Introduction
One of the most distinctive features of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is its use of Global Contexts — six powerful lenses through which students explore knowledge, ideas, and the world around them. Instead of memorizing isolated facts, MYP students learn to ask: Why does this matter? How does it connect to real life?
This article breaks down each of the six IB MYP Global Contexts, explaining what they mean and providing real-world examples to help both students and teachers integrate them into meaningful, interdisciplinary learning.
What Are Global Contexts?
In the IB MYP, Global Contexts help students connect classroom learning to global and personal significance. Every unit of study — in every subject — must link to at least one Global Context.
These contexts encourage students to explore “big ideas” that transcend subjects, such as identity, innovation, or sustainability. They give learning purpose by connecting it to the challenges and opportunities of the real world.
The six Global Contexts are:
- Identities and Relationships
- Personal and Cultural Expression
- Orientation in Space and Time
- Scientific and Technical Innovation
- Fairness and Development
- Globalization and Sustainability
1. Identities and Relationships
Guiding Question: Who am I? Who are we?
This context explores personal, physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as relationships between people and communities. It encourages reflection on values, empathy, and identity.
Example Applications:
- Language and Literature: Writing a memoir or analyzing characters’ identities in literature.
- Physical and Health Education: Exploring how mental health affects performance and lifestyle.
- Community Project: Creating a school campaign to promote kindness or inclusion.
Why It Matters:
Students learn to understand themselves and others, developing empathy — an essential IB Learner Profile trait.
2. Personal and Cultural Expression
Guiding Question: What is the nature and purpose of creative expression?
This context focuses on the ways we discover and express ideas, feelings, culture, beliefs, and values through art, language, and performance.
Example Applications:
- Arts: Creating a photography exhibition about cultural identity.
- Language Acquisition: Writing poetry in a second language to express emotions.
- Design: Developing a fashion line inspired by traditional patterns.
Why It Matters:
Students learn that creativity is a universal language — a way to communicate, connect, and celebrate diversity.
3. Orientation in Space and Time
Guiding Question: What is the meaning of “where” and “when”?
This context invites students to explore history, geography, and heritage. It helps them understand how time, place, and culture shape identity and perspectives.
Example Applications:
- Individuals and Societies: Researching migration patterns and their social impact.
- Sciences: Studying ancient technologies or environmental changes over centuries.
- Personal Project: Creating a documentary about your city’s historical landmarks.
Why It Matters:
Students develop global awareness and historical thinking — understanding how the past informs the present.
4. Scientific and Technical Innovation
Guiding Question: How do we understand the world through science and technology?
This context explores the natural world and the impact of scientific and technological advances on societies and environments.
Example Applications:
- Sciences: Investigating renewable energy or biotechnology.
- Design: Building a mobile app to help students manage study time.
- Mathematics: Modeling real-life data to solve problems like traffic optimization.
Why It Matters:
Students learn to appreciate innovation while reflecting on ethics and responsibility in the use of technology.
5. Fairness and Development
Guiding Question: What are the consequences of our common humanity?
This context examines issues of inequality, human rights, and social justice. It encourages action to create fairer systems and communities.
Example Applications:
- Individuals and Societies: Studying income inequality and access to education.
- Arts: Creating awareness posters about gender equality.
- Service as Action: Organizing a fundraiser for underprivileged communities.
Why It Matters:
Students develop a sense of global citizenship and responsibility to act ethically.
6. Globalization and Sustainability
Guiding Question: How is everything connected?
This context focuses on interconnected systems — environmental, economic, political, and cultural. It challenges students to consider the balance between progress and sustainability.
Example Applications:
- Sciences: Researching the effects of climate change.
- Mathematics: Analyzing data on carbon emissions and renewable energy.
- Design: Developing eco-friendly packaging prototypes.
Why It Matters:
Students learn to think critically about the planet’s future — a key aspect of the IB’s mission to promote peace and sustainability.
Integrating Global Contexts Across the Curriculum
The best MYP units link Global Contexts to inquiry questions and learning outcomes. For example:
- Statement of Inquiry (Science): “Innovation in technology can lead to sustainable solutions for energy use.”
- Statement of Inquiry (Individuals and Societies): “Migration influences the development of cultural identity.”
By connecting learning to the Global Contexts, teachers help students see knowledge as part of an interconnected whole.
Conclusion
The six IB MYP Global Contexts transform learning from isolated lessons into a dynamic exploration of self, society, and the planet. They help students answer not just what they learn — but why it matters.
Whether exploring identity, innovation, fairness, or sustainability, Global Contexts empower students to think critically, act ethically, and make meaningful contributions to their world — the essence of being an IB learner.
