By: Tamara Afanasyeva
IB Middle Years Programme at M'KIS
At Mont’Kiara International School (M’KIS), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) challenges students to think critically, explore multiple disciplines, and embrace curiosity and diversity. One way M’KIS brings this vision to life is through Interdisciplinary Units (IDU)—an MYP requirement that integrates knowledge and understanding across the eight IB subject groups.
Grade 7 Interdisciplinary Unit: Studying History in a Global Context
Grade 7 students recently undertook an interdisciplinary unit that explored the Middle Ages in Europe and its connection with the Golden Age of Islam through the subjects of English Language and Literature (ELL) with Individuals & Societies (I&S). In I&S, students examined historical figures, cultural achievements, and inventions, while in ELL they studied Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, set in medieval England.
By focusing on the Middle Ages in both Europe and the Islamic world, including Malaysia, students saw how history interconnects across regions rather than reflecting only a Eurocentric perspective. They also learned how global systems and events can influence one another across time and space. This aligns with the IB’s emphasis on global awareness, encouraging students to link historical periods around the globe with their local context.
The Grade 7 Interdisciplinary Unit Culminating Project
As a culminating project, students wrote short tales in the historical fiction genre, inspired by historical figures and inventions from the Golden Age of Islam as well as the literary style of The Canterbury Tales. In developing this culminating project, students developed a range of practical skills at each stage. They conducted targeted research to build information literacy and refined their narratives through peer-review sessions that promoted constructive feedback and critical thinking.
Cross-Grade Collaboration and Community
Another critical part of the IDU is peer engagement, which includes connecting students across grade levels. To this end, our Grade 7 students presented their work to their teachers as well as to those in Grades 3–5, giving younger learners a fun introduction to more advanced concepts while boosting the older students’ confidence as communicators.
This cross-grade interaction further strengthens the link between the MYP and the Primary Years Programme (PYP), creating a more cohesive learning journey for everyone involved. Ultimately, these experiences help fulfill the IB’s mission to cultivate compassionate, informed citizens prepared to face the challenges of an interconnected world!
The Benefits of the IDU and IB Education
The IDUs demonstrate the IB’s commitment to developing students who understand their world and their role within it. Students discover how actions in one context can have ripple effects elsewhere, reflecting the IB’s mission to create internationally minded learners.
As they examine global and local issues, students build critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and principled action—skills that help them address real-world challenges. Unlike programs that concentrate solely on exams and test scores, the IB emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking and a holistic approach to learning.
A Grade 7 student, Praddy S., noted, “I learned that knowledge can be transferred from one class to another, which makes this type of unit very productive. For example, English has helped me improve my grammar, while Individuals & Societies has strengthened my research skills. Together, these subjects have contributed to my overall growth and development as a learner.”
Finally, presenting their work to an audience boosted their confidence as communicators and leaders. In this way, they practiced not only what they learned but also how to apply it beyond a single subject.
