How MYP works for your child
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is part of the International Baccalaureate and is for students whose world is expanding. They start to see more, question more and think more independently. Learning connects to real life, so school starts to feel relevant. This answers some important questions for parents: what is MYP IB and how does it work, and why is this the right secondary school near Amsterdam?
What MYP is all about
In MYP, we build strong foundations in languages, math, sciences and humanities. Subjects are taught both separately and in connection with each other. This helps students understand how topics fit together and why it matters, forming a strong middle years programme curriculum.
Students learn by exploring different perspectives and tackling challenges. In STEAM projects, they combine science, technology, engineering, arts, and math’s to solve real problems. They analyse, design, and test ideas. This reflects real-world learning and supports inquiry based secondary education.
They can also express themselves by presenting, debating, creating and performing. Creative problem solving becomes a natural part of how they learn.
Personal development plays a growing role in MYP. Students learn to form their own opinions, work with others, and take responsibility for their choices. They become more confident in who they are and how they present themselves during their teenage years.
At the end of MYP, they know how to think critically and creatively, take initiative, and take responsibility. Ready for DP, our Diploma Programme.
A day in MYP, picture this…
School starts with a question on the board. What do you see? Really? In Humanities, it’s about bias and social influencers. Who shapes opinions? Who follows who Students talk. And listen. Sharing perspectives.
In STEAM class, the teenagers look through a microscope. Their own saliva turns into a whole biotope. Tiny life, big deal… Then the challenge flips: design nano tools as small as cells. Students imagine, draw, and explain new functions. Science meets creativity.
Later, in math’s class, they prepare for a visit to the Aerospace Centre. Calculating sizes and distances in our Milky Way. Trying formulas. Adjusting numbers. Trying again. Realising how huge the universe really is. Almost too big to wrap their head around.
At the end of the day, the students reflect. They laughed with friends. And above all, they learned how to look. Closer. Wider. Differently.
That’s MYP. Discovering more than you think.
MYP at International School Hilversum also means:
- MYP assessment combines tests, projects and practical assignments
- Learning is often linked to real-world themes and global issues
- Students are challenged to think creatively and solve complex problems
- Feedback helps students grow, not just score grades
- MYP builds confidence for choices they’ll make in the Diploma Programme
As part of International Baccalaureate education in the Netherlands, ISH offers a strong academic and personal pathway.
This makes ISH a strong choice for families looking for an IB secondary school Netherlands and an international secondary school Amsterdam area.
“MYP opened my eyes and made me question more. And laugh a lot as well”
Frequently asked questions about IB education, answered.
The IB is designed to support students in becoming curious, independent, and internationally minded learners. It encourages students to ask questions, think critically, collaborate with others, and make connections between different areas of learning. Some students thrive in environments where they can explore ideas, work collaboratively, and engage with real-world issues, which are central to the IB approach. Our role as a school is to support each student in finding their strengths, developing good learning habits, and building the skills they need for the future.
The IB Diploma is recognised and valued worldwide. Universities and further education appreciate IB graduates for their independence, research skills and enterprising mindset.
Not just through tests. In the PYP, there are no formal tests. Learning is followed through observation, work, projects and reflection. In the MYP and DP, assessment grows with your child and includes assignments, presentations, projects and exams when appropriate.
Then we talk. If teachers or parents notice that support is needed, we discuss together what is possible and what is not. That’s why it’s important to share this at the point of admission.
A student’s language, background and culture are part of who they are. At International School Hilversum, diversity is valued and embraced. We recognize and celebrate many different cultures on a daily basis.
Page Summary
The Middle Years Programme at ISH helps students grow into independent thinkers who understand how learning connects to real life.
Through challenge, exploration and reflection, they develop the skills and confidence needed for the next stage.
It is a strong and future-focused choice for families exploring a secondary school near Amsterdam with an international approach.
So the Middle Years Programme at International School Hilversum offers your child a confident and future-ready path within IB secondary education near Amsterdam.
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