Internationally Recognized Programs

The IB programme is an internationally recognized enrichment option for high school students. The program develops "internationally minded people, who recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world" (IB mission).

The programme encourages participation in creative and service-oriented actions, as well as personal and academic reflection, addresses intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being and covers the curriculum required by Alberta Education and the IB programme.

Visit the IBO website to learn more about the IB programme.​

Why Take IB?

• prepare for success at university and life by developing intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being
• desire a demanding curriculum, like the Diploma Programme, which leads to final IB examinations and a qualification that is welcomed by leading universities around the world
• receive recognition from institutions of higher education, such as scholarships

Check university websites and the IBO website for details and recognition of IB credentials.

Is IB Right for My Child?

Students and families interested in the IB programme should review the IBO website, attend IB open houses and regular high school open houses and consult with their Grade 9 teachers who know the students best as learners.

The IBO suggests IB learners strive to be:

• “inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk takers, balanced, and reflective”
• “internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world” (From: http://www.ibo.org/myib/digitaltoolkit/files/pdfs/learner-profile-en.pdf
  

What are My Choices as a Candidate for IB?

As an IB student, you can choose between the International Baccelaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IB Career Programme, or the Partial International Baccalaureate (Partial IB). All three of these choices ​make you eligible to request a high school transfer for the purposes of taking IB.

View additional course details in the High School Course Guide​

*If an IB high school has limited space, students registering for the full IB Diploma Programme are given priority over students requesting individual IB courses.​​​

​Can I take a single IB course?

No, it is not possible to take a single IB course. If you are interested in taking IB, you need to select one of the three choices in the chart above.
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What happens if a student doesn’t complete the IB programme after they transfer high schools?

The high school transfer process was reviewed to ensure both transparency and consistency for principals and families. Students would be re-directed to their designated school should they not continue with the specific education program (such as IB) or sequence of courses which determined the reason for transfer.

Moving schools after either Grade 10 or 11 is a difficult transition for any student. For this reason, it is emphasized that students be very intentional when choosing the sequence of courses or program that require a transfer to another high school.

Almost all of our high schools offer internationally recognized enrichment options, including Advanced Placement or the IB Programme.

What is the difference between Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) IB courses?

• SL and HL courses have a common core area of study and examination. There is greater breadth and depth of study in the HL course.
• HL courses may be recognized for post-secondary credit.
• See the curriculum at www.ibo.org for further details about the differences
  
  

Do I still have to write Diploma exams and how are IB courses recognized?

• IB exams do NOT replace diploma exams. If an IB course is attached to a diploma course, then writing the diploma exam is required.
• Alberta Education uses official Alberta course names on official student transcripts
• For example, Biology 30 is the official course name that will appear on your Alberta Education transcript even if your Biology 30 class is offered to a group of students in the IB programme
• If you also take a locally developed and approved course, such as Biology 35 (IB), since IB is part of the official course name, it will appear on your transcript
  
• To avoid being overloaded with Diploma and IB exams in your Grade 12 year, you take some Diploma courses in both Grades 11 and 12
  
• IB Exams are administered by the IBO in May, and the IBO will provide you with official documentation to use with post-secondary institutions
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What fees are involved for IB?

Students and/or parents/guardians are responsible for fees set by the IBO (subject exam fees) and courier costs, including:

• $200 for each IB course (for exam and mailing fees)
  
• $25 administrative fee (paid annually)
  

Open House Schedule

Information related to High School Open Houses can be found on our school websites.​​​​​