The personal project forms part of the core of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme

The Personal Project is an exciting, student-led journey that takes place in the final year, 10th grade, of the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Students have the freedom to pick a topic that sparks their interest, diving into new skills and knowledge while creating a unique product or outcome. Throughout the process, students not only explore their chosen topic but also sharpen and showcase their Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, empowering them to grow as independent learners. 

It ....

• is a significant milestone in your journey as an IB Learner

• is required for all students in MYP 5 (10th graders)

• is similar to the 5th-grade Exhibition or Community Project in MYP 3-4 ( 6th - 8th grade)

• is designed to enhance your learning experience and will benefit all content areas of learning

• is a unique opportunity to learn more about a topic that interests you

• is an inquiry and action project that allows you the freedom to pursue a learning goal and create a truly meaningful product

• requires 25 hours of supported work by a supervising teacher(s) or adult.

The Personal Project consists of three parts:

1. Documentation of a process + reflections ( The MYP Process Journal)

2. a learning goal that leads to a product ( an original creative work designed by you, the student)

3. a report (1,500 words  minimum)

The Personal Project will be completed over an extended period of time ( see timeline for deadlines)

The aim of the MYP Personal Project is to encourage and enable you.

By undertaking a  sustained, self-directed inquiry within a global context, you will:

• Explore an interest that is personally meaningful

• Take ownership of your learning  through in-depth investigation 

• Transfer and apply skills in pursuit of a learning goal and the creation of a product. 

• recognize and provide evidence of personal growth and development during this process

Note: This project will be a benefit to your grade in all content areas

You may consider the following questions as you choose a global context exploration to provide a focus for your project.

1. What do I want to achieve through a personal project?

2. What do I want others to understand through my work?

3. What impact do I want my project to have?

4. How can a specific exploration give a greater purpose to my project?

1. Report: including appendices (maximum of 10 - one page extracts from your Process Journal)  The Process Journal is indirectly assessed through the extracts.

2. Bibliography for your entire process and Works cited for anything directly referenced in your report

3. Product or outcome include the product or up to 5 still images or 30 seconds of video of the product

4. Academic Honesty form 

5. Process Journal for Presentation Evening (not assessed)

• Academic Honesty ( must be completed and turned in)

The materials enclosed in the D.M. Therrell High School MYP  Personal Project Guide has been sourced from the OCC (Online Curriculum Centre IBO), MYP Projects Guide 2016, Yokohama International School Personal Project guide, Gem Chiicago LibGuide and the American International School of Lusaka.