IB Middle Years Programme

Middle School Assessment and Reporting in the MYP

Dear Parents and Guardians,

First and foremost, thank you to all who attended the Parent Information Evening on 13th February. It was lovely to see you and have such meaningful discussions about the International Baccalaureate’s Middle Years Program (MYP) that we offer at Oakleigh Grammar. 

Following our session, I wanted to take a moment to further explain how assessment and reporting work in Middle School. 

How Are Students Assessed in Middle School?

The MYP uses criteria-based assessment, meaning students are graded against specific learning objectives rather than being compared to their peers. 

Here’s a quick overview of how we assess in Middle School:

Teachers aim to align task outcomes with a fundamental expectation: students achieving within the Level 3-4 band are meeting the learning standards for their year level.

What Are the Assessment Criteria in Each Subject?

Each MYP subject is assessed using four key learning objectives, which align with what students need to develop. Here’s a simple breakdown:

What Does Criterion-Referenced Assessment Mean?

In the MYP, students are assessed against specific learning criteria, not compared to other students. 

A good way to understand this is by thinking about gymnastics scoring.

Imagine a gymnast performing a routine. Judges don’t compare them to other gymnasts but instead use a set of objective criteria to score their performance. 

For example, they may assess technique, balance, difficulty, and execution, each on a set scale. Similarly, in the MYP, teachers use subject-specific criteria to evaluate how well a student meets the learning objectives, rather than ranking them against their classmates.

Here is an example for Maths:

This system ensures that every student understands their strengths and areas for growth based on clear expectations.

Final Thoughts

Assessment in the MYP is designed to help students develop skills, reflect on their learning, and improve over time. By focusing on specific learning objectives, students receive meaningful feedback to support their academic growth.

If you have any questions about assessment and reporting, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your continued support in your child's learning journey!

Guang Wu

IB MYP Coordinator