Introduction
The Personal Project is the highlight of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) — a chance for students to explore their passions, apply their learning, and create something truly original. But before the creative work begins, one of the most important steps is choosing the right topic.
A great topic sets the tone for the entire project. It reflects who you are, what you care about, and how you want to make an impact. This guide will help you choose a Personal Project topic that’s meaningful, achievable, and aligned with IB expectations — one that makes you excited to learn and proud to present.
Understanding the Purpose of the Personal Project
The MYP Personal Project is designed to help students:
- Apply what they’ve learned across subjects in a real-world context.
- Develop Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills like organization, research, and reflection.
- Demonstrate creativity, independence, and initiative.
- Explore their interests through one of the Global Contexts of the IB.
It’s not just about creating a product — it’s about documenting a journey of inquiry and personal growth. Choosing a topic that resonates with your interests makes that journey much more engaging.
The Key to Choosing a Great Topic: Passion + Purpose
Your project topic should sit at the intersection of two things:
- Your Passion — What excites or inspires you?
- Your Purpose — What positive impact or question will your project explore?
When passion and purpose meet, motivation follows naturally — making research, planning, and reflection much easier.
Ask yourself:
- What hobbies or activities make me lose track of time?
- What issues in the world do I care deeply about?
- How can I combine my interests with something that benefits others or raises awareness?
The Role of Global Contexts
Every Personal Project must connect to one of the six IB Global Contexts, which give your topic meaning and direction.
Here’s how your interests can align with each context:
- Identities and Relationships: Explore who we are (e.g., self-confidence through sports).
- Personal and Cultural Expression: Express creativity (e.g., designing an art exhibition about cultural identity).
- Orientation in Space and Time: Study history or heritage (e.g., researching family migration stories).
- Scientific and Technical Innovation: Focus on technology (e.g., building an app to track energy use).
- Fairness and Development: Tackle inequality (e.g., designing a campaign to promote equal access to education).
- Globalization and Sustainability: Address global challenges (e.g., creating a sustainable fashion line).
Your chosen context determines the project’s direction and depth — it’s the “why” behind your topic.
Examples of Great Personal Project Topics
1. Designing a Reusable Shopping Bag Line
- Global Context: Globalization and Sustainability
- Goal: To reduce plastic use and promote eco-conscious habits.
- Product: Handmade fabric bags with creative designs.
2. Writing a Mental Health Awareness Blog for Teens
- Global Context: Identities and Relationships
- Goal: To raise awareness about stress management and emotional well-being.
- Product: A blog with research-based advice and student stories.
3. Creating a Short Documentary on Cultural Diversity at School
- Global Context: Personal and Cultural Expression
- Goal: To celebrate and understand cultural heritage within the school community.
- Product: A short film with interviews and narration.
4. Developing a Coding Tutorial for Beginners
- Global Context: Scientific and Technical Innovation
- Goal: To teach students the basics of coding through simple projects.
- Product: A video tutorial series.
5. Organizing a Fundraiser for Refugee Education
- Global Context: Fairness and Development
- Goal: To raise awareness and funds for displaced students.
- Product: A charity event with music, art, and storytelling.
Each topic connects passion with purpose and fits within the IB framework — the key ingredients for success.
How to Evaluate Your Topic
Before finalizing your idea, use these checks to ensure your topic is both meaningful and manageable:
- Is it personal? Does it reflect my interests or values?
- Is it achievable? Can I realistically complete it within the school year?
- Is it original? Does it offer a unique perspective or approach?
- Is it reflective? Will I be able to analyze what I learned and how I grew?
- Does it connect to a Global Context? Every project must link clearly to one.
If your answer to all five is “yes,” you’ve found a strong topic.
Tips for Choosing and Refining Your Idea
1. Brainstorm Freely
Write down all your interests — even random ones. The best ideas often come from unexpected combinations.
2. Talk to Mentors and Teachers
They can help you align your topic with MYP goals and ensure it’s appropriately challenging.
3. Research Before Deciding
A little background reading can help you gauge whether your topic is too broad or too narrow.
4. Think About Your Final Product
Choose a topic that leads naturally to a clear and creative outcome — like a video, prototype, performance, or publication.
5. Stay Authentic
Don’t choose a topic just because it seems impressive. The most memorable projects come from genuine curiosity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right topic for your IB MYP Personal Project sets the foundation for a rewarding experience. A strong topic combines your passions with purpose, connects to a Global Context, and challenges you to grow as a thinker and learner.
When your project reflects what truly matters to you, every step — from research to reflection — becomes meaningful. Remember: the best Personal Projects aren’t about perfection; they’re about passion, process, and personal discovery.
