Middle Years 4 to 5
Midde Years 4–5 Academic Pathways (Ages 14–16)
MY4 and MY5 represent a significant stage in a student’s intellectual development. During these two years, learning becomes more focused, expectations increase and students begin to shape their academic direction with greater independence.
All students remain firmly rooted in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework. Inquiry, conceptual understanding, reflection and the development of Approaches to Learning skills continue to underpin every subject and every pathway.
Alongside this IB foundation, students enter structured two-year programmes that demand sustained effort, academic discipline and increasing ownership of learning.
From MY4, students follow a shared MYP Core and then choose between two clearly defined academic pathways.
The MYP Core (All Students)
Regardless of pathway, every MY4–5 student completes the MYP Core:
- Learning to Learn
- Critical Thinking
- PSHCE
- Physical & Health Education
- Service as Action
- Personal Project (externally moderated by the IB in MY5)
The Core ensures continuity of IB philosophy, ethical awareness and reflective practice. The MY5 Personal Project requires sustained independent inquiry and demonstrates research capability, organisation and intellectual maturity.
This shared foundation underpins both pathways.
Students then choose between two academically ambitious routes. The distinction lies in the assessment model and the level of external examination.
MY Honours Pathway (IGCSE)
built predominantly around externally examined Pearson Edexcel IGCSE and GCSE qualifications, graded on the internationally recognised 9–1 scale.
Students follow a rigorous two-year programme leading to external examinations at the end of MY5.
Compulsory Examined Core
- IGCSE Mathematics
- IGCSE English Language
- IGCSE English Literature
- IGCSE Biology
- IGCSE Chemistry
- IGCSE Physics
Additional Examined Options
Students choose four further subjects, including:
- French (leading to DELF) or Dutch (leading to CNaVT)
- IGCSE History or IGCSE Geography
- IGCSE Computer Science
- IGCSE Art & Design – Fine Art
- GCSE Design Technology
- GCSE Drama (with LAMDA)
- GCSE Physical Education
- GCSE Music (with ABRSM)
The majority of subjects in this pathway are externally assessed. Examination preparation, technical precision and disciplined study habits are central to success.
This pathway provides clear, measurable academic outcomes and strong preparation for the IB Diploma Programme and competitive post-16 routes.
Amity MYP Certificate Pathway
The MYP Certificate Pathway remains fully within the IB Middle Years framework. Assessment is criteria-based (1–7 scale) and internally assessed. There are no external IGCSE examinations in this pathway.
Academic Subjects
Students study:
- Mathematics
- English Language & Literature
- Integrated Sciences
- Individuals & Societies
Options
Students choose three additional subjects, including:
- A Language (French or Dutch)
- At least one Creative or Applied Discipline
Creative and Applied Discipline options include:
- Art & Design – Fine Art
- Design (including 3D Design)
- Music
- Drama
This pathway emphasises sustained coursework, conceptual understanding and structured inquiry while maintaining clear academic expectations and progression towards post-16 study.
Amity Athena Award
Excellence in Mind. Engagement. Impact.
The Athena Award is the flagship enrichment programme of the Senior School, completed across MY4 and MY5. It recognises sustained commitment to excellence across and beyond the curriculum.
Rooted in the IB Learner Profile and aligned with the Approaches to Learning, Athena challenges students to pursue depth in their academic studies while engaging meaningfully in the wider life of the school and the world beyond it. It is structured, credit-bearing and intentionally ambitious.
The Award comprises ten components:
Excellence in Mind
- Academic Commitment
- Independent Project
- Planning, Recording and Reflecting
Excellence in Engagement
- Creative Expression
- Physical Involvement
- Reading
- Current Affairs
Excellence of Impact
- Responsibility
- Service as Action
- Oracy
Students must demonstrate sustained engagement across all components, building a personalised portfolio of intellectual depth, active participation and purposeful contribution.
The Amity Athena Award is powerful preparation for Diploma study and competitive university applications. It provides tangible evidence of initiative, leadership, scholarship and reflective growth, strengthening personal statements, interviews and scholarship applications
More than a certificate, the Athena Award represents the highest standard of holistic excellence at Amity.
Academic Expectations & Support
Both pathways require commitment, resilience and strong study habits. Students experience:
- Increased homework volume and depth
- Formal assessment cycles
- Explicit examination preparation (Honours Pathway)
- Continued development of independent research and reflection
Academic rigour is matched by structured support. Specialist subject teachers, tutors and the pastoral team guide students carefully through the options process and monitor progress throughout the two-year programme.
Entry & Language Readiness
Admission to MY4 is based on academic readiness and the ability to access the curriculum in English. As the majority of subjects are taught and assessed in English, students must demonstrate an appropriate level of academic English.
Students requiring further language development may be supported through the Amity Accelerated English Programme, either prior to or alongside commencement of their chosen pathway, as advised by the school.
Preparation for Post-16 Study
Both pathways prepare students for progression to the IB Diploma Programme.
Students whose strengths or aspirations lie outside the full IBDP route may continue to graduation through the NEASC-accredited Amity High School Diploma in the final two years.
Personalisation at Amity does not mean dilution. It means aligning the level of academic challenge with each student’s strengths, ambitions and future pathways.