Middle years programme - any experiences please?

[purplepandas]

Hello! Does anyone have experience of the middle years programme (IB programme) for 11-16 years please? Trying to figure out other school options and this looks like a possible fit. My concern is possible sixth form entry (am calling local ones). I can see how this more holistic and less exam based assessment educational approach would fit with my autistic daughter but had never heard of it previously for ages 11-16 years. I know English and Maths GCSEs can be completed alongside. Thanks!

Bumping just in case.

Maybe try on the Overseas forum as it is common in international schools?

My daughter did this and to be honest I didn’t notice it. When I viewed multiple schools I asked the IB ones why they were different and felt even the teachers couldn’t really explain. There were also lots of exams / tests. I didn’t really feel the themes were that integrated with the curriculum other than bloody identity theme in art which might explain why they all started to identify as something else.

My dd has asd / adhd. Pm me if you want more specific feedback.

Thank you @stealthninjamum

"other than bloody identity theme in art which might explain why they all started to identify as something else."

Sorry but this made me chuckle.

@purplepandas We looked at this for my DD as she has SEN and thought it would be more holistic. It really depends on the school. Some make the kids take all the tests, others don't. It can end up being worse than GCSEs. Many international schools do GCSEs than IB instead of A Levels..

Thanks @Foxesandsquirrels , I will ask re exams. Her current school does GCSEs and the IB or A levels. My concern is IB at the 11 to 16 age. All good points, thank you.

My child is doing this, in yr9 (MYP3) at the moment. It's the right choice for her, and the different methods of evaluating her work mean that she is doing better academically than she was in her previous school (comp).
I'm a big fan of the school, not just because of the IB curriculum but the kids she's meeting, the opportunities she's having by mixing with varied nationalities.

What I'm still not 100% about is next steps. Apparently no child has been turned away from their chosen next path. Most go on to do A levels. I will most likely try and find somewhere that does the IB careers programme.

From the little research I've done and chatting with the school, it feels like topping up with gcses is a little bit odd. The IB middle years programme 'should' be enough on its own, as its an equivalent.
It's a really thoroughly thought through model, Kent schools are using it then switching to gcse for yr10 apparently. I hugely prefer it to the national curriculum.

Thank you do much @PutYourBackIntoit. Great yo hear that your child is doing fo well with MYP. I can see the advantages that you mention. I am also not so sure re next steps. The school have said similar to me. Appreciated!👍