At St. Cecelia Catholic School, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) serves students in grades 6–8 and provides a challenging, inquiry-based framework that encourages students to become creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. As an IB World School, St. Cecelia integrates the MYP with its Catholic mission, fostering academic excellence, faith formation, service, and global-mindedness. Students are challenged to make meaningful connections between their studies and the real world while developing the skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond. Through inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and service opportunities, students grow as confident learners, compassionate leaders, and faithful disciples of Christ.
The MYP is designed to help students develop intellectual curiosity, intercultural understanding, and a commitment to lifelong learning. At St. Cecelia, every middle school student participates in the MYP framework, which emphasizes academic rigor, real-world application, and personal growth. Students study across eight subject groups while developing the IB Learner Profile attributes and the essential Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills of communication, research, thinking, self-management, and collaboration. Through this balanced approach, students learn to connect classroom learning to authentic experiences, deepen their understanding of their faith, and recognize their responsibility to serve others as active members of both local and global communities.
Rooted in the values of the Gospel and the mission of the International Baccalaureate, the MYP at St. Cecelia empowers students to become knowledgeable, principled, caring, and internationally minded individuals who are prepared to make a positive difference in the world while living out their Catholic faith with confidence and purpose.
The MYP Subject Groups
- Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition (Spanish)
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Art
- Design
- Physical and Health Education
The MYP Global Contexts
To help students understand the relevance of their learning, MYP units are framed through six global contexts. These contexts encourage students to make connections between classroom learning, their Catholic faith, and the world around them. At St. Cecelia Catholic School, students explore each global context through individual, local, and global lenses, helping them recognize their responsibilities as learners, disciples, and global citizens.
- Identities and Relationships
Students explore personal identity, beliefs, values, physical and emotional well-being, friendships, families, and communities.
Catholic Connections
- Understanding that each person is created in the image and likeness of God.
- Building healthy relationships rooted in Christian virtue and respect.
- Reflecting on personal vocation and God’s purpose for our lives.
- Living as members of the Body of Christ.
Individual Lens
- Who am I?
- What gifts and talents have God given me?
- How do my choices reflect my values and faith?
Local Lens
- How do I contribute to my family, school, parish, and community?
- How do healthy relationships strengthen our school culture?
Global Lens
- How do different cultures understand identity and relationships?
- How can we promote dignity and respect for all people worldwide?
- Orientation in Space and Time
Students investigate personal histories, civilizations, migrations, discoveries, and the interconnectedness of people and places.
Catholic Connections
- Understanding Salvation History and God’s plan throughout time.
- Studying Church history, saints, and the growth of Christianity.
- Appreciating cultural traditions and the universal nature of the Catholic Church.
Individual Lens
- How has my family history shaped who I am?
- What experiences have influenced my identity?
Local Lens
- How has our parish, city, or region developed over time?
- What historical events have shaped our community?
Global Lens
- How have civilizations, migrations, and faith traditions shaped the modern world?
- How does the Catholic Church unite people across cultures and nations?
- Personal and Cultural Expression
Students explore the ways people express ideas, beliefs, values, culture, and creativity.
Catholic Connections
- Appreciating the beauty of God’s gifts through art, music, literature, and worship.
- Exploring how faith is expressed across cultures.
- Understanding the role of creativity in reflecting God’s image.
Individual Lens
- How do I express my thoughts, talents, and beliefs?
- What forms of expression are meaningful to me?
Local Lens
- How is culture expressed within our school, parish, and community?
- How do local traditions enrich our lives?
Global Lens
- How do different cultures communicate beliefs and values?
- How does faith inspire artistic and cultural expression worldwide?
- Scientific and Technical Innovation
Students investigate discoveries, inventions, scientific understanding, and technological advancements.
Catholic Connections
- Recognizing science and faith as complementary paths to truth.
- Practicing responsible stewardship of God’s creation.
- Using technology ethically and for the common good.
Individual Lens
- How does technology impact my daily life?
- How can I use innovation responsibly?
Local Lens
- How do science and technology improve our community?
- What local issues can be addressed through innovation?
Global Lens
- How do scientific advancements affect humanity?
- How can technology help solve global challenges while respecting human dignity?
- Globalization and Sustainability
Students explore interconnected systems, resources, economic activities, and environmental sustainability.
Catholic Connections
- Living out the call to care for God’s creation.
- Supporting human dignity and the common good.
- Understanding our responsibility toward future generations is important.
Individual Lens
- How do my choices affect the environment and others?
- How can I be a responsible steward?
Local Lens
- What sustainability issues affect our community?
- How can local actions create positive change?
Global Lens
- How are people and nations interconnected?
- How can we work together to address environmental and humanitarian challenges?
- Fairness and Development
Students examine equity, justice, peace, rights, responsibilities, and resource distribution.
Catholic Connections
- Catholic Social Teaching and the preferential option for the poor.
- Promoting justice, peace, and human dignity.
- Responding to Christ’s call to serve others.
Individual Lens
- How can I act with integrity and fairness?
- What responsibilities accompany my rights?
Local Lens
- How can we address needs within our school and community?
- How does service strengthen our community?
Global Lens
- What causes inequality around the world?
- How can people work toward greater justice, peace, and human development?
- What sustainability issues affect our community?
- How can local actions create positive change?
MYP Assessment Criteria at St. Cecelia Catholic School
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) uses a criterion-related assessment for each subject area that measures student understanding, skills, and application of learning rather than comparing students to one another. This approach allows teachers and students to clearly understand learning expectations and growth over time. Each MYP subject group is assessed using four criteria that align with the objectives of that discipline. Students receive regular feedback that helps them reflect, set goals, and take ownership of their learning.
At St. Cecelia Catholic School, MYP assessment supports the development of knowledgeable, reflective, and principled learners by emphasizing critical thinking, communication, inquiry, and real-world application.
Language and Literature
Language and Literature focuses on the development of communication, analysis, creativity, and critical thinking through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Criterion A: Analyzing
Students analyze a variety of texts and identify how ideas, themes, and literary features communicate meaning.
Criterion B: Organizing
Students organize ideas effectively to create coherent and purposeful written and oral communication.
Criterion C: Producing Text
Students create written, visual, and oral texts for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Criterion D: Using Language
Students demonstrate accuracy and effectiveness in language conventions, vocabulary, style, and communication.
Language Acquisition
Language Acquisition helps students develop communication skills and intercultural understanding through learning an additional language.
Criterion A: Comprehending Spoken and Visual Text
Students interpret and understand information presented through listening and visual media.
Criterion B: Comprehending Written and Visual Text
Students demonstrate understanding of written and visual materials.
Criterion C: Communicating in Response to Spoken, Written, and Visual Text
Students respond appropriately to information they hear, read, and view.
Criterion D: Using Language in Spoken and Written Form
Students communicate clearly and effectively in the target language.
Individuals and Societies
Individuals and Societies encourages students to understand people, communities, cultures, history, geography, economics, and social systems.
Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding
Students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, and terminology.
Criterion B: Investigating
Students formulate research questions, gather information, and evaluate sources.
Criterion C: Communicating
Students organize and present information effectively using appropriate formats and conventions.
Criterion D: Thinking Critically
Students analyze information, evaluate perspectives, and develop reasoned conclusions.
Sciences
Science emphasizes inquiry, investigation, critical thinking, and the application of scientific knowledge.
Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding
Students explain scientific concepts and apply scientific knowledge to solve problems.
Criterion B: Inquiring and Designing
Students formulate research questions and design scientific investigations.
Criterion C: Processing and Evaluating
Students collect, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific data.
Criterion D: Reflecting on the Impacts of Science
Students examine the ethical, environmental, social, and global implications of science.
Mathematics
Mathematics develops logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply mathematical concepts in authentic contexts.
Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding
Students demonstrate mathematical knowledge and apply mathematical concepts.
Criterion B: Investigating Patterns
Students identify patterns and explore mathematical relationships.
Criterion C: Communicating
Students use mathematical language, symbols, and representations accurately.
Criterion D: Applying Mathematics in Real-Life Contexts
Students use mathematics to solve real-world problems and make informed decisions.
Arts
The Arts encourage creativity, expression, innovation, and cultural understanding through visual and performing arts.
Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding
Students demonstrate knowledge of artistic concepts, techniques, and contexts.
Criterion B: Developing Skills
Students develop and apply artistic skills and techniques.
Criterion C: Thinking Creatively
Students generate, explore, and refine artistic ideas.
Criterion D: Responding
Students evaluate their own work and the work of others while reflecting on artistic processes and outcomes.
Design
Design challenges students to use innovation, technology, and the design cycle to solve authentic problems.
Criterion A: Inquiring and Analyzing
Students investigate problems and identify solutions based on research.
Criterion B: Developing Ideas
Students generate and evaluate possible solutions.
Criterion C: Creating the Solution
Students create, test, and refine products or solutions.
Criterion D: Evaluating
Students assess the effectiveness of their solutions and suggest improvements.
Physical and Health Education
Physical and Health Education promotes healthy lifestyles, physical literacy, teamwork, and personal well-being.
Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding
Students demonstrate knowledge of physical activity, health, and fitness concepts.
Criterion B: Planning for Performance
Students design plans and strategies to improve performance and wellness.
Criterion C: Applying and Performing
Students demonstrate skills and techniques in physical activities.
Criterion D: Reflecting and Improving Performance
Students evaluate performance and set goals for future growth.
Why MYP Criteria Matters
The MYP assessment criteria help students understand not only what they are learning but also how they are learning. By focusing on specific skills and objectives within each subject area, students become reflective learners who can identify strengths, set goals, and continuously improve. This approach aligns with both the IB mission and the mission of St. Cecelia Catholic School to develop confident, caring, principled, and academically prepared students who are ready to contribute positively to their communities and the world.
