Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The IB Middle Years Programme at Bloomingdale covers Grades 6 through 10 (MYP 1 to MYP 5), designed for students aged 11 to 16. It bridges the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), providing a continuous and coherent learning pathway from primary school all the way through to pre-university education.

BIS MYP students consistently score above the global IB average. The world average MYP score is 39 out of 56. BIS students regularly score above 40, and in May 2025 achieved 42 out of 56. This reflects the depth of understanding, research capability, and independent thinking that students develop through BIS's inquiry-based approach — not through coaching or pressure, but through genuine learning.

MYP students at BIS study across 8 subject groups: Language and Literature (English), Language Acquisition (Hindi or Spanish), Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design. Students are also required to study at least two languages throughout the programme. This breadth ensures a well-rounded academic experience while allowing depth within each discipline.

The Personal Project is a student-centred, extended independent project completed by all MYP Year 5 (Grade 10) students. It is one of the three components of the MYP eAssessment and is a requirement for all students. Students choose a topic of genuine personal interest, conduct research, create an outcome, and reflect on their process — demonstrating the skills and learning they have built across the entire MYP. It is a significant piece of work that strengthens university applications and develops real-world skills.

Formal recognition for MYP Year 5 students is provided by the IB through eAssessment, which has three components. First, ePortfolios of coursework in Arts, Design, and Physical and Health Education, moderated against a global standard. Second, on-screen examinations (two hours each) in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Interdisciplinary Learning. Third, the Personal Project — an independent extended project that all students must complete. Together these assess both what students know and what they are able to do.

ATL skills are a core thread that runs through every MYP subject. They cover five skill categories: thinking, research, communication, social, and self-management skills. Rather than being a separate subject, ATL skills are explicitly taught and practised within every discipline. The purpose is to develop students who know how to learn independently — so they can apply their skills in unfamiliar contexts, at university, and throughout their careers. These are the skills that distinguish IB students in university admissions.

Service as Action is an integral part of the MYP at BIS, not an optional add-on. Students take action when they apply classroom learning to real community challenges. The MYP Community Project — completed in MYP Year 3 or 4 — requires students to plan and implement a genuine initiative that benefits a real community. This develops empathy, responsibility, and the ability to make a positive difference, which are values central to the IB mission.

Yes — the MYP is specifically designed as a pathway into the DP. The conceptual thinking, research skills, independent learning habits, and academic rigour developed in the MYP directly prepare students for the demands of the Diploma Programme. BIS MYP graduates who go on to the DP consistently perform strongly, and BIS DP students have achieved SAT scores of 1260+ and secured international scholarships exceeding USD 440,000 annually — a testament to the strong foundation the MYP builds.

Yes. A common misconception is that IB education is only for students planning to study abroad. In reality, over 51% of IB graduates in India pursue higher education within the country, and the IB is recognised by all major Indian universities. The critical thinking, research, and communication skills developed in the MYP prepare students for any academic pathway. BIS is also the only school in Andhra Pradesh with UCAS affiliation, giving students the option to apply directly to all UK universities if they choose.

MYP students at BIS have access to a wide range of co-curricular platforms. These include Model United Nations (MUN) for global issues and public speaking, Student Council for leadership, Robotics and Coding clubs for STEM innovation, Shark Tank for entrepreneurship, and Design Thinking projects. Sports clubs run from 3:40 PM to 4:30 PM for all students, with advanced performance clubs from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM for those pursuing sports seriously. All activities are documented to build a credible profile for university admissions.