Middle Years Programme at WMS
"At Wilbur & McMahon, the MYP helps students connect learning to real life while developing the skills and values to make a difference."
The IB Middle Years Programme at Wilbur & McMahon School
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At Wilbur & McMahon School, students in Grades 5–8 engage in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP)—a learning experience that encourages curiosity, reflection, and action. The MYP helps students connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them through real-world inquiry and exploration of Global Contexts.
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As students build strong Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills—such as communication, organization, and critical thinking—they grow as independent, compassionate learners who understand their role in a global community. The programme culminates in Grade 8 with the IB Community Project, a student-led opportunity to take meaningful action and make a positive difference both locally and beyond.
5th grade
Transition to the IB Middle Years Programme
The 2025–2026 school year marks the beginning of Grade 5’s transition into the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP). This year will serve as a soft implementation phase, allowing teachers to deepen their understanding of the IB framework while gradually introducing key elements—such as the IB Learner Profile—to students.
The process focuses on aligning and embedding MYP practices and assessment approaches with the strong instructional methods and RIDE-aligned curriculum already in place in Grade 5. This thoughtful integration will help ensure a smooth and cohesive learning experience as students move from elementary into the full MYP in Grade 6.
This transition reflects our district’s commitment to developing curious, reflective, and globally minded learners who take action to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
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7th grade
Deepening Inquiry and Skills
In Grade 7, students strengthen and expand the skills introduced in Grade 6. They continue developing ATL skills across disciplines and explore Global Contexts in greater depth.
Emphasis is placed on critical and creative thinking, research, and self-management, as students take greater ownership of their learning. Interdisciplinary projects challenge them to apply their understanding to complex, real-world problems and to consider multiple perspectives.
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6th grade
Building the Foundations
Grade 6 is students’ first full year as MYP learners. They explore subjects through Global Contexts—real-world themes that connect classroom learning to local and global issues—and begin intentionally developing ATL skills such as communication, organization, collaboration, and reflection.
Teachers design inquiry-based learning experiences that help students see connections between subjects and understand how their choices and actions shape the world around them.​​​​​​​​​​​​
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8th grade
Culminating in the Community Project
Grade 8 represents the culmination of the MYP at Wilbur & McMahon School. Students apply the skills and global awareness developed throughout the programme in the IB Community Project—a student-led inquiry that identifies a real community need and leads to meaningful action.
Through investigation, planning, action, and reflection, students demonstrate independence, responsibility, and compassion. The Community Project showcases their growth as learners and celebrates their ability to make a difference in their community and the world.
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8th Grade Community Project
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