Introduction to IB MYP English Skills
“What is my child actually learning at school?” This is a question that we have been asked over the years, particularly by parents with children doing the IB MYP, which does not seem to follow a straightforward syllabus for each grade level. Here, we will explain how IB MYP English works as part of the Language and Literature component for parents to have a better understanding of the skills required to succeed in IB English, so that you can better support your child’s academic endeavours. If your child is struggling at school, you may wish to consider getting help from an IB English tutor as well.
MYP is taught at Grades 6-10, and in order to transition to IB DP, the skills taught and required in the MYP curriculum seek to build the necessary foundation for kids to succeed in IB DP English. The general idea is to let students engage in both literary and informational texts to explore the use of language in different genres and contexts. While there is no set syllabus to be taught at each grade, learning goals can be outlined as below:
Objective A: Analysing
- This is about understanding and interpreting texts. A good grasp of literary analysis is key to the transition to IB DP, as that’s what the exam is all about!
Objective B: Organisation
- IB MYP and DP English both have a strong emphasis on essay organisation skills – this means you have to be able to present a coherent essay, demonstrating your logical thinking process in order to get your point across.
Objective C: Producing text
- IB MYP English requires students to be able to produce texts that demonstrate imagination and sensitivity towards the topics that are being explored.
Objective D: Using language
- This objective is concerned with the technical parts of language, such as accurate and varied use of grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure and forms of expression to address context and purpose.
The MYP framework gives schools and teachers a lot of flexibility as to the content that they teach, but the learning objectives would always be in line with the above. The overarching IB teaching philosophy of inquiry-based learning applies to MYP English too. For example, when supporting your child’s reading habits at home, rather than only asking them to reflect on the content using “what” questions, e.g. “What happened in the book?”, you should also guide them to reflect on the “why” and “how” questions so they develop a habit to think beyond the literal meaning. Language skills take time to develop, but once they internalise and become habits, we see that students are able to apply them naturally not only in the English subject, but in essay writing as a whole.
Our qualified IB English tutors here at Aegis Advisors are experts in the curriculum and have a proven track record of helping students excel in the PYP, MYP and DP. Classes can take place at our centre, online, or at the student’s home. Private one-on-one, semi-private, and group courses are available. Contact us today to learn how our qualified IB English tutors can help you succeed in your coursework and exams, and to help your child in facilitating a smooth and seamless transition from MYP to DP.