IB MYP Personal Project: How to Choose a Topic That Gets You a 7

IB MYP Personal Project: How to Choose a Topic That Gets You a 7

Imagine: it is grade 10, and after your IB coordinator dropped the Personal Project bomb on you, you are staring at the same blank Google Doc for the past hour, waiting for the empty spaces to turn into an exciting project over the next several months. What seems like a daunting graduation requirement is actually a chance to do something really cool! If you are aiming for the elusive 7, you’ve come to the right place, as Tutela Prep will help you develop the right strategy from day 1.

What makes a topic 7 worthy?

Forget about saving the world! The MYP personal project is not a test of how “grand” your topic is but how deeply you engage with the Global Context and MYP criteria (Planning, Applying Skills, Reflecting). A score of 7 comes from finding the sweet spot between your passion and feasibility: just because you love Formula 1 does not mean you can build a working engine in 6 months. More important than a flawless final product is the why factor; IB examiners care about your process and your reflection.

Brainstorming breakdown:

Here’s the immediate 3-step approach to brainstorming your MYP project.

1. Brain dump: write down things you genuinely do in your free time
2. Match to Global Context: Connect those interests identified in the previous step to an MYP Global Context unit
3. Outcome: define the actual tangible outcome of your plan and the steps you need to take to achieve that outcome

Tutela Tip: The best projects solve a local problem or fulfil a personal curiosity while not being entirely self-centred.

Inspiration Station

Here are some IB MYP project examples that use the 3-step framework to develop a hobby into a 7-score project.

Example 1

1. My hobby is coding, and I am passionate about teaching students.
2. This can connect to the Scientific and Technical Innovation unit of Global Contexts.
3. High-scoring idea: Developing a 2D pixel-art game that teaches middle schoolers the basics of cybersecurity

Example 2

1. My hobbies are photography and travel.
2. This can connect to the Personal and Cultural Expression unit of Global Contexts.
3. High-scoring idea: Creating a curated photo essay book about the invisible lives of local street vendors.

Tutela Tip: Make sure the product goal is neither too simple nor too broad, and that it has a specific audience.

Conclusion

While the MYP project may seem complicated, the steps in this blog can make it much easier for you to start working on your ideas. You do not have to figure this out alone! Tutela Prep’s personalised mentoring can assist you in all aspects of your IB journey, including the MYP.

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