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Miras International School Almaty
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Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The Middle School Programme for students aged 11–16 integrates the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme with Kazakhstani educational standards, fostering creative skills, critical thinking, and global awareness.

5–10

Grades

11–16

Age Range

8

Educational Areas

6

Global Contexts

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Programme Overview

Developing creative, critical, and globally aware learners

At Miras International School Almaty, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is implemented from Grades 5 to 10. The MYP is a rigorous, internationally recognized framework designed to develop knowledgeable, reflective, and globally minded learners who are prepared for the academic and personal challenges of the future.

The programme is built around inquiry, conceptual understanding, and the development of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. Rather than focusing only on the memorization of content, the MYP encourages students to make meaningful connections between subjects, apply knowledge to real-world situations, and think critically and independently. Students are challenged to explore complex ideas, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and reflect on their learning process.

Curriculum

Eight subject groups

At Miras International School Almaty, we deliver an integrated curriculum that combines the rigor and international standards of the IB framework with the educational requirements of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This allows students to benefit from a globally recognized education while also meeting national academic expectations and maintaining strong connections to local culture, language, and identity. The MYP is organized into eight subject groups:

Language & Literature

First language (Language A): English, Kazakh, Russian

Foreign Languages

Second language (Language B): Kazakh, English, Russian and French

Mathematics

Sciences

Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology

Individuals & Societies

History of Kazakhstan, World History, Humanities, Geography

Design

Digital Design

Arts

Visual and Performing Arts

Physical and Health Education

Physical and Health Education

Global Contexts

Learning through global perspectives

The content of educational programmes is considered through the prism of key and subject-specific concepts, ideas, and issues of global significance.

Globalization and sustainability

Globalization and sustainability

Fairness and development

Fairness and development

Identities and relationships

Identities and relationships

Orientation in space and time

Orientation in space and time

Personal and cultural expression

Personal and cultural expression

Scientific and technical innovation

Scientific and technical innovation

Programme Features

What makes our programme distinctive

Concept-Based Learning

One of the key strengths of the MYP is its concept-based approach to education. Through the exploration of key and related concepts, students develop deeper understanding that can be transferred across disciplines and contexts. This approach promotes creativity, problem-solving, and international mindedness while maintaining high academic expectations.

Service as Action

In addition to academic study, all students participate in the Service as Action component, which encourages meaningful community engagement, responsibility, and the application of learning beyond the classroom.

Language and Literature

Differentiated approach is implemented for Language B learning – students are grouped based on their level, ensuring effective learning.

Host Country Study

Miras International School aims to help international students develop a deeper understanding of the history, culture, traditions, and contemporary life of Kazakhstan. Through engaging learning experiences, students become familiar with the country’s heritage, values, and national identity while also building respect for cultural diversity and local customs. The course additionally supports students in developing basic spoken Kazakh language and Russian Language skills to help them communicate in everyday situations and feel more connected to the local community.

Multilingual Approach

Our school offers a multilingual learning environment designed to meet the diverse academic and linguistic needs of students. Families may choose between three language streams: Russian Taught Stream (RTS), Kazakh Taught Stream (KTS), and English Taught Stream (ETS), allowing students to study in the language environment most appropriate for their background and educational goals. English is one of the key languages of instruction and communication within the school community. In addition to the English Taught Stream, students in the Russian and Kazakh streams are provided with opportunities to strengthen their English language proficiency through focused language development and selected subject disciplines taught in English in Grades 9–10. These courses support the development of effective communication skills in an international context and help prepare students who wish to transition to more advanced English-medium studies, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).

STEAM

STEAM education at Miras International School integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through interdisciplinary and inquiry-based learning starting from Grade 5. Students participate in hands-on projects, robotics, coding, drone activities, engineering challenges, and real-world problem solving, developing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and digital skills in alignment with the IB approach to learning.

Design & Technology

Miras is aimed at developing students’ digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills through the study of modern technologies and engineering concepts. Students explore programming languages, contemporary computer technologies, robotics, and principles of design thinking while engaging in practical, project-based learning. The course also promotes the responsible and ethical use of technology, helping students build a strong digital culture and prepare for further studies and future careers in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Arts Programme

Represented by Music, Visual Arts, and Drama in alignment with the requirements and philosophy of the IB MYP. The programme encourages creativity, self-expression, and artistic exploration while helping students develop confidence and communication skills through the arts. Students are actively involved in school performances, exhibitions, and creative events throughout the academic year, providing every learner with an opportunity to demonstrate their talents on stage and contribute to the cultural life of the school community. Participation in these activities supports the development of performance skills, collaboration, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility within a creative environment.

Capstone Experience

The personal project

The program culminates in the Personal Project in Grade 10, an independent and student-driven capstone experience. Through the Personal Project, students investigate an area of personal interest, apply research and self-management skills, and create a product or outcome that demonstrates their learning and growth as independent learners.

The project reflects a student’s understanding of global contexts and their ability for independent learning.

When assessing the project, primary attention is paid to the level of skills used by the student in their work.

The Personal Project is not a final work on a certain subject — it demonstrates growth across all areas of learning.

Pathway Forward

From MYP to Diploma Programme

Through the MYP, Miras students develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to succeed in the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12), or the national curriculum (Grade 11), and to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners in an interconnected world.

Grade 10 completes the MYP with optional external examination (eAssessment) in subjects from each IB subject group, leading to the record of achievements or a certificate of completion of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

MYP

DP

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