8 Mistakes to Avoid in the IB Middle Year Programme
For many students, moving into the IB Middle Year Programme in UAE is like stepping into a whole new game. The subjects might feel familiar at first glance, but the way you’re expected to learn, think & present your work is very different from CBSE, IGCSE, or American systems. Here, your grades aren’t just about how much you know, they depend on how well you hit specific criteria in every task. And the tricky part? A lot of students end up losing marks over small, avoidable mistakes they don’t even realise they are making.
- Treating MYP Like a Traditional Curriculum
A lot of UAE students carry old habits of rote learning. In MYP, simply memorising a definition in Science won’t get you top bands unless you connect it to real-life examples and show application. This shift from “remember and repeat” to “understand and apply” is something many miss early on.
- Ignoring Assessment Criteria
MYP grading uses Criteria A-D for each subject. You could write pages of content but still score low if you don’t meet the descriptors. For example, in a lab report, great data without a solid evaluation section (Criterion C) can drop you two whole bands.
- Neglecting ATL Skills
Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills like research, self-management & communication are built into projects and exams. Students who ignore them often score lower in assignments, even if their subject knowledge is good. In the UAE, busy school schedules make it harder to work on these skills consciously.
- Missing Command Terms in Questions
Words like “explain,” “analyse,” or “evaluate” aren’t interchangeable in MYP. Each has a set expectation. Missing that means losing marks you could have easily secured. Internal moderators often cite this as a common reason for grade deductions.
- Leaving the Personal Project Too Late
The Personal Project (uses Criteria A-E) is a big scoring opportunity, but many students start it late. Without time for proper research and reflection, Criterion E marks drop sharply. With careful planning, it can become one of the easiest ways to boost your overall grade.
- Avoiding Interdisciplinary Learning
MYP values linking knowledge across subjects. For example, using maths to support a science investigation or connecting history to literature. Students preparing in isolation lose easy marks in Interdisciplinary Units.
- Poor Time Management
Balancing assignments, tests & activities is tricky. Without a proper planner, students either miss deadlines or rush submissions and rushed work almost always means lower grades.
- Not Seeking MYP-Specific Help Early
Many students try to manage the IB Programme in UAE on their own or turn to high-scoring seniors for guidance. While this might help in understanding concepts, it often misses the real scoring lens of the programme. The IB has a very specific assessment style & without input from expert IB tutors who are trained in it, students can unknowingly prepare in the wrong direction. By the time they realise, a lot of crucial learning time has already been lost.
Moving Forward with the Right Support
Avoiding these common mistakes can put you ahead of your peers and make the IB MYP journey far smoother. At NowClasses, we take pride in being more than just an online tuition platform. Our experienced educators especially for IB Science & IB Maths tutor online guide students not only in IB MYP but also across a wide range of subjects and curriculums helping each learner reach their full potential.
We offer flexible online classes for students anywhere in the UAE, and for those who prefer in-person learning, our physical education centre in JLT is easily accessible for families from JLT, JBR, Sharjah, DSO & nearby areas. Beyond this, we also provide homeschooling support, both online and offline, designed to suit different learning styles & schedules.
Whether you join us virtually or walk into our centre, our focus remains the same; to offer personalised, result-oriented learning that truly makes a difference.