At CIS, the language of instruction is English, creating an immersive international learning environment.
All students study German, either as German Literature for native speakers or German Language Acquisition for those learning it as an additional language.
In addition to German, students can choose to study Spanish or French based on their interests. Once students reach a B2 proficiency level, they have the option to switch to another language if they wish. Upon completing the IB eAssessment in their chosen additional language, students receive an official IB certificate recognizing their achievement.
To ensure every learner can fully engage with our curriculum, students whose English proficiency is not yet at the B1 level receive dedicated support through our English Language Acquisition classes. This additional support helps them build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in an English-speaking academic environment.
Students can continue to study their chosen language throughout the Diploma Programme at CIS too.
In January, PYP parents are invited to our Open House: A Day as an MYP Student, where they take part in real MYP lessons in subjects such as Language & Literature, Mathematics, Science, and Design.
In March, we host an Introduction to the MYP session for Year 5 families. This covers the MYP schedule, homeroom and teaching teams, subject areas, and the structure of outdoor education and the PSHE curriculum. Our goal is to help students feel confident and prepared as they enter Grade 6.
To support Grades 3–5, MYP coordinators also organize classroom visits throughout the year. For example, during Science Mornings, PYP students join MYP teachers in the lab for hands-on experiments and lessons that align with their Units of Inquiry, offering an authentic experience of MYP-style learning.
Language Level Testing
All Grade 5 students are assessed for language proficiency in both English and German to ensure that students are placed at the correct language learning level to receive as much support as they can in their language learning journey.
In January, PYP parents are invited to our Open House: A Day as an MYP Student, where they take part in real MYP lessons in subjects such as Language & Literature, Mathematics, Science, and Design.
In March, we host an Introduction to the MYP session for Year 5 families. This covers the MYP schedule, homeroom and teaching teams, subject areas, and the structure of outdoor education and the PSHE curriculum. Our goal is to help students feel confident and prepared as they enter Grade 6.
To support Grades 3–5, MYP coordinators also organize classroom visits throughout the year. For example, during Science Mornings, PYP students join MYP teachers in the lab for hands-on experiments and lessons that align with their Units of Inquiry, offering an authentic experience of MYP-style learning.
Language Level Testing
All Grade 5 students are assessed for language proficiency in both English and German to ensure that students are placed at the correct language learning level to receive as much support as they can in their language learning journey.
| 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 |
