International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a demanding two-year pre-university course of study designed for highly motivated secondary school students. The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with externally set, standardized final examinations supplied and assessed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The program provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognised by many universities worldwide.

The International Baccalaureate program is developed independently of government and national systems, and incorporates quality practice from research and the global community of schools. The program:

• encourages students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions;
• encourages students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts; and 
• develops multilingual students.

Students in the IB Diploma Program complete rigorous academic courses that, in many cases, go well beyond the regular secondary school curriculum. Additionally, students are expected to engage in extracurricular activities and to be active members of their local and greater communities. 

IB Diploma Course Offerings

In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, students study 3 subjects at the Higher Level (HL) and 3 subjects at the Standard Level (SL). Students are expected to take one course from each of the 6 subject groups: 

• Group 1 - Studies in language and literature
• Group 2 - Language acquisition* (there are no language exemptions)
• Group 3 - Individuals and societies
• Group 4 - Sciences
• Group 5 - Mathematics
• Group 6 - The Arts (Students may take an additional Group 2, 3 or 4 course, instead of a course in the arts.)

IB Course Offerings at each of the TDSB Schools

Students will be admitted in Grade 10 or 11 if space is available. Seats will be very limited.

The Diploma Programme also includes Core Elements: 

• Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) - extra-curricular learning and reflection in and around the school community;
• Extended Essay - a 4000 word independent post-secondary style research paper;
• Theory of Knowledge course - an experiential course that examines how we know what we know.

Grade 9 & 10 - Pre-IB Programming

To prepare students for the rigours of the IB Programme, students take their compulsory courses in Grades 9 and 10 at ‘Pre-IB’ level. The Pre-IB courses in Grades 9 and 10 follow the same semester schedule as other Grade 9 and 10 classes. To accommodate the additional material in the IB curriculum, Grade 9 and 10 Pre-IB courses move through the Ontario Curriculum at an accelerated pace and incorporate extra units and activities specific to IB: for example, adding units to the Grade 9 and 10 courses, completing Grade 11 Ontario courses in the Grade 10 year, etc.

Sample Grade 9 & 10 Timetables

* enriched courses that contain units from the next level of course

i.e., Math 9 covers some content from the Ontario Grade 10 math curriculum

Standardized Final Examinations and Accommodations

All TDSB courses will ensure students requiring accommodations as outlined in Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are provided. Within the IB programme, evaluations are set and regulated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). During such evaluations, IEP accommodations may or may not be permitted by the IBO. 

While requests can be made to the IBO by the school, ultimately, the IBO determines the accommodations allowed for evaluation purposes. The IBO will look at the IEP, Psychoeducational Assessment and/or medical documentation and will determine which accommodations may be permitted. 

This may include 25% additional time, private space, computer options, etc.

Admissions

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop globally- minded people who recognize our common humanity, a responsibility for shared guardianship of the planet, and wish to create a better and more peaceful world. All potential applicants are expected to read and review the IB Learner Profile.

• We encourage students to consider the IB Program if they are interested in striving to develop the traits listed in the Learner Profile.
• Applicants should be internally motivated to produce their best work and demonstrate commitment to a challenging and rigorous learning environment.
• Students who meet the provincial standard in most areas of learning in Grades 7 and 8 are encouraged to consider the program. 
• All potential applicant and their parent/guardian/caregiver are encouraged to attend at least one of the IB Open Houses to gain insight and understanding around the nature of this program.
• Students not pursuing the International Baccalaureate program will be expected to return to their designated school by address.

• Students interested in attending an International Baccalaureate program are required to submit an Expression of Interest along with their completed Central Student Interest Program Application. See the  Application and Admissions webpage for more details.

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, applicants will be eligible for the random selection process.