MYP 5 Graduation: On the Way to Diploma | Academic Year 2025–2026
This June, our MYP 5 pupils celebrated one of the most important milestones in their International Baccalaureate journey: graduating from the Middle Years Programme (MYP). In a simple academic ceremony, they were joined by their parents, teachers and the school leadership team to celebrate the end of one stage and the beginning of the next.
The ceremony brought together the pupils’ parents, the Secondary teaching team, the three class tutors — Carmen Stratford, Sara Herrero and Marieta García — MYP Coordinator Maola Clemente, and the leadership team headed by Marta Jiménez de los Galanes, our Head.
The ceremony began with words from the Head, who reminded pupils that graduation marks both the end of an academic stage and the beginning of a new responsibility as older members of the school community.
Marta shared a particularly meaningful message with the pupils moving into Diploma. She reminded them that this transition marks both the end of an academic stage and the beginning of a new responsibility.
“At Alegra, being older has never meant having more privileges. It means having more opportunities to serve, to help and to build community. More opportunities to leave a positive mark on others.”
Maola Clemente then addressed the year group, highlighting how pupils had grown over these years and the value of the skills developed through the Middle Years Programme.
The class tutors brought a warm and personal tone to the ceremony. Through anecdotes and shared moments inside and outside the classroom, they reflected on the affection, trust and support that had characterised these years together.
Discovering Your Own Why
One of the most special moments was the keynote address by Almudena García-Nieto, the school’s Deputy Head for Formation.
Rather than focusing on grades, university degrees or academic success, she invited pupils to consider a deeper question: “Why?” Reflecting on decisions, identity and the search for meaning, she encouraged them to look beyond outward achievements and discover what truly drives their lives.
Drawing on Edith Stein and Pope Leo XIV’s recent words to young people, she reminded pupils that greatness is built through small daily decisions as well as extraordinary moments. “Talent impresses, but meaning sustains,” she said, encouraging them to discover the purpose for which each of them was created and to live with the freedom of knowing where they want to go.
Marta shared a particularly meaningful message with the pupils moving into Diploma. She reminded them that this transition marks both the end of an academic stage and the beginning of a new responsibility.
“When a person has a strong why, extraordinary things happen. Freedom emerges, because you no longer need everyone to like you.”
Her address concluded with an invitation to dream big and to leave a mark on the world, rather than simply occupy a place in it.
Recognising Academic Excellence
After the presentation of graduation stoles and diplomas, two pupils spoke on behalf of the whole year group, thanking families and teachers for their support over the years.
MYP 5 pupils who will receive an award from the Community of Madrid for their excellent academic results were also given special recognition. This distinction acknowledges sustained effort and outstanding results throughout compulsory Secondary education.
The IB Diploma Is Just Around the Corner
With their Personal Projects complete and a solid foundation of knowledge, skills and experiences, the pupils are now preparing to begin the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Two demanding and exciting years lie ahead, during which they will continue to grow academically and personally. At Alegra, we will support them with the same confidence and enthusiasm that have accompanied this first stage of their journey.
Congratulations to our MYP 5 year group!
