IB Chinese Tutor Guide to the MYP Chinese Curriculum
- Aileen Ting
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
If your child has moved from PYP into the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Chinese often feels very different. Many students go from “I can follow the topic” in primary school to “I don’t know what the teacher wants” in early MYP.
This guide explains the IB MYP Chinese curriculum in a clear, parent-friendly way. It focuses on Language Acquisition (for non-native learners) and shows how MYP Chinese is structured, what students are expected to develop, and why steady, year-long learning matters.
If you want the full picture of how we support PYP, MYP and IBDP students, you can also visit our IB Chinese tutor page.
What is the MYP curriculum?
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11–16. It is built to be academically challenging but also practical. Students are encouraged to connect what they learn in school with real life and to build “learning how to learn” skills.
In the MYP, students focus on Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, such as:
Communication: Exchanging thoughts and messages effectively.
Self-management: Organizing time and handling stress.
Research: Finding and verifying information.
Collaboration: Working effectively with others.
Critical thinking: Analysing and evaluating ideas.
This means it is no longer just about recognizing vocabulary words; students are expected to produce clear, structured output.
First Step: Check Your Child’s Stream
Before hiring an IB Mandarin tutor or buying textbooks, it is crucial to confirm which stream your child is in.
Language Acquisition:
For second-language learners.
Focus: Communication, skill development, and progressive learning.
This guide focuses on this stream.
Language & Literature:
For native or near-native speakers.
Focus: Text analysis, academic writing, and literary study.
Why MYP Chinese Feels "More Serious"
In primary school (PYP), Chinese is often activity-based. In MYP, the IB treats language as a core part of international education. The expectation is not only “know the words” but also “use the language to express meaning”.
In MYP Chinese Language Acquisition, students are explicitly encouraged to:
Gain proficiency in an additional language (building fluency).
Communicate for real purposes across school and daily life (not just textbook exercises).
Understand the link to culture: How culture shapes communication and identity.
Develop multiliteracy skills through a range of learning tools (digital, visual, and audio).
Read and respond to a variety of literary and non-literary texts.
Use language as a tool for thinking, reflection, and learning across other subjects.
This is why many students feel the pressure increase. They can no longer rely on guessing vocabulary; they must produce clear, structured output that demonstrates they are thinking in the language.
How the Curriculum Is Designed
MYP language learning is inquiry-based. This means lessons are guided by "Big Ideas" (concepts) and real-world contexts, rather than just working through a textbook chapter by chapter.
In MYP Chinese Language Acquisition, learning is framed through four Key Concepts:
Communication
Connections
Creativity
Culture
These concepts are explored through specific Global Contexts that connect learning to the real world:
Identities and relationships
Personal and cultural expression
Scientific and technical innovation
Globalisation and sustainability
Fairness and development
Real-World Example: Instead of just learning a list of "greeting words," an MYP class might use the concept of Culture and the context of Identities to ask:
Factual: What are polite ways to greet someone new in Chinese?
Conceptual: Why do first impressions matter in different cultures?
Debatable: Do people tend to behave more formally when meeting someone for the first time?
This approach helps students see Chinese as a living language, but it requires them to think critically while speaking—a challenging double task that often requires the support of a tutor.
The phase system
MYP Chinese Language Acquisition is organised into six phases (Phase 1 to Phase 6). And two students in the same year group can be in different phases and still be “on track” for their level.
If you want the full breakdown of criteria and grading, see our dedicated guide here: MYP Chinese assessment is explained.
Why Consistency is Critical
The IB strongly recommends Language Acquisition be taught as a continuous, year-long course. Why? Because language requires continuity.
When Chinese learning becomes fragmented or rushed, we see students:
Forget characters quickly.
Rely on "pinyin guessing" instead of learning structure.
Struggle with writing accuracy.
Develop anxiety about speaking.
This is usually the moment parents say, "Chinese suddenly got hard." It didn't necessarily get harder; the gaps in consistency just started to show.
How an IB Chinese Tutor Supports the MYP
Tutoring shouldn't just be "more homework." It should support the school curriculum to reduce stress.
At Mandarin & Cantonese Tutor HK, our IB Chinese tutors support MYP students by:
Identifying the Gap: We confirm your child's phase and spot missing foundations.
School Alignment: We follow their school units and key vocabulary so they feel prepared for class.
Sentence Patterns: We rebuild grammar structures so writing becomes easier.
Manageable Steps: We break character learning down into small, regular reviews.
The goal is calm progress, better clarity, and a student who feels confident raising their hand in class.
Next Step
If you are looking for an IB Chinese tutor who understands the MYP curriculum, we are here to help.
Start with a Trial: Book a 1-to-1 trial lesson (HK$400) to check your child's level.
Join a Group: Schedule a group class (HK$2,500 for 10 hours)
See Options: View lesson prices and flexible packages.
FAQ: IB MYP Chinese (Parent Guide)
What is the MYP curriculum?
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a framework for students aged 11–16. Unlike traditional memorisation-based learning, the MYP focuses on skill development, conceptual understanding, and real-world application.
Is there Chinese in the IB?
Yes. Chinese is a popular subject across all IB programmes. In the MYP, it is usually taught as Language Acquisition (Mandarin for non-native learners) or Language & Literature (for native speakers).
Is MYP Chinese compulsory?
Yes. Learning a second language (Language Acquisition) is a compulsory requirement of the MYP for most students. This ensures students develop international-mindedness and communication skills.
What level is IB Chinese?
In MYP Chinese Language Acquisition, there is no single "level" like Year 7 or Year 8. Students are placed into Phases 1–6 based on their proficiency. A Year 9 student could be in Phase 1 (beginner) or Phase 4 (capable), depending on their background.
What is the difference between PYP and MYP Chinese?
PYP Chinese is often flexible, fun, and activity-based. MYP Chinese is significantly more structured, with higher expectations for grammatical accuracy, sentence patterns, and independent writing.
What do students learn in MYP Chinese?
Beyond vocabulary, students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. They also learn how culture shapes language. Lessons move from simple sentences to constructing complex paragraphs and understanding authentic texts.
Do students use textbooks in MYP Chinese?
It depends on the school. Many schools in Hong Kong mix textbooks with teacher-designed materials. While flexible, this can sometimes create "learning gaps." An IB Chinese tutor can help bridge these gaps by providing a structured learning plan that textbooks might miss.
Is MYP Chinese exam-based?
Assessment is mostly school-based throughout the year (formative and summative). However, the MYP eAssessment (on-screen exams) is becoming more common in the final year (Year 11/Grade 10).
Is MYP or IGCSE harder? They are different. IGCSE is content-heavy and exam-focused. MYP is skills-based and requires more independent thinking (inquiry). Some students find MYP "harder" because they must explain why they used a specific phrase, not just translate it.
Does MYP Chinese prepare students for IB Chinese B?
Yes. A strong foundation in MYP Phase 4, 5, or 6 is the best preparation for IBDP Chinese B (Standard or Higher Level). It builds the necessary vocabulary and writing habits early on.
Why does Chinese suddenly feel difficult in MYP?
The focus shifts from simple vocabulary to grammar, structure, and cultural context. If a student has "gaps" in their foundation from primary school, this is usually when they become visible.
How can an IB Chinese tutor help with MYP?
A specialized IB Chinese tutor HK can clarify phase expectations, reinforce school vocabulary, and help students organise speaking and writing tasks so schoolwork becomes more manageable and grades improve.
Written by Aileen Ting, founder of Mandarin & Cantonese Tutor HK.