IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
📅 MYP eAssessment 2026 - Key Information
Important: MYP eAssessment is OPTIONAL and only available for Year 5 (final year) students.
May 2026 eAssessment Session: Approximately 5-16 May 2026
November 2026 eAssessment Session: Dates to be confirmed (typically mid-November)
Primary Assessment: MYP uses continuous school-based assessment throughout all five years. External eAssessment is optional and only available in Year 5 for students pursuing the MYP Certificate.
What is the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)?
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a challenging framework for students aged 11-16 (approximately Years 6-10 or Grades 6-10). The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between traditional subjects and the real world.
Programme Duration:
Key Features:
- Provides framework for learning that builds on knowledge from Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- Prepares students for IB Diploma Programme (DP) or other post-16 qualifications
- Focus on international-mindedness and global engagement
- Emphasis on approaches to learning (ATL) skills
- Holistic education across eight subject groups
MYP Subject Groups
Students in the MYP must study at least eight subject groups each academic year:
📖 Language and Literature
Study of language, literature, and communication in students' best language
🗣️ Language Acquisition
Learning additional languages from beginner to advanced levels
👥 Individuals and Societies
History, geography, economics, business, politics, and other social sciences
🔬 Sciences
Biology, chemistry, physics, and integrated/interdisciplinary sciences
➗ Mathematics
Standard mathematics and extended mathematics pathways
🎨 Arts
Visual arts, music, drama, dance, and film
⚽ Physical & Health Education
Physical fitness, health promotion, and wellbeing
🔧 Design
Product design, digital design, and design thinking
MYP Assessment Framework
⚠️ Critical Understanding: Two Types of MYP Assessment
The MYP uses a dual assessment system:
1. School-Based Assessment (Mandatory for All Students)
Teachers assess student work throughout MYP Years 1-5 using IB criterion-related assessment. This is the primary form of assessment in the MYP and applies to all students.
2. External eAssessment (Optional - Year 5 Only)
Schools can optionally register students for external assessment in Year 5. This leads to the MYP Certificate or MYP Course Results if students meet success criteria.
Important: Not all MYP schools participate in eAssessment. Check with your school to confirm whether they offer this option.
School-Based Assessment (Years 1-5)
Criterion-Related Assessment
All MYP subjects are assessed using four criteria (A, B, C, D), with each criterion having specific strands and achievement level descriptors.
Achievement Levels:
Students are assessed on a scale of 1-8 for each criterion, then summed to produce a final subject grade of 1-7:
| Final Grade | Boundary | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 28-32 | Excellent |
| 6 | 24-27 | Substantial |
| 5 | 19-23 | Good |
| 4 | 15-18 | Satisfactory |
| 3 | 10-14 | Mediocre |
| 2 | 6-9 | Poor |
| 1 | 1-5 | Very Poor |
Example: Mathematics Assessment Criteria
- Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding (8 marks)
- Criterion B: Investigating Patterns (8 marks)
- Criterion C: Communicating (8 marks)
- Criterion D: Applying Mathematics in Real-Life Contexts (8 marks)
Total: Maximum 32 marks across all criteria, converted to grade 1-7
Optional External eAssessment (Year 5 Only)
MYP Certificate Requirements
Students in Year 5 can pursue the MYP Certificate by completing:
- Personal Project: Mandatory extended independent work (externally moderated)
- On-screen Examinations: Optional in 6 subject groups
- ePortfolios: Optional in Arts, Design, Physical & Health Education, and Language Acquisition
Certificate Award Criteria:
- Students must achieve a total score of at least 28 points (out of 56 possible)
- Complete Personal Project satisfactorily
- Meet all service learning and academic honesty requirements
- No grade 1 in any eAssessed subject
May 2026 eAssessment Schedule
📝 Note: The following schedule is based on the typical May examination pattern. Official timetables are released by the IB approximately 6 months before the examination session.
| Date | Morning Session (after 7:00 AM) | Afternoon Session (after 12:00 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, 5 May 2026 | No examination | English Language and Literature (2h) |
| Tuesday, 6 May 2026 | French Language and Literature (2h) | Geography (2h) French Language Acquisition (1h 45m) |
| Wednesday, 7 May 2026 | History (2h) | Integrated Humanities (2h) |
| Thursday, 8 May 2026 | Chinese Language and Literature (2h) Chinese Language Acquisition (1h 45m) | Mathematics (2h) Extended Mathematics (2h) |
| Friday, 9 May 2026 | Spanish Language and Literature (2h) | Kiswahili Language and Literature (2h) |
| Monday, 12 May 2026 | Hindi Language Acquisition (1h 45m) | German Language and Literature (2h) |
| Tuesday, 13 May 2026 | Arabic Language and Literature (2h) Arabic Language Acquisition (1h 45m) | Biology (2h) |
| Wednesday, 14 May 2026 | Portuguese Language and Literature (2h) Portuguese Language Acquisition (1h 45m) | Chemistry (2h) |
| Thursday, 15 May 2026 | Integrated Sciences (2h) | Physics (2h) |
| Friday, 16 May 2026 | Dutch Language and Literature (2h) Dutch Language Acquisition (1h 45m) | Interdisciplinary Learning (2h) |
Examination Timing Rules
- Morning Sessions: Must start after 07:00 hours and finish by 13:00 hours (local time)
- Afternoon Sessions: Must start after 12:00 hours and finish by 18:00 hours (local time)
- Schools determine exact start times within these windows
- All examinations are conducted on-screen (digital format)
Personal Project - Mandatory for All Year 5 Students
The MYP Personal Project
The Personal Project is a mandatory requirement for all MYP Year 5 students, regardless of whether they pursue external eAssessment.
Key Features:
- Extended independent work completed over several months
- Student-driven topic of personal interest
- Demonstrates ATL skills and approaches to learning
- Includes a product/outcome and written report (typically 3,000-3,500 words)
- Externally moderated by IB if school participates in eAssessment
Assessment Criteria:
- Criterion A: Planning (8 marks)
- Criterion B: Applying Skills (8 marks)
- Criterion C: Reflecting (8 marks)
Important Dates:
- Pre-release Material: Published by IB on 1 April each year
- Typical Submission: January-March of Year 5 (check with your school)
Mathematics in the MYP
MYP Mathematics Framework
The MYP offers two mathematics pathways in Years 4-5:
Standard Mathematics
Core mathematical concepts suitable for most students
Extended Mathematics
More challenging content for students with strong mathematical ability, providing preparation for DP Mathematics HL
Key Mathematical Concepts and Example Formulas:
Algebra:
- Quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
- Expansion: (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
Geometry:
- Pythagoras theorem: a² + b² = c²
- Area of circle: A = πr²
- Volume of sphere: V = (4/3)πr³
Trigonometry:
- SOHCAHTOA: sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse
- Sine rule: a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C
- Cosine rule: a² = b² + c² - 2bc cos A
Important Dates Timeline 2025-2026
| Date/Period | Milestone | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April 2025 | Interdisciplinary Pre-release Material Published | Year 5 Students (for May 2026) |
| September 2025 | Year 5 Begins / Personal Project Work Intensifies | All Year 5 Students |
| October - December 2025 | eAssessment Registration Period | Schools participating in external assessment |
| January - March 2026 | Personal Project Submission Period | All Year 5 Students |
| March 2026 | ePortfolio Submission Deadlines | Year 5 eAssessment Candidates |
| 5-16 May 2026 | May 2026 On-Screen Examinations | Year 5 eAssessment Candidates |
| July 2026 | MYP Certificate/Course Results Released | Year 5 eAssessment Candidates |
| November 2026 | November 2026 On-Screen Examinations | Year 5 eAssessment Candidates (November session) |
Registration and Fees
⚠️ Important Registration Information
Schools, not individual students, register for MYP eAssessment. Students cannot register directly with the IB.
eAssessment Fees (2025-2026 Estimates):
- MYP Certificate: Registration fee + per-subject fees (varies by country/region)
- Personal Project: Included in certificate fee
- Individual Subjects: Can be registered separately
Contact your MYP coordinator for specific fees applicable to your school.
Official Resources and Links
International Baccalaureate (IB) Official Resources
MYP Programme Homepage MYP Assessment Information MYP Exam Schedule (Official) MYP Curriculum FrameworkPreparation Strategies for MYP Students
For School-Based Assessment (All Years)
📚 Understand Criteria
Study the assessment criteria for each subject. Know what achievement level descriptors require.
🎯 Focus on ATL Skills
Develop Approaches to Learning: communication, social, self-management, research, and thinking skills.
🔗 Make Connections
Link learning across subjects. The MYP rewards interdisciplinary understanding and real-world applications.
📝 Reflect Regularly
Maintain reflection journals. Self-assessment and metacognition are central to MYP philosophy.
🌍 Be Internationally Minded
Explore global contexts in your work. Consider multiple perspectives and cultural awareness.
💬 Seek Feedback
Ask teachers for clarification on criteria. Use formative feedback to improve summative work.
For Year 5 eAssessment Candidates
- Practice Past Papers: Access specimen and past eAssessment papers through your school
- Familiarize with Digital Format: Practice typing essays and navigating on-screen examinations
- Time Management: Practice completing exam-length tasks within time limits (1h 45m - 2h)
- Command Terms: Understand IB command terms (define, explain, analyse, evaluate, etc.)
- Personal Project Planning: Start early, manage time well, and seek supervisor guidance regularly
- Academic Honesty: Understand proper citation, avoid plagiarism, maintain integrity
MYP to DP Transition
Preparing for IB Diploma Programme (DP)
The MYP provides excellent preparation for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) which students typically begin after Year 5.
Skills Transferable to DP:
- ATL Skills: Research, communication, and thinking skills essential for DP success
- Personal Project: Similar structure to DP Extended Essay
- Service Learning: Prepares for DP CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
- Criterion-Based Assessment: Familiarity with IB marking standards
- Academic Honesty: Understanding proper referencing and citation
Recommended MYP Subjects for DP Pathways:
Students planning specific DP subject combinations should consider:
- DP Sciences HL: Take Extended Mathematics in MYP Years 4-5
- DP Languages HL: Strong performance in Language & Literature or Language Acquisition
- DP Arts: Portfolio development throughout MYP
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eAssessment mandatory for all MYP students?
No. eAssessment is optional and only available for Year 5 students. Many MYP schools do not participate in external eAssessment. All students complete school-based assessment regardless.
What is the difference between MYP Certificate and Course Results?
MYP Certificate: Awarded to students who complete the full programme with eAssessment in all required subject groups and the Personal Project.
MYP Course Results: Awarded for individual subjects completed through eAssessment.
Can I take the Personal Project without doing eAssessment?
Yes. All Year 5 students must complete the Personal Project. If your school doesn't participate in eAssessment, it is still assessed internally by teachers.
Do universities recognize the MYP Certificate?
The MYP Certificate is not typically used for university admission (that's the role of IB Diploma, A-Levels, etc.). However, it demonstrates rigorous preparation and is valued by DP coordinators and some selective secondary programmes.
How is MYP different from IGCSE or national curricula?
MYP is a framework rather than a curriculum. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, international-mindedness, and holistic education across 8 subject groups. IGCSE focuses on individual subject examinations. Many schools combine MYP framework with IGCSE qualifications.
Can I resit MYP eAssessment examinations?
Students can register for eAssessment in subsequent sessions (May or November) if they wish to improve grades or complete additional subjects.
What technology do I need for on-screen examinations?
Schools provide computers for on-screen examinations. Students do not bring personal devices. Exams are conducted in secure testing environments within the school.
How long does it take to get eAssessment results?
Results are typically released approximately 6-8 weeks after the examination session concludes (July for May session, January for November session).
Important Reminders
- Check with Your School: Confirm whether your school participates in optional eAssessment
- Personal Project is Mandatory: All Year 5 students complete this, regardless of eAssessment participation
- Plan Early: Start Personal Project planning at beginning of Year 5
- Understand Criteria: Know assessment criteria for each subject - this is key to success
- Academic Honesty: Always cite sources, avoid plagiarism, maintain integrity
- ATL Skills Matter: Develop Approaches to Learning skills throughout all MYP years
- Official Timetables: Verify exact examination dates with your school's MYP coordinator
- Global Contexts: Frame your learning within real-world, internationally-minded contexts
Final Thoughts
The IB Middle Years Programme is designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people. Unlike exam-focused programmes, the MYP emphasizes holistic education, critical thinking, and international-mindedness.
Whether your school participates in external eAssessment or uses internal assessment only, the skills you develop through the MYP—research, communication, self-management, critical thinking—will serve you well in the Diploma Programme and beyond.
The Personal Project, interdisciplinary learning, and service components make the MYP unique. Embrace the opportunity to explore your passions, make connections across subjects, and develop as a globally-minded learner.
Best wishes to all MYP students on your learning journey!
⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about the IB Middle Years Programme and eAssessment for 2026. Specific dates, procedures, and requirements may vary by school. The optional nature of eAssessment means not all information applies to all students. Always verify details with your school's MYP coordinator and consult official IB documentation. eAssessment schedules are subject to change. Information is accurate as of October 2025 based on available IB publications.
Last Updated: October 2025 | Official Source: International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)