What is MYP Mathematics?

In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), Mathematics is about understanding the world through a mathematical lens. Designed for students aged 11 to 16, this programme invites learners to explore mathematics conceptually, inquire critically, and apply their knowledge in meaningful real-world contexts.

Watch a quick video here, or keep reading for more information.

A Framework of Inquiry and Understanding

MYP Mathematics focuses on conceptual understanding of the “big ideas” that transcend specific topics. Rather than memorizing formulas, students explore concepts through inquiry, identify rules as formulae, and solve problems. Learning is guided by four branches of mathematics:
These branches are revisited and deepened across the years, building a progression of knowledge and skills.

Mathematics in Context

Every unit in MYP Mathematics connects learning to global contexts: broad themes such as identities and relationships, globalization and sustainability, or scientific and technical innovation.

This encourages students to see mathematics as a tool for understanding and solving real-life challenges. For example, a geometry unit might explore how math helps archaeologists model ancient sites, or a statistics unit might investigate trends in climate data.

Building Learning Skills: Approaches to Learning (ATLs)

The MYP doesn’t stop at subject knowledge. Students also develop Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills across all MYP subjects, which include communication, thinking, research, self-management, and collaboration. These skills empower learners to become autonomous, reflective learners, and to thrive across disciplines. While students learn these skills implicitly through learning tasks and activities in class, teachers are encouraged to explicitly teach these skills by integrating them in their lessons. Some examples of how ATLs can be developed in the Mathematics classroom are:

Assessment with Purpose

Rather than being marks-based, assessment in MYP Mathematics is criterion-based, providing students with clear feedback on how well they are achieving against specific learning objectives. The criteria are as follows:
Assessment tasks generally assess one or two criteria at a time. 

Example Assessments

For example, in a unit on linear equations:

  • Students might investigate relationships between the gradients of straight lines, identifying rules and verifying them (Criterion B).
  • They communicate their findings using algebra, graphs, and tables, ensuring clarity and organization (Criterion C).

Later in the unit, they might use those same skills to model a urban-planning scenario, selecting strategies, solving spatial problems, and justifying the accuracy and validity of their conclusions (Criterion D).

A Learning Journey

Students may be unfamiliar with the Criteria and ATLs at the beginning of their MYP experience, but over time, they will grow into them.

With the right support, they become reflective, open-minded problem-solvers, and build confidence to think critically, act responsibly, and engage with the world in meaningful, positive ways.

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