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ISS-Oeiras - International Sharing School
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Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Middle school is a crucial stage for young people, in both personal growth and academic development.At a time when young people are establishing their identity and building their self-esteem, we support our students to develop personal, social and emotional wellbeing alongside academic success.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is part of the International Baccalaureate framework and offers a structured approach to learning that nurtures creative, critical, and reflective thinkers.
Our programme empowers students to engage actively and responsibly in a rapidly changing world. Our students develop the skills to learn independently and assess information critically, giving them the ability to achieve their full potential in school and in life beyond the classroom.

 

Fill in the form, and a member of the Admissions Team will get in touch. 

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The MYP Programme explained

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a five-year framework of the International Baccalaureate for students aged 11–16. We develop critical thinking, global awareness, and independent learning through interdisciplinary study and engagement with ideas in real-world situations.

The MYP is structured around eight subject groups. Each subject encourages critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural understanding:

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Language and Literature - English and Portuguese
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Language Acquisition - English, Spanish, Portuguese, French
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Individuals & Societies
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Sciences
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Mathematics
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Arts
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Physical and Health Education
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Design
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Service as action

In the MYP, Service as Action plays a central role in helping students bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world leadership skills. It inspires learners to develop a strong sense of social responsibility and encourages them to take purposeful, meaningful action within their communities.

By taking part, students strengthen key entrepreneurial skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding while responding to genuine needs at both local and global levels. Guided by seven learning outcomes – including recognising personal strengths, embracing new challenges, working effectively with others, and reflecting on ethical considerations – the program provides a clear framework for growth. ISS students engage in a range of school-supported and student-led initiatives through partnerships with diverse local institutions, providing meaningful opportunities to contribute to the community and actively help make it a better place. 

Personal project

The MYP Personal Project is a mandatory component during MYP5 and serves as the final element of the MYP. 

As the name suggests, the Personal Project allows each student to choose an area that motivates and interests them. Working like entrepreneurs, they set a learning and product goal, including a set of success criteria with which to evaluate their work. This long-term project, designed as an independent learning experience of approximately 25 hours, helps students develop the skills of future-ready leaders and entrepreneurs. Recent projects have included developing a mobile app, photography projects or producing a book. 

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Entrepreneurial skills development

Every year, MYP students engage in a project-based week to work as a team on entrepreneurial or STEAM challenges set by their teachers. Together, they have to research the problem and collaborate on ideas and solutions, such as developing their own viable products.

Approaches to learning

 

Alongside traditional learning, the MYP fosters essential skills that help students learn how to learn, known as Approaches to Learning (ATL).  Rather than focusing only on subject content, ATL develops the habits, strategies, and attitudes students need to become independent, confident, and lifelong learners.

 

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Assessment

At the end of Grade 10, students complete the MYP eAssessments, a set of externally moderated digital examinations that can lead to the award of the MYP Certificate. These assessments recognise students’ achievement and understanding across the programme, focusing on the application of knowledge rather than memorisation. They also provide valuable experience in exam preparation and formal assessment conditions, helping students build the skills and confidence needed for success in the IB Diploma Programme.

Learning environment

At ISS, we are lucky to have flexible educational spaces that allow for different types of learning, from more traditional teacher-led classes to tables for collaborative projects, individual booths for quiet study and relaxed spaces for conversation. This flexibility empowers learners to become more creative, self-directed and agile, as they begin to take responsibility for their own learning.

Sharing Star Programme

The Sharing Star Programme is a signature and unique element of our MYP education at ISS Lisbon is grounded in our guiding statement: Learning  Through Sharing. It reflects our belief that meaningful learning happens when students connect with others, challenge themselves in diverse contexts, and actively contribute to the world around them. 

In the MYP years, students take part in Sharing Star activities every day of the week as an integral part of the curriculum. 

The programme is structured around five interconnected pillars that promote holistic development. For each of them, students take part in workshops, hands-on activities or teacher-led sessions.

Throughout the year, students engage in purposeful experiences that help them grow as learners and individuals, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether through service projects, STEAM activities, artistic performances, leadership opportunities, outdoor exploration, or wellness, the programme encourages students to share their ideas, talents, and time with others. 

The pillars are:

Academic Excellence & Study Skills, such as:

Research skills workshop, study support, ATL skill development, time management guidance

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Life Skills & Outdoor Education, such as:

Duke of Edinburgh award activities, first aid courses, orienteering, and outdoor learning in our woodland

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Service, Leadership & Global Citizenship, such as:

MYP community project, school House spirit initiatives, Model United Nations, volunteering

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Sports, Health & Well-being, such as:

Team sports, fitness training, meditation and mindfulness activities

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Creative Expression, such as:

School choir, theatre production, creative writing, visual arts, school band

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Future pathways

Supporting confident transitions from the MYP to the Diploma Programme

The ISS Future Pathways Programme is a carefully structured, long‑term guidance framework designed to support students and families as they move from the end of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) into the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and beyond.

Beginning in MYP 4 and continuing through MYP 5 and the full Diploma Programme, the Future Pathways Programme ensures that students are not making isolated or last‑minute subject choices, but instead are guided through a progressive process of reflection, exploration, data‑informed guidance, and informed decision‑making.

By combining academic performance data, cognitive profiling, personalised teacher recommendations, and professional careers counselling, the programme helps each student identify pathways that align with their strengths, aspirations, and future university goals, while building confidence, motivation, and ownership of their learning journey.

The result is a smoother, more purposeful transition into the IB Diploma, with students who understand why they are choosing particular subjects and how those choices connect to their future pathways.

Key Advantages of the ISS Future Pathways Programme

With students from all over the world, we are a truly international programme, where each student develops the intercultural awareness fundamental to social, emotional, and cognitive development.  

Our flexible learning spaces empower learners to become more creative, self-directed, and adaptable: prepared to face unexpected challenges as global citizens of the future.

VIVIANA SERRALHA, Head of Middle Years Programme

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Want to know more about Middle Years at ISS 

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